"The vision was conceived several years ago; I had long believed there should be such a program in Cabbagetown, and sought the assistance of a friend – a communications consultant – who had a great deal of technical knowledge and experience with regards interpretive signage.
A comprehensive plan was put together and, in 2001, the concept for Cabbagetown People was presented to the Board of the Cabbagetown Preservation Association – a citizens group founded in 1988 to preserve the architectural integrity and historic character of the Cabbagetown neighbourhood of Toronto.
Since then, the Program has been managed by a volunteer committee of dedicated people, passionate about culture and heritage."
What the Program has accomplished
Since 2002, more than thirty of these ‘heritage heroes” have been commemorated by plaques at residences, businesses, and other properties throughout Cabbagetown, and the Program has expanded to include the many other “heroes”, and their fascinating and inspiring stories of energy, imagination and fortitude, through this website, and in our program for schools. We have also installed a 3’ x 5’ Orientation Directory in Riverdale Park, offering an informative overview of the essence of the Program, and, by way of graphic images, biographies of the honorees, and a map of plaque locations, it serves as a heritage resource and educational complement to the many existing walking tours of Cabbagetown.
As part of our educational outreach to schools, we have developed a Cabbagetown People book of biographies, to engage students in their local and national history, through its focus on the contributions of those individuals who have created that history.
On June 7, 2006 we launched our guided walking tours throughout Cabbagetown for students and teachers. The walking tours are customized and are led by members of the Cabbagetown People committee, CPA guides. Students can be "pre-taught" by their teachers before going out on the walks from the teaching manual and from additional material on the website. During the walking tours, our experienced guides incorporate elements of local history and descriptions of everyday life of the relevant period when telling the stories of these outstanding people, for a fuller appreciation of their contributions and legacies.
Cabbagetown People has gained wide exposure both within the local community and beyond through a number of organized walking tours by the CPA, our Committee’s walking tour program for students, Heritage Toronto, the ROM, and has been featured on a short film produced by Rogers Television entitled, “Legends of Cabbagetown”, as part of their “Structures” series on the history and architecture of Toronto.
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What makes the Program unique?
Cabbagetown People salutes not only famous persons, historical figures, or people who have distinguished themselves in their occupations or careers. It also honours the average person who has contributed to his or her community and has left a lasting legacy, either in a tangible way or in leading by example, inspiring those who follow. The Program acknowledges the ability of any individual to be a "hero", and of ordinary persons to do extraordinary things. These "heroes" stand side by side with the famous and the legendary.
Cabbagetown People with its focus on the stories of people provides a very nice balance to the built heritage of the neighbourhood – much of which is now a Heritage Conservation District.
Sheila Schirmer
Founder, Cabbagetown People Program
Director, Cabbagetown Preservation Association
