First Impressions of Kensington Market
A Look at Kensington Market Through My Eyes
Going to Kensington Market was an experience that I can compare to having water splashed in my face on a really hot day! Exploring Kensington Market was like travelling a to a new world and seeing things for the first time. Typically, a day for me consists of school, work, homework, and then sleep until the next day. Mondays to Fridays consist of the same pattern until weekends when my routine is slightly broken with a little more sleep and an outing with friends. Well, I thought everyone had a regimented routine, a lifestyle that seems to be set in stone and very repetitive. Well, my little bubble popped after having the opportunity to visit Kensington Market. Unlike a typical day that unfolds for me (and most of my colleagues at university and at work) in which I feel that I am battling against time a day for people at Kensington Market seems to be endless! That is, some people are hanging out on the front of steps of a house, others are just standing outside a store chatting, some are drinking a coffee at a small café in some corner, and those who are produce shopping actually take the time to pick up a piece of fruit or vegetable and smell it, feel its texture, look at its colour before they decide to buy it. Time seemed to be standing still; no one was in a rush. People took time to walk and talk, to shop, and generally to enjoy the day. I heard a mixture of sounds that included people bargaining for prices, others chatting in an accent that I could not quite pin point, music playing in different stores; I could see people going into clothing and jewellery stores just to browse. All these activities ranging from eating, shopping, hanging out, etc all took place in one place simultaneously whereas I am usually aquatinted to seeing these activities separated, somehow segregated, compartmentalized somehow in our typical shopping malls. The experience was sort of eye opening, it allowed me to realize how my life is so much a product of today’s social constructs.
Kensington Market was a great experience for me. After having visited it and taken the time to walk through it, I realized that a topic that I am interested in researching is the comparison between retail spaces at the traditional market versus a typical contemporary mall such as York Dale Mall. That is, I would like to compare how retail space in the market has been developed through history and almost romanticizes land use while that at the mall is planned, structured, and “logical”—hence making it very “modern”. By comparing the two types of space I would also like to consider how the “types” of people also differ—income and socio-economic status, reasons for being at the market or mall (i.e are they there for a specific purpose or simply to browse, stroll, etc), the pace they have, etc. Performing this research will hopefully give me a better understanding of the difference between traditional and contemporary use of retail landscape. (FB)
As I turn onto Nassau street a strong smell hits me. I wonder, is this what
people were talking about? The smell soon disappears. As I am walking i soon
realize that my pace has slowed down. I start to look at the houses. Some are
interesting, well taken care of and others repulsive. I do enjoy the greenery
though. I approach traffic, but not the kind i am accustomed to. the street
is narrow and the sidewalks even though appear to be wide, are overtaken by
baskets of food. Trucks are parked on the street and even though it looks
extremely busy, it does not feel busy and i don't feel rushed. People walk
slowly, lots carrying bags of food. Others are taking their time, smelling and
touching the fruits and vegetables. Their eyes wonder around peacefully. I
wonder who is the insider here, hard to tell, do I look like an outsider? I
sure don't feel it yet i am. What makes me so comfortable i ask myself. Is
the pace, it is the fresh food on the street, and the people, so carefree? It
reminds me of back home and my visits to Europe. The market is not the same
but the feelings and emotions are.
I take a glance at a coffeee shop; two ladies sitting drinking coffe with
different layers. I think to myself, this is what i will do next.
We walk around, and i feel like a tourist. The camera is out, that's why. We
get confused and turn too soon, the graffiti pops out on us and the old house
screams run...
A friend points out, hospital, funeral house and church, we laugh, think, and
get sad. Shoppers Drugmart, well thats new. We almost get run over. Then we
realize we went too far, and we turn around.
The views contrast; worn down, small, and tight but as i turn around large,
spacious and new. I don't know which i enjoy more, perhaps the contrast
itself.
Corona tastes well and cheese too. The company is good. Time to leave.
I turn on Spadina and rush.
As for my field research project I'm still not sure. Maybe identity and the
market, cafe culture, or changing migration groups and effects on the
Kensington market. (MP)
My field visit to Kensington Market consisted of many different moments. There
are messages and stories coded within every nook of the field site. Looking at
my pictures I found a common theme of abandonment. I took special note of the
abandoned bikes in groups, one even with a rusty baby seat tied to it. I
questioned why someone might leave their bike there. There was even a man who
had tied his bike to a rack of rusty bikes and a wheel cart. Christine pointed
out that the wheel cart was used to collect groceries and came with the bike.
I saw a few abandoned buildings bordered up. Protest was prevalent with
descriptions on board that read “this could be housing.” Every one was busy
especially the animals. I spent 20 minuets watching a black squirrel try to
burry a peanut while sitting on the steps of Stephen-in-the-Field.
Abandonment around the church was also very strong. One might question why
there was a vacuum cleaner, mattress, broken fan and fencing scattered around
the outer walls of the church.
One possible research topic is St. Stephen-in-the-Field. It is recognized as a
historical sight and built by the same guy who constructed old city hall.
However as of September 22 the Anglican Diocesan Council decided to allow the
church to run month by month until they find an investor
(http://www.saintstephens.ca/). I would like to research this conflict and how
the community feels about such a lost. Methodology is still to be worked out. I
plan to do some interviews and historical research.
Any suggestions as to sources or possible readings? There is a documentary on
the church however I will not be able to obtain a copy until after the proposal
is due. (RW)
I have to admit that this wasn't my first field visit to Kensington market
however the more I go; the more I seem to understand and appreciate the social,
political, cultural, and economic aspects of the market. The impression that I
immediately got when entering the market was in fact a sense of freedom and
belonging. The natural, spatial, and architectural aspects were clearly
defined and emphasized in the area and therefore made me reflect on all the
cultural forms that define them. Sitting on the bench or swinging on the
swings surrounded by large trees, allowed me to gather my thoughts about the
market in a peaceful and relaxing manor. There, I thought about the history of
Kensington and the people who have come and gone over the years. The fresh
smell of the fruits and vegetables along with the terrible smells of fish and
garbage, in my opinion neutralized the space. Due to the condensed roads and
street parking, thorough-traffic was slow and manageable in the space which
made it feel like a tight-knit community more than a regular sub division in an
urban town. It was very clear when walking through the market that although
people and places have changed over the years, the basic architectural and
historical aspects remain the same. Churches and Synagogues show the religious
cultures that have been predominant over the years, while houses and store
fronts prove little change as well. Painted houses and the multicultural foods
in the market are examples of culture that were clearly evident. It was very
interesting to see how the impact of the overall space allowed the diverseness
of people to interact and share their cultures within this community. Visiting
Kensington market again gave me further insight as to what my research topic
should be about, yet I’m still thinking about which one I should do. The first
topic is about the impact and use of the landscape/space creating a
mini-community within the larger city of Toronto. Secondly, I am interested in
is the history of the area and how little has changed over the years even with
the influx of new and culturally diverse residents. (AC)
Kensington Market has a strong sense of being a distinct place and space.
