KING STREET ON FILM:Historic King East gets the black and white treatment. Photo by Rick Harris.

Corktown in the News

Urban Toronto’s Izabela Molendowski has details on the public art competition for the West Don Lands. They’ve received proposals from artists of international acclaim for three public art sites along Front Street East. Check out the article for more details and photos of some of the submissions. The winners will be announced this summer, with installation taking place in time for the Pan Am games in 2015.

To view all the art submissions, visit Waterfront Toronto’s information page.

For The Grid, Jamie Bradburn takes a look at the history of Consumers Gas, whose gasworks facilities once dominated the Corktown neighbourhood. The Canadian Opera Company and the police at 51 Division all work out of buildings that were once part of Consumer Gas’ operations. It’s a fascinating history — give it a read.

In retail news, both BlogTO and Toronto Life had some details on John Fluevog Shoes, a new store with space in the Distillery District. Good news for footwear enthusiasts.

Local Events for the Week of May 13, 2013

We’re coming up on the long weekend, which means there’s lots going on! Here’s a sampling.

On Wednesday, May 15, 360 Health located at 360 King Street East hosts a workshop presented by the Define and Design Diva on Goal Setting, something we’re all thinking about this summer. Tickets are just $20. Find more details here.

Also on Wednesday, May 15, the Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park presents a special event from the Prince’s Foundation for Building Communities. The free, moderated public lecture will “engage the broader community in learning about the philosophy and activities of the Foundation and its President, HRH The Prince of Wales. It will include a keynote lecture on ‘Sustainable Urbanism in an age of globalization and climate change’, as well as a short film about the Foundation and dialogue with the audience.” It runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Details are posted here.

On Thursday, May 16, the Corktown Chamber Orchestra is all tuned up for another one of their world famous performances at Little Trinity Church. Performing “Sun Gold Brahms”, this will be the orchestra’s last performance of the season. Tickets are available at the door and run just $10 for adults and free for children. Things start at 8 p.m.

Running from Thursday, May 16 through to Saturday, May 18, remember to check out MOonhORsE Dance Theatre as they present “Older and Reckless Together” at the Dancemakers Centre for Creation. The show features performances from six highly-acclaimed dance artists from across Canada. We’ve posted the details.

The Wee Folk Club returns to the Dominion on Queen (Queen Street East & Sumach) on Thursday, May 16, for another night of folk music. This week, the club welcomes feature performers Kristin Sweetland and Crabtree & Mills. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. with cover running just $10.

Also on Thursday, May 16, Jamie Kennedy’s Gilead — a Corktown favourite — hosts the Gilead Beer Bar. They’ll be highlighting select local craft brewers and offering a beer-inspired menu. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. — no reservations required.

Lastly, don’t forget that that this weekend is Artfest’s Spring Arts & Crafts show in the Distillery District. Starting on Saturday, May 18 and running through to the holiday Monday, Artfest will showcase a great line-up of 85 top artisans from across Canada. The event is, of course, totally free to attend. It runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Check out Artfest’s website for more details.

Got a story from the neighbourhood or information on an upcoming local event? Email website@corktown.ca.