AT LAST: The barricades are down on Cherry as the street re-opens to pedestrians, cyclists and cars. Photo by Chris Bateman/BlogTO.

Corktown news & events for the week of November 24, 2014

CHERRY ON TOP: After much delay and some gently aggressive cajoling by residents and businesses, Cherry Street has re-opened to all forms of traffic. BlogTO has some details.

EAST QUEEN EAST: As expected, the New Broadview Hotel at Queen & Broadview — formerly Jilly’s — will be redeveloped into a boutique hotel and restaurant. The building was purchased by Streetcar Developments earlier this year. You can learn more at Urban Toronto.

STREET ART: The Globe & Mail’s Anwar Ali wrote a good piece about all the new street art appearing across the city, with a special emphasis on the just-unveiled pillar murals near King East & Sumach. Give it a read.

WDLC MEETING: The West Don Lands Committee is hosting their monthly public meeting on Monday, November 24 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at 39 Parliament Street, in the 11th floor amenity room (entry code 182).

FREE YOGA: Beginning this Wednesday, November 26, Canary District Condos & the YMCA of Greater Toronto will be offering FREE YOGA CLASSES at the Canary District presentation centre located 398 Front Street East (Front & Cherry). Classes will be led by registered instructors from the YMCA. For more information and a link to RSVP, click here.

IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME IN THE CITY: The Distillery District Christmas Market officially kicks off this Friday, November 28 with a special opening ceremony and tree-lighting ceremony taking place at 6 p.m. The market will then run through to Sunday, December 21, open Tuesday to Friday from noon to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Closed Mondays.) For all the details on events, entertainment, beer gardens and more, visit the Christmas Market website.

LIGHT UP RIVERSIDE: Keeping with the Christmas Spirit, our friends in Riverside are hosting their annual tree-lighting event and shop the neighbourhood event on Saturday, November 29 at 5 p.m. at Mustard Seed (791 Queen Street East). For more details, click here.

ON STAGE: This week marks your last chance to check out the FireWorks Festival at Alumnae Theatre — don’t miss it. You can check out the schedule and ticket information by clicking here. Meanwhile, at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, grab tickets for the critically-acclaimed KIM’S CONVENIENCE debuting November 27 and the classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL, which kicks off November 30.

CATCH THE SPIRIT: Our friends at Little Trinity Church (425 King East) host SONGS OF LAMENT AND HOPE on Saturday, November 29 at 7 p.m. It’s an evening of spiritual exploration featuring the music of Ryan Adams, Bon Iver, Radiohead, Daniel Lanois, and others, with everyone welcome. Check out the flyer for details.

UPCOMING:

• Your Corktown Residents & Business Association will hold our monthly public meeting on Tuesday, December 2 at 7 p.m. Find us at the Little Trinity Church Annex Building (403 King East).
• The Enoch Turner Schoolhouse is hosting their annual Founders Dinner on Thursday, December 4 from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m at 106 Trinity Street. Come out and support a great part of our local history. You can register online here.
• The annual community Corktown Christmas Party, presented by the CRBA and Local Realtor Socrates Apallas, is set for Sunday, December 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Fusilli Ristorante (531 Queen East, at River). Join your neighbours for some festive holiday fun featuring complimentary hors d’oevres, cash bar, silent auction, music, mingling and more!
• The Corktown Chamber Orchestra will be performing their annual holiday concert at Little Trinity Church on Thursday, December 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets will be just ten dollars, with children getting in for free. Check back here for details

Know about something going on in Corktown? Email website@corktown.ca.