The smells are strong, the streets are crowded with people, the shops are filled
completely with items (clothes, fruits, nuts and cheese), and the buildings are
mostly row houses without laneways separating them; evoking the feeling of
Kensington being a compact city of its own. I walked along College to get to
Augusta Ave. when I made a right onto Augusta I immediately felt the difference
of being in Kensington Market, compared to just being on the streets of Toronto.
I smelled burnt toast upon my arrival to Kensington. The smell of fresh fish is
overpowering when you get close to the fish store. Nearer to the ‘House of
Spice’ I could smell the aroma of ground black pepper. The variety of foods in
Kensington market is unmatched on any other street in Toronto, in my opinion
this is partly because of the huge selection available within each store. What
helps Kensington maintain the sense of being a traditional market yet keeps it
interesting and fun? I think this is an important question to ask about the
Kensington “mini city” dynamics.
The mix of shops is incredible and almost makes you laugh, but then again
nothing seems out of place. A small Indian item selling shop resides across
from a high fashion expensive looking shop called Bungalow. The diversity of
the merchandise being sold is amazing. Some of the most fantastic elements of
Kensington are not for sale (like the car gutted and filled with plants on
Augusta Ave.) which is confusing, a little tacky, somewhat bothersome because
it is already so difficult at times to maneuver around the small streets, but
undeniably attractive and 100% creative. People are towing buggies, delivering
food shipments in trucks, driving cars, walking, skateboarding, and biking and
somehow there is room for everyone. How is order kept in Kensington with
regards to public street safety, and private dwelling protection?
Many high school/ university age students were in Kensington on the same Friday
as our section was doing our visit. It made me wonder if so much tourism is in
part decaying the essence of Kensington or simply building a bigger clientele.
I would like to investigate the effect of stores that seem to be geared more
towards younger audiences like Roach o Rama. Is the Kensington identity in
danger by the young generation’s interest in the place? Or is Kensington a
place built on change and youth possess the power and ingredients to create
Kensington’s next transformation of space?
Who are the displaced/ marginalized people as a result of Kensington’s success
of becoming a desirable place, is my final question after my first Kensington
Market exploration. (JC)
It was almost two o’clock Friday on a somewhat sunny day. I got off the street car and began my frantic journey to Kensington Market. I was already a half hour late, and I needed to meet my professor and fellow eager students. As I was walking on Nassau, I began to notice the street was very narrow. I found myself sharing the sidewalk with overflowing bags of garbage, boxes and other pedestrians. There was hardly any room, that I took a few steps on the street, but found myself without room again as I saw a taxi and other cars drive towards me but nowhere to place my steps. The houses were built tightly along the others, with just barely enough room to pass between each home. I observed the homes to be in a rustic form, with creaky doors, lifting shingles and chain link fences surrounding each property.
Now, I find myself on Augusta, being totally oblivious to what is surrounding me, not paying any attention, filling my head with the constant worry of meeting my peers and instructor as soon as I can. Sigh! There they are. I finally found them. I can finally relax and enjoy.
Walking north on Augusta, I notice many street vendors selling dried beans, fruits and nuts out of bins just off the sidewalk. The lovely smell of fresh nectarines and berries fill my nose as I walk by. Across the street I notice some renovations occurring, graffiti and wonderful coloured Victorian buildings. With all the hurry, we got so overwhelmed with the sights, that the group decided to stop for a bite to eat. I became relaxed and felt a sense of calmness, the same calmness I felt in this area so far.
With food in our bellies and umbrella’s at hand we get ready for our journey into Kensington Market. As we were walking east on Baldwin I smell the fused aroma’s of roasted coffee beans at a little café at the corner mixed with the potent whiff of a butcher using bleach. Baldwin contains many meat shops, fish depots, cafés, restaurant, ice cream shops and my favourite, chocolate shop. This chocolate shop housed many varieties of candies, chocolate and ice cream. There are many shops off the sidewalk selling produce at a farmer’s market price. These little shops are quite popular with the locals who I see arriving on foot or bicycle. One is able to find whatever they need.
As we turned on Kensington I find myself faced with an eclectic collection of vintage clothing and loud music. As we were promenading, I smelt something peculiar, almost as if it were rotting. It was the most popular cheese shop of Kensington. By this time, I believed to be more laid back almost as if I were in a familiar place. I felt relaxed while being surrounded by vivid buildings. I knew, I can only be in Kensington Market, because only here can you feel like this.
As my journey came to a close, I sat on the street car reliving my day and gathering my thoughts. I came to realize all the daily items I have been accustomed to seeing, I failed to see in Kensington Market. Such examples of clocks, newspaper/magazine stands, mailboxes, pay phones booths, banks, law enforcement, and cell phones. Some may think this to be outside the norm, but the people of Kensington Market do not need these medians, they simply live by the clocks and sounds of their life.
After visiting Kensington Market, I have become interested in its history. So I have decided to research the topic of Kensington Market and its lavish lifestyle of the 1960’s, in comparison to the Yorkville of the present. (LT)
As I ventured through Kensington Market I had no idea of what to truly expect. A couple of streets within the downtown, which I thought I already recognized so well, surprised me with its sights and aroma. Not only were the sidewalks crowded with chained bicycles and people holding bags full of fresh and organic fruit, there were also political statements marked in chalk and I am pretty sure if they could, it would have been engraved in the sidewalk. Mini-Grocery stores selling fresh fruits had it sprawled out onto the sidewalks along with the potent scent of spices or fish almost forcing the people to walk on the road. Walking on Kensington Road, Baldwin Street, or even Augusta Road is not as much of a hazard as it would on streets to its periphery.
Kensington made me appreciate the idea of a tightly knit community, along with multiculturalism and freedom of speech. I was reading some articles online, and I came across an article stating that Nike was expanding their locations and were to open a store within Kensington. Comments were made about how Nike is linked to sweatshops and the residents made sure a corporation like Nike knew that it was not welcome within their vicinity. There are no huge corporations or franchises found within Kensington. Since Kensington has become of the latest attractions in Toronto, everyone is trying to move in. Fortunately, they are quite selective of what can come in and what cannot. They are red tapping themselves in a sense; they are their own government. They allow whomever they want to come in, and force the ones they dislike out. This is strictly regarding corporations and franchises, never could I see this done to an individual or family or an entrepreneur. I think I will look into a type of red taping within this community for my research. (JS)
Immediately I observed that the streets are very narrow suggesting that walking
or biking is the dominant form of transportation. The people appear to be
friendly and many homes looked inviting in the sense that doors were left open,
chairs were set out on the walkway for people to interact and converse with each
other. Music seemed to be a dominating sound in the market, along with people
walking their pets. One particular store had Reggae music blaring, and that
enticed us to go inside and take a look around. There were chalk art or
designs on the side walks and also graffiti as we walked along Augusta and
Kensington Avenue. There were many different smells, namely fruit in the
market area, candy, smoke and plants. In terms of sights: it went two ways
either people seemed to be doing things, fixing, repairing or doing nothing,
just chatting or enjoying the beautiful day.
There is mixture of architecture and buildings from different eras on one
street. For example on one side of the street would be a house that looked
like the 70’s and then right across would be a house that dated back to the war
period. The hospital on the corner of Bathurst and College seemed to have
additions from three different generations infused in the one structure. There
also appears to be self renovation, for example sunroofs and additions on homes
such as porches and new roofs and windows which indicate that gentrification
may be a factor.
On the subject of signage, there were weird contradictions such as “Super
market” which was a restaurant and “fresh baked goods” a clothing and accessory
store. At this point we noticed that many homes had fences, blocking their
properties, while others we had previously seen had their front doors and
porches set in an inviting manner which invoked the idea of an open community.
On the theme of contrast: one house would be kept up well with a well manicured
lawn and then next door would be a house boarded up or in disrepair with a paved
frontage. Another notable was that some people had their names on their houses
and mailboxes which indicate a unique sense of community. At Bellevue Park a
statue read “Al Waxman: actor, director, humanitarian” 1935-2001, with names
engraved in the piece, which made me question and want to know more about this
seemingly influential figure.
There are two main directions that I may take in the field research, one of them
being, the change in the face of Kensington over time, for example the immigrant
population and the other topic; the uniqueness of Kensington that sets it a part
from any other neighborhood in Toronto. (SC)
My recent visit to the Kensington Market was definitely an intriguing experience. This space differed from any other areas that I have previously visited because of both its distinctive urban design and community.
Kensington market’s individualistic design is seen through the several different types of housing. For instance, I observed a wide array of old, new, colorful and plain dwellings. Another observation made in my excursion was the combination of both residential and commercial buildings. It seems that several residents decide to operate their businesses within their homes and this introduces a remarkable way of using space. In addition, I assume that housing regulations and by-laws are not exercised as regularly when compared to other areas in the GTA because of the significant amount of attachments found on the homes and several street vendors.
Kensington market hosts a diverse collaboration of socio-cultural groups who use this space in a way that suits them best. What amazes me the most is the fact that these social groups do not interfere with or fear one another. For instance, as I was standing on Augusta street, I saw a Rastafarian, ‘metal-head’ and an old frail lady harmoniously using the same space. This brings forth the notion of demographics within the space. There is also a wide range of different cultural groups who reside and operate in the market such as, Portuguese, Jewish and Chinese. This is apparent when observing the different ethnic stores such as fish, furniture stores and meat-shops found within the market.
One particular topic that I would like to elaborate more on is the different forms of speech found within the area. I personally believe that the best way to voice out is illustrated in the form of graffiti. Many view graffiti as a form of vandalism; however I see it as a form of claiming space, educating visitors and residents about what is going on locally, nationally and globally. (FR)
The first order of business I have with Kensington Market is the array of odours
that one can experience while in the market. From the coffee shops, to the food
markets, to the cheese deli’s, to the meat and fish shops, one doesn’t know if
they should have a cup of coffee, have an apple, or maybe just do a quick
sprint past the fish shops. Or, maybe stop and grab a falafel from the Falafel
shop, yummy! Walking through Kensington Market I encountered a wide range of
bicycles: it is definitely visible that the bicycle is one of the top choices
for means of getting in and around the market. I also encountered people
relaxing in the park and/or playing with their family and pets. Even though
Kensington Market is located in the heart of Toronto, it seems that the
community within the market lives a much more relaxed and laid back lifestyle,
which is very encouraging for an outsider to experience. I encountered a
number of very nice people, such as the African lady standing and selling
jewelry who noticed me as an outsider and, for a second, made me believe that
the jewelry she was selling was made of human bone but it was really animal
bone. In addition to the sales lady, I also came across a nice young woman in
one of the café’s who asked a homeless man if he needed anything. He ended up
giving her a cup and asking her if she would be able to get him some warm
water. This was very heart warming. And to complete my visit, I encountered
the two cheese deli’s in the market, which do not have an appealing odour
inside, yet look so delicious, a great bakery where I bought a herb and garlic
baguette with cheddar cheese, two coffee houses, the spice shop, and a wide
array of vintage shops with very creative, interesting jewelry. Since I am
considering researching this development, I also took the time to explore the
lofts that were built in place of the George Brown College building. I’m also
looking into the possibility of researching the café culture within the market.
I visited three of the café’s and they were all different in respect to the
customer each one was serving. My first field visit to Kensington Market was
very enlightening in regards to what I would like to be researching, and after
encountering the market and the people within the market, my fear of talking to
people and asking them questions has slightly diminished. (ER)
Stepping into Kensington Market is like leaving Toronto and entering a
new city. Kensington Market has a very unique atmosphere where it doesn’t
relate or reflect the chaotic life of Toronto. My first few steps into Augusta
Street allowed me to reflect on the individualistic culture of the market.
Every person whether a pedestrian, or working in the retail section doesn’t
revolve around the notion of time and space. Rather the atmosphere is more
laid back focusing on social activities which bring the community together.
Mostly every café, restaurant and bar for example, where filled with people on
a Friday afternoon. Therefore, the surrounding environment of Kensington
Market is always upbeat and full of life.
Having such a lively market allowed me to observe the commuting pattern in
Kensington. The majority of people where pedestrians that filled the crowded
sidewalks of Kensington Market particularly on Augusta Street, where stores
sold fresh produce which attracted customers. However, others were biking
through the market particularly on Baldwin Street in order to get to their
destination quicker. Very few trucks and automobiles were evident throughout
the market. When a truck was roaring its engine on the street it was going to
a food store to deliver today’s fresh shipment of fruits, vegetables and fresh
fish. The commuting pattern in Kensington therefore, brings out the liveliness
of the market.
The architectural structure of Kensington Market gives a snapshot of the past.
Walking on Kensington Avenue for example, numerous houses and buildings are very
worn down. This allowed me to ponder about how many generations lived in that
house and who still lives there now. However, signs of gentrification were
also appearing through the Kensington Market area. On Nassau Avenue for
example, a new Portuguese church was build that didn’t seem to fit with the
street’s old architecture. The street appeared as a residential area that had
a rich history behind it and the newly build church was a sign of the growing
wealth and prosperity of the Portuguese culture. Kensington Market is trying
to preserve its architecture but it is also evident that wealthier people
moving into the neighbourhood are trying to modernize and rebuild certain part
of the market.
After analysing Kensington Market I have an idea for my field research project.
My theme is to analyse urban planning issues of the Portuguese culture in
Kensington Market, specifically focusing on the time period between
world-war-two to the present. I will try to look at the history of the
Portuguese culture, when they first immigrated to Kensington Market and how
they adapted to the North American lifestyle. Today, the Portuguese are mainly
located on Nassau Avenue, Augusta Street and Baldwin Street in the Kensington
Market area. I will look at the historical architectural changes of these
specific streets also focusing on gentrification patterns that have occurred,
if any. This is my very vague idea of the field research project. (ID)
Our visit to Kensington Market was only my second encounter of the place. The
first time I went to the market was during the winter time therefore there were
not as many people in the areas and the roads/sidewalks were a bit empty. On
Friday, I was actually able to take in the different cultural vendors, people,
culture, etc that the market had to offer. There are many who call Kensington
market a “mini Toronto” because of the diverse array of ethnic groups in the
community and on Friday, I was actually able to take in the different cultural
vendors, people, culture, etc that the market had to offer. As new groups
immigrate into Toronto, they bring with them their values; beliefs and
traditional culture that help expand the Canadian culture into a broader
identity. For instance, food has become an important aspect in the market
because it provides a wide range of different foods from all across the world
to accommodate the multi cultural residences and other curious nations. As I
walked down the streets, I noticed many food venues and I actually was able to
try some brownies from an Italian bakery. Clothing is can also be seen as an
important sense of identity that immigrants bring to the country of Canada
which Kensington Market has. Many cultures have traditional clothing from their
country or religion and by gathering the different styles inspire for new
creative trends. The market consisted of many boutiques with original designs
that I would not be able to find at a local mall. I also enjoyed observing the
graffiti on the buildings that represent culture and counter culture on those
that have been painted on. I am still unsure of what my research topic will be
but I am leaning towards the increasing privatization of public space. (AL)
I have visited Kensington Market many times in the past. I tried to put
on the geographers hat and look at the area with a different lens. After
entering the area, it did not take long before the funky smells started
to drift down wind. As many times as I have visited this area, for some
reason it seemed smaller somehow and more crowded, even though it was
not very busy. (I think I have been spending too much time in suburbia
in the wide open spaces.)
It seems that the built form really stood out for me, particularly the
residential structures. So many of the buildings looked worn out and
used, very well used. Many have been allowed to deteriorate with little
restoration (from the exterior). Many of the houses have been turned
into retail space with little respect for the historical features of the
structure.
For my research project, I would like to look at the different
architectural styles that are present in Kensington Market, preferably
residential, and how they have evolved over time. How are they different
or the same than the surrounding areas of the city? (SC)
This time walking around in Kensington Market, I have learned and seen much more
new things than in all my previous encounters. Firstly, let me say that
Kensington Market is much bigger than all that I have ever known it to be.
Moreover, what surprisingly shocked me was that it was not just a market but
actually a neighborhood where people have homes and settle a way of life.
Some of the things that stuck out in my mind while walking in the market was the
amount of graffiti in places, the posting of signs everywhere, the size of the
streets, the cafes, the loud music, people and their bicycles and some really
bad gardening of certain homeowners. As well, I saw visible signs of
gentrification, where the homes looked relatively new (some had coloured bricks
in the most unusual colours, like blue), renovated and parked with expensive
cars on the nearby road and sidewalk. And last but not least, the different
smells around the market, including the smell of garbage, fish, fruits, and
coffee giving quite an experience to my nose.
With these in mind, Kensington Market is a place very different from every other
place I know. This is mainly due to the density of the area and what way of life
this density has created for these people. For the most part, convenience
composes the biggest difference between Kensington Market and where I live and
have lived (Richmond Hill, Scarborough and Etobicoke). In Kensington Market, by
walking not even 20 minutes, one is able to have access to a community center,
shops, a food market, a church/synagogue and access to public transit.
With the trip I am very fascinated by the way in which different people have
different uses of their lawn. Some have taken the time to garden it and make it
look aesthetically pleasing, while others have just left their plants, flowers
and shrubs to wither and die. Also, some homeowners actually paved their lawn
space with cement and therefore have no natural greenings in front of their
homes. I am very interested to figure out what this could possibly tell about
the homeowner what this means from a geographer’s perspective. (BT)
The sensory experiences I encountered in Kensington Market are very different
from those of my neighbourhood, Morningside Heights. When I was walking south
on Bellevue Avenue I encountered a myriad of strange smells that continued to
change the further south I walked. First I smelled coffee, then tuna and
finally toast. There are no odours in my neighbourhood. The sights of
Kensington Market were also quite different from my neighbourhood. The market
was covered in graffiti while anti-corporate activists had written different
slogans on the sidewalk in chalk. Some of these protest phrases include,
“Condos?,” “MacDonalds?,” High rise offices?,” and “high culture?” Conversely,
no one in my neighbourhood is protesting the construction of a shopping mall
across the street from the residential area.
The people in Kensington Market remind me of those in Notre Dame de Grâce,
Québec mainly because both neighbourhoods contain very friendly residents.
However, Kensington Market contains many examples of contrasting lifestyles
while Notre Dame de Grâce is mainly middle class. Every house in Kensington
Market is unique. Some houses have freshly cut lawns with beautiful gardens
while others are run down and have a paved front yard. In addition, there is a
lot of garbage lying around in Kensington Market.
Kensington Market is a vibrant community. Everyone is busy doing something,
even the people who are hanging around on the street. Most of the people are
moving at a rapid pace, shopping or carrying out errands. Those who are
hanging out are engaged in intense conversations with other residents of the
market. The market is a diverse area. Zimmerman’s is a Jewish grocery store
while there are other stores that label themselves as Portuguese. There were
also a lot of Asians and Africans in the area as well. In addition, the market
seems to have a vibrant street life. There is a lot of pedestrian and bicycle
traffic.
Many of the businesses in Kensington Market are small, independent shops.
There are a lot of grocery stores and restaurants in the area. Clothing also
seems to be an item that can be easily found in the market. This differs from
stores in other areas which are usually dominated by large corporate entities.
Kensington Market is filled with a number of interesting signs. I noticed a
blue “No Parking” sign posted on the side of a building. This is a private
sign put up by the building owners. It is not a city-issued street sign.
Other odd signs include a posted speed limit of 11 km/h in a parking lot on
Bellevue Avenue. In addition, there was a sign in front of the playground at a
day care center that reads, “Use playground at your own risk.” Sign placement
is also different in Kensington Market. The names of some of the streets were
not placed on a sign post at the street corner but were placed on the sides of
buildings at intersections. (RS)
This past Friday was my first field visit to Kensington Market, I have heard of
it prior to my visit, but I have never once actually seen it. Before visiting
Kensington I pictured it very differently from what it actually was. I imagined
it to be more like a “flee market” experience, where there are many shops with a
variety of people trying to bargain for deals. When I first stepped off the
subway and headed towards the market I already felt out of place, partly
because I live in the suburbs where everything is very quite and most people
tend to be more independent. Kensington was more of a public place where all
the markets are open and accessible to everyone who walks through the streets.
The people living and working within the neighbourhood all seemed very friendly
and welcoming to outsiders. The streets were all very narrow and compact, which
allow for a public network. Since the streets are much narrower, most people in
the community seem to commute by bike or by foot, which is very different for me
because most people in my area tend to commute by car or public transportation.
The market has many aspects of nature that are occupying the space. The trees
and plants make it feel more condensed, homely and peaceful. The benches
surrounding the park and the rest of the area provide a relaxing commodity to
view, and allows you to interpret and be a part of the natural entity of
Kensington. The architecture of the market is very vibrant; the colours of
houses attract all cultures and ethnicities to the area and make them feel more
relaxed and included. The churches and synagogues within the area attract
multiple people, and they also demonstrate lots of history of the area
overtime. It shows the different religions that occupy or use to occupy the
space. One thing that really got my attention was the different smells in the
area. Depending on where I was situated, there was a variety of different
scents surfacing around, such as garbage, fish, and also the natural fresh
smell of fruits and vegetables. It was kind of odd to have a variety of
different smells, ranging from the natural scent of fruits and vegetables, to
the awful, dirty smell of the garbage.
After taking my first field visit to Kensington Market, I experienced something
very different from what I once imagined it to be. I enjoyed my walk on the
streets of the market, and got a good sense of the cultural feel of the
neighbourhood. As I was on my walk I was thinking of potential research topics
for my study, and I came up with a couple of topics that I’m interested in
researching, such as the different types of architecture in the area and also
the different ethnicities that are living in the area, particularly the
Portuguese. Both of these topics are in interest for my study, once I take
another glance at the market through other resources, I will then make my final
decision. (JC)
Going to Kensington Market was an experience that I can compare to having water splashed in my face on a really hot day! Exploring Kensington Market was like travelling a to a new world and seeing things for the first time. Typically, a day for me consists of school, work, homework, and then sleep until the next day. Mondays to Fridays consist of the same pattern until weekends when my routine is slightly broken with a little more sleep and an outing with friends. Well, I thought everyone had a regimented routine, a lifestyle that seems to be set in stone and very repetitive. Well, my little bubble popped after having the opportunity to visit Kensington Market. Unlike a typical day that unfolds for me (and most of my colleagues at university and at work) in which I feel that I am battling against time a day for people at Kensington Market seems to be endless! That is, some people are hanging out on the front of steps of a house, others are just standing outside a store chatting, some are drinking a coffee at a small café in some corner, and those who are produce shopping actually take the time to pick up a piece of fruit or vegetable and smell it, feel its texture, look at its colour before they decide to buy it. Time seemed to be standing still; no one was in a rush. People took time to walk and talk, to shop, and generally to enjoy the day. I heard a mixture of sounds that included people bargaining for prices, others chatting in an accent that I could not quite pin point, music playing in different stores; I could see people going into clothing and jewellery stores just to browse. All these activities ranging from eating, shopping, hanging out, etc all took place in one place simultaneously whereas I am usually aquatinted to seeing these activities separated, somehow segregated, compartmentalized somehow in our typical shopping malls. The experience was sort of eye opening, it allowed me to realize how my life is so much a product of today’s social constructs.
Kensington Market was a great experience for me. After having visited it and taken the time to walk through it, I realized that a topic that I am interested in researching is the comparison between retail spaces at the traditional market versus a typical contemporary mall such as York Dale Mall. That is, I would like to compare how retail space in the market has been developed through history and almost romanticizes land use while that at the mall is planned, structured, and “logical”—hence making it very “modern”. By comparing the two types of space I would also like to consider how the “types” of people also differ—income and socio-economic status, reasons for being at the market or mall (i.e are they there for a specific purpose or simply to browse, stroll, etc), the pace they have, etc. Performing this research will hopefully give me a better understanding of the difference between traditional and contemporary use of retail landscape. (FB)
* * *
As I turn onto Nassau street a strong smell hits me. I wonder, is this what
people were talking about? The smell soon disappears. As I am walking i soon
realize that my pace has slowed down. I start to look at the houses. Some are
interesting, well taken care of and others repulsive. I do enjoy the greenery
though. I approach traffic, but not the kind i am accustomed to. the street
is narrow and the sidewalks even though appear to be wide, are overtaken by
baskets of food. Trucks are parked on the street and even though it looks
extremely busy, it does not feel busy and i don't feel rushed. People walk
slowly, lots carrying bags of food. Others are taking their time, smelling and
touching the fruits and vegetables. Their eyes wonder around peacefully. I
wonder who is the insider here, hard to tell, do I look like an outsider? I
sure don't feel it yet i am. What makes me so comfortable i ask myself. Is
the pace, it is the fresh food on the street, and the people, so carefree? It
reminds me of back home and my visits to Europe. The market is not the same
but the feelings and emotions are.
I take a glance at a coffeee shop; two ladies sitting drinking coffe with
different layers. I think to myself, this is what i will do next.
We walk around, and i feel like a tourist. The camera is out, that's why. We
get confused and turn too soon, the graffiti pops out on us and the old house
screams run...
A friend points out, hospital, funeral house and church, we laugh, think, and
get sad. Shoppers Drugmart, well thats new. We almost get run over. Then we
realize we went too far, and we turn around.
The views contrast; worn down, small, and tight but as i turn around large,
spacious and new. I don't know which i enjoy more, perhaps the contrast
itself.
Corona tastes well and cheese too. The company is good. Time to leave.
I turn on Spadina and rush.
As for my field research project I'm still not sure. Maybe identity and the
market, cafe culture, or changing migration groups and effects on the
Kensington market. (MP)
* * *
My field visit to Kensington Market consisted of many different moments. There
are messages and stories coded within every nook of the field site. Looking at
my pictures I found a common theme of abandonment. I took special note of the
abandoned bikes in groups, one even with a rusty baby seat tied to it. I
questioned why someone might leave their bike there. There was even a man who
had tied his bike to a rack of rusty bikes and a wheel cart. Christine pointed
out that the wheel cart was used to collect groceries and came with the bike.
I saw a few abandoned buildings bordered up. Protest was prevalent with
descriptions on board that read “this could be housing.” Every one was busy
especially the animals. I spent 20 minuets watching a black squirrel try to
burry a peanut while sitting on the steps of Stephen-in-the-Field.
Abandonment around the church was also very strong. One might question why
there was a vacuum cleaner, mattress, broken fan and fencing scattered around
the outer walls of the church.
One possible research topic is St. Stephen-in-the-Field. It is recognized as a
historical sight and built by the same guy who constructed old city hall.
However as of September 22 the Anglican Diocesan Council decided to allow the
church to run month by month until they find an investor
(http://www.saintstephens.ca/). I would like to research this conflict and how
the community feels about such a lost. Methodology is still to be worked out. I
plan to do some interviews and historical research.
Any suggestions as to sources or possible readings? There is a documentary on
the church however I will not be able to obtain a copy until after the proposal
is due. (RW)
* * *
I have to admit that this wasn't my first field visit to Kensington market
however the more I go; the more I seem to understand and appreciate the social,
political, cultural, and economic aspects of the market. The impression that I
immediately got when entering the market was in fact a sense of freedom and
belonging. The natural, spatial, and architectural aspects were clearly
defined and emphasized in the area and therefore made me reflect on all the
cultural forms that define them. Sitting on the bench or swinging on the
swings surrounded by large trees, allowed me to gather my thoughts about the
market in a peaceful and relaxing manor. There, I thought about the history of
Kensington and the people who have come and gone over the years. The fresh
smell of the fruits and vegetables along with the terrible smells of fish and
garbage, in my opinion neutralized the space. Due to the condensed roads and
street parking, thorough-traffic was slow and manageable in the space which
made it feel like a tight-knit community more than a regular sub division in an
urban town. It was very clear when walking through the market that although
people and places have changed over the years, the basic architectural and
historical aspects remain the same. Churches and Synagogues show the religious
cultures that have been predominant over the years, while houses and store
fronts prove little change as well. Painted houses and the multicultural foods
in the market are examples of culture that were clearly evident. It was very
interesting to see how the impact of the overall space allowed the diverseness
of people to interact and share their cultures within this community. Visiting
Kensington market again gave me further insight as to what my research topic
should be about, yet I’m still thinking about which one I should do. The first
topic is about the impact and use of the landscape/space creating a
mini-community within the larger city of Toronto. Secondly, I am interested in
is the history of the area and how little has changed over the years even with
the influx of new and culturally diverse residents. (AC)
* * *
Kensington Market has a strong sense of being a distinct place and space.
The smells are strong, the streets are crowded with people, the shops are filled
completely with items (clothes, fruits, nuts and cheese), and the buildings are
mostly row houses without laneways separating them; evoking the feeling of
Kensington being a compact city of its own. I walked along College to get to
Augusta Ave. when I made a right onto Augusta I immediately felt the difference
of being in Kensington Market, compared to just being on the streets of Toronto.
I smelled burnt toast upon my arrival to Kensington. The smell of fresh fish is
overpowering when you get close to the fish store. Nearer to the ‘House of
Spice’ I could smell the aroma of ground black pepper. The variety of foods in
Kensington market is unmatched on any other street in Toronto, in my opinion
this is partly because of the huge selection available within each store. What
helps Kensington maintain the sense of being a traditional market yet keeps it
interesting and fun? I think this is an important question to ask about the
Kensington “mini city” dynamics.
The mix of shops is incredible and almost makes you laugh, but then again
nothing seems out of place. A small Indian item selling shop resides across
from a high fashion expensive looking shop called Bungalow. The diversity of
the merchandise being sold is amazing. Some of the most fantastic elements of
Kensington are not for sale (like the car gutted and filled with plants on
Augusta Ave.) which is confusing, a little tacky, somewhat bothersome because
it is already so difficult at times to maneuver around the small streets, but
undeniably attractive and 100% creative. People are towing buggies, delivering
food shipments in trucks, driving cars, walking, skateboarding, and biking and
somehow there is room for everyone. How is order kept in Kensington with
regards to public street safety, and private dwelling protection?
Many high school/ university age students were in Kensington on the same Friday
as our section was doing our visit. It made me wonder if so much tourism is in
part decaying the essence of Kensington or simply building a bigger clientele.
I would like to investigate the effect of stores that seem to be geared more
towards younger audiences like Roach o Rama. Is the Kensington identity in
danger by the young generation’s interest in the place? Or is Kensington a
place built on change and youth possess the power and ingredients to create
Kensington’s next transformation of space?
Who are the displaced/ marginalized people as a result of Kensington’s success
of becoming a desirable place, is my final question after my first Kensington
Market exploration. (JC)
* * *
It was almost two o’clock Friday on a somewhat sunny day. I got off the street car and began my frantic journey to Kensington Market. I was already a half hour late, and I needed to meet my professor and fellow eager students. As I was walking on Nassau, I began to notice the street was very narrow. I found myself sharing the sidewalk with overflowing bags of garbage, boxes and other pedestrians. There was hardly any room, that I took a few steps on the street, but found myself without room again as I saw a taxi and other cars drive towards me but nowhere to place my steps. The houses were built tightly along the others, with just barely enough room to pass between each home. I observed the homes to be in a rustic form, with creaky doors, lifting shingles and chain link fences surrounding each property.
Now, I find myself on Augusta, being totally oblivious to what is surrounding me, not paying any attention, filling my head with the constant worry of meeting my peers and instructor as soon as I can. Sigh! There they are. I finally found them. I can finally relax and enjoy.
Walking north on Augusta, I notice many street vendors selling dried beans, fruits and nuts out of bins just off the sidewalk. The lovely smell of fresh nectarines and berries fill my nose as I walk by. Across the street I notice some renovations occurring, graffiti and wonderful coloured Victorian buildings. With all the hurry, we got so overwhelmed with the sights, that the group decided to stop for a bite to eat. I became relaxed and felt a sense of calmness, the same calmness I felt in this area so far.
With food in our bellies and umbrella’s at hand we get ready for our journey into Kensington Market. As we were walking east on Baldwin I smell the fused aroma’s of roasted coffee beans at a little café at the corner mixed with the potent whiff of a butcher using bleach. Baldwin contains many meat shops, fish depots, cafés, restaurant, ice cream shops and my favourite, chocolate shop. This chocolate shop housed many varieties of candies, chocolate and ice cream. There are many shops off the sidewalk selling produce at a farmer’s market price. These little shops are quite popular with the locals who I see arriving on foot or bicycle. One is able to find whatever they need.
As we turned on Kensington I find myself faced with an eclectic collection of vintage clothing and loud music. As we were promenading, I smelt something peculiar, almost as if it were rotting. It was the most popular cheese shop of Kensington. By this time, I believed to be more laid back almost as if I were in a familiar place. I felt relaxed while being surrounded by vivid buildings. I knew, I can only be in Kensington Market, because only here can you feel like this.
As my journey came to a close, I sat on the street car reliving my day and gathering my thoughts. I came to realize all the daily items I have been accustomed to seeing, I failed to see in Kensington Market. Such examples of clocks, newspaper/magazine stands, mailboxes, pay phones booths, banks, law enforcement, and cell phones. Some may think this to be outside the norm, but the people of Kensington Market do not need these medians, they simply live by the clocks and sounds of their life.
After visiting Kensington Market, I have become interested in its history. So I have decided to research the topic of Kensington Market and its lavish lifestyle of the 1960’s, in comparison to the Yorkville of the present. (LT)
* * *
As I ventured through Kensington Market I had no idea of what to truly expect. A couple of streets within the downtown, which I thought I already recognized so well, surprised me with its sights and aroma. Not only were the sidewalks crowded with chained bicycles and people holding bags full of fresh and organic fruit, there were also political statements marked in chalk and I am pretty sure if they could, it would have been engraved in the sidewalk. Mini-Grocery stores selling fresh fruits had it sprawled out onto the sidewalks along with the potent scent of spices or fish almost forcing the people to walk on the road. Walking on Kensington Road, Baldwin Street, or even Augusta Road is not as much of a hazard as it would on streets to its periphery.
Kensington made me appreciate the idea of a tightly knit community, along with multiculturalism and freedom of speech. I was reading some articles online, and I came across an article stating that Nike was expanding their locations and were to open a store within Kensington. Comments were made about how Nike is linked to sweatshops and the residents made sure a corporation like Nike knew that it was not welcome within their vicinity. There are no huge corporations or franchises found within Kensington. Since Kensington has become of the latest attractions in Toronto, everyone is trying to move in. Fortunately, they are quite selective of what can come in and what cannot. They are red tapping themselves in a sense; they are their own government. They allow whomever they want to come in, and force the ones they dislike out. This is strictly regarding corporations and franchises, never could I see this done to an individual or family or an entrepreneur. I think I will look into a type of red taping within this community for my research. (JS)
* * *
Immediately I observed that the streets are very narrow suggesting that walking
or biking is the dominant form of transportation. The people appear to be
friendly and many homes looked inviting in the sense that doors were left open,
chairs were set out on the walkway for people to interact and converse with each
other. Music seemed to be a dominating sound in the market, along with people
walking their pets. One particular store had Reggae music blaring, and that
enticed us to go inside and take a look around. There were chalk art or
designs on the side walks and also graffiti as we walked along Augusta and
Kensington Avenue. There were many different smells, namely fruit in the
market area, candy, smoke and plants. In terms of sights: it went two ways
either people seemed to be doing things, fixing, repairing or doing nothing,
just chatting or enjoying the beautiful day.
There is mixture of architecture and buildings from different eras on one
street. For example on one side of the street would be a house that looked
like the 70’s and then right across would be a house that dated back to the war
period. The hospital on the corner of Bathurst and College seemed to have
additions from three different generations infused in the one structure. There
also appears to be self renovation, for example sunroofs and additions on homes
such as porches and new roofs and windows which indicate that gentrification
may be a factor.
On the subject of signage, there were weird contradictions such as “Super
market” which was a restaurant and “fresh baked goods” a clothing and accessory
store. At this point we noticed that many homes had fences, blocking their
properties, while others we had previously seen had their front doors and
porches set in an inviting manner which invoked the idea of an open community.
On the theme of contrast: one house would be kept up well with a well manicured
lawn and then next door would be a house boarded up or in disrepair with a paved
frontage. Another notable was that some people had their names on their houses
and mailboxes which indicate a unique sense of community. At Bellevue Park a
statue read “Al Waxman: actor, director, humanitarian” 1935-2001, with names
engraved in the piece, which made me question and want to know more about this
seemingly influential figure.
There are two main directions that I may take in the field research, one of them
being, the change in the face of Kensington over time, for example the immigrant
population and the other topic; the uniqueness of Kensington that sets it a part
from any other neighborhood in Toronto. (SC)
* * *
My recent visit to the Kensington Market was definitely an intriguing experience. This space differed from any other areas that I have previously visited because of both its distinctive urban design and community.
Kensington market’s individualistic design is seen through the several different types of housing. For instance, I observed a wide array of old, new, colorful and plain dwellings. Another observation made in my excursion was the combination of both residential and commercial buildings. It seems that several residents decide to operate their businesses within their homes and this introduces a remarkable way of using space. In addition, I assume that housing regulations and by-laws are not exercised as regularly when compared to other areas in the GTA because of the significant amount of attachments found on the homes and several street vendors.
Kensington market hosts a diverse collaboration of socio-cultural groups who use this space in a way that suits them best. What amazes me the most is the fact that these social groups do not interfere with or fear one another. For instance, as I was standing on Augusta street, I saw a Rastafarian, ‘metal-head’ and an old frail lady harmoniously using the same space. This brings forth the notion of demographics within the space. There is also a wide range of different cultural groups who reside and operate in the market such as, Portuguese, Jewish and Chinese. This is apparent when observing the different ethnic stores such as fish, furniture stores and meat-shops found within the market.
One particular topic that I would like to elaborate more on is the different forms of speech found within the area. I personally believe that the best way to voice out is illustrated in the form of graffiti. Many view graffiti as a form of vandalism; however I see it as a form of claiming space, educating visitors and residents about what is going on locally, nationally and globally. (FR)
* * *
The first order of business I have with Kensington Market is the array of odours
that one can experience while in the market. From the coffee shops, to the food
markets, to the cheese deli’s, to the meat and fish shops, one doesn’t know if
they should have a cup of coffee, have an apple, or maybe just do a quick
sprint past the fish shops. Or, maybe stop and grab a falafel from the Falafel
shop, yummy! Walking through Kensington Market I encountered a wide range of
bicycles: it is definitely visible that the bicycle is one of the top choices
for means of getting in and around the market. I also encountered people
relaxing in the park and/or playing with their family and pets. Even though
Kensington Market is located in the heart of Toronto, it seems that the
community within the market lives a much more relaxed and laid back lifestyle,
which is very encouraging for an outsider to experience. I encountered a
number of very nice people, such as the African lady standing and selling
jewelry who noticed me as an outsider and, for a second, made me believe that
the jewelry she was selling was made of human bone but it was really animal
bone. In addition to the sales lady, I also came across a nice young woman in
one of the café’s who asked a homeless man if he needed anything. He ended up
giving her a cup and asking her if she would be able to get him some warm
water. This was very heart warming. And to complete my visit, I encountered
the two cheese deli’s in the market, which do not have an appealing odour
inside, yet look so delicious, a great bakery where I bought a herb and garlic
baguette with cheddar cheese, two coffee houses, the spice shop, and a wide
array of vintage shops with very creative, interesting jewelry. Since I am
considering researching this development, I also took the time to explore the
lofts that were built in place of the George Brown College building. I’m also
looking into the possibility of researching the café culture within the market.
I visited three of the café’s and they were all different in respect to the
customer each one was serving. My first field visit to Kensington Market was
very enlightening in regards to what I would like to be researching, and after
encountering the market and the people within the market, my fear of talking to
people and asking them questions has slightly diminished. (ER)
* * *
Stepping into Kensington Market is like leaving Toronto and entering a
new city. Kensington Market has a very unique atmosphere where it doesn’t
relate or reflect the chaotic life of Toronto. My first few steps into Augusta
Street allowed me to reflect on the individualistic culture of the market.
Every person whether a pedestrian, or working in the retail section doesn’t
revolve around the notion of time and space. Rather the atmosphere is more
laid back focusing on social activities which bring the community together.
Mostly every café, restaurant and bar for example, where filled with people on
a Friday afternoon. Therefore, the surrounding environment of Kensington
Market is always upbeat and full of life.
Having such a lively market allowed me to observe the commuting pattern in
Kensington. The majority of people where pedestrians that filled the crowded
sidewalks of Kensington Market particularly on Augusta Street, where stores
sold fresh produce which attracted customers. However, others were biking
through the market particularly on Baldwin Street in order to get to their
destination quicker. Very few trucks and automobiles were evident throughout
the market. When a truck was roaring its engine on the street it was going to
a food store to deliver today’s fresh shipment of fruits, vegetables and fresh
fish. The commuting pattern in Kensington therefore, brings out the liveliness
of the market.
The architectural structure of Kensington Market gives a snapshot of the past.
Walking on Kensington Avenue for example, numerous houses and buildings are very
worn down. This allowed me to ponder about how many generations lived in that
house and who still lives there now. However, signs of gentrification were
also appearing through the Kensington Market area. On Nassau Avenue for
example, a new Portuguese church was build that didn’t seem to fit with the
street’s old architecture. The street appeared as a residential area that had
a rich history behind it and the newly build church was a sign of the growing
wealth and prosperity of the Portuguese culture. Kensington Market is trying
to preserve its architecture but it is also evident that wealthier people
moving into the neighbourhood are trying to modernize and rebuild certain part
of the market.
After analysing Kensington Market I have an idea for my field research project.
My theme is to analyse urban planning issues of the Portuguese culture in
Kensington Market, specifically focusing on the time period between
world-war-two to the present. I will try to look at the history of the
Portuguese culture, when they first immigrated to Kensington Market and how
they adapted to the North American lifestyle. Today, the Portuguese are mainly
located on Nassau Avenue, Augusta Street and Baldwin Street in the Kensington
Market area. I will look at the historical architectural changes of these
specific streets also focusing on gentrification patterns that have occurred,
if any. This is my very vague idea of the field research project. (ID)
* * *
Our visit to Kensington Market was only my second encounter of the place. The
first time I went to the market was during the winter time therefore there were
not as many people in the areas and the roads/sidewalks were a bit empty. On
Friday, I was actually able to take in the different cultural vendors, people,
culture, etc that the market had to offer. There are many who call Kensington
market a “mini Toronto” because of the diverse array of ethnic groups in the
community and on Friday, I was actually able to take in the different cultural
vendors, people, culture, etc that the market had to offer. As new groups
immigrate into Toronto, they bring with them their values; beliefs and
traditional culture that help expand the Canadian culture into a broader
identity. For instance, food has become an important aspect in the market
because it provides a wide range of different foods from all across the world
to accommodate the multi cultural residences and other curious nations. As I
walked down the streets, I noticed many food venues and I actually was able to
try some brownies from an Italian bakery. Clothing is can also be seen as an
important sense of identity that immigrants bring to the country of Canada
which Kensington Market has. Many cultures have traditional clothing from their
country or religion and by gathering the different styles inspire for new
creative trends. The market consisted of many boutiques with original designs
that I would not be able to find at a local mall. I also enjoyed observing the
graffiti on the buildings that represent culture and counter culture on those
that have been painted on. I am still unsure of what my research topic will be
but I am leaning towards the increasing privatization of public space. (AL)
* * *
I have visited Kensington Market many times in the past. I tried to put
on the geographers hat and look at the area with a different lens. After
entering the area, it did not take long before the funky smells started
to drift down wind. As many times as I have visited this area, for some
reason it seemed smaller somehow and more crowded, even though it was
not very busy. (I think I have been spending too much time in suburbia
in the wide open spaces.)
It seems that the built form really stood out for me, particularly the
residential structures. So many of the buildings looked worn out and
used, very well used. Many have been allowed to deteriorate with little
restoration (from the exterior). Many of the houses have been turned
into retail space with little respect for the historical features of the
structure.
For my research project, I would like to look at the different
architectural styles that are present in Kensington Market, preferably
residential, and how they have evolved over time. How are they different
or the same than the surrounding areas of the city? (SC)
* * *
This time walking around in Kensington Market, I have learned and seen much more
new things than in all my previous encounters. Firstly, let me say that
Kensington Market is much bigger than all that I have ever known it to be.
Moreover, what surprisingly shocked me was that it was not just a market but
actually a neighborhood where people have homes and settle a way of life.
Some of the things that stuck out in my mind while walking in the market was the
amount of graffiti in places, the posting of signs everywhere, the size of the
streets, the cafes, the loud music, people and their bicycles and some really
bad gardening of certain homeowners. As well, I saw visible signs of
gentrification, where the homes looked relatively new (some had coloured bricks
in the most unusual colours, like blue), renovated and parked with expensive
cars on the nearby road and sidewalk. And last but not least, the different
smells around the market, including the smell of garbage, fish, fruits, and
coffee giving quite an experience to my nose.
With these in mind, Kensington Market is a place very different from every other
place I know. This is mainly due to the density of the area and what way of life
this density has created for these people. For the most part, convenience
composes the biggest difference between Kensington Market and where I live and
have lived (Richmond Hill, Scarborough and Etobicoke). In Kensington Market, by
walking not even 20 minutes, one is able to have access to a community center,
shops, a food market, a church/synagogue and access to public transit.
With the trip I am very fascinated by the way in which different people have
different uses of their lawn. Some have taken the time to garden it and make it
look aesthetically pleasing, while others have just left their plants, flowers
and shrubs to wither and die. Also, some homeowners actually paved their lawn
space with cement and therefore have no natural greenings in front of their
homes. I am very interested to figure out what this could possibly tell about
the homeowner what this means from a geographer’s perspective. (BT)
* * *
The sensory experiences I encountered in Kensington Market are very different
from those of my neighbourhood, Morningside Heights. When I was walking south
on Bellevue Avenue I encountered a myriad of strange smells that continued to
change the further south I walked. First I smelled coffee, then tuna and
finally toast. There are no odours in my neighbourhood. The sights of
Kensington Market were also quite different from my neighbourhood. The market
was covered in graffiti while anti-corporate activists had written different
slogans on the sidewalk in chalk. Some of these protest phrases include,
“Condos?,” “MacDonalds?,” High rise offices?,” and “high culture?” Conversely,
no one in my neighbourhood is protesting the construction of a shopping mall
across the street from the residential area.
The people in Kensington Market remind me of those in Notre Dame de Grâce,
Québec mainly because both neighbourhoods contain very friendly residents.
However, Kensington Market contains many examples of contrasting lifestyles
while Notre Dame de Grâce is mainly middle class. Every house in Kensington
Market is unique. Some houses have freshly cut lawns with beautiful gardens
while others are run down and have a paved front yard. In addition, there is a
lot of garbage lying around in Kensington Market.
Kensington Market is a vibrant community. Everyone is busy doing something,
even the people who are hanging around on the street. Most of the people are
moving at a rapid pace, shopping or carrying out errands. Those who are
hanging out are engaged in intense conversations with other residents of the
market. The market is a diverse area. Zimmerman’s is a Jewish grocery store
while there are other stores that label themselves as Portuguese. There were
also a lot of Asians and Africans in the area as well. In addition, the market
seems to have a vibrant street life. There is a lot of pedestrian and bicycle
traffic.
Many of the businesses in Kensington Market are small, independent shops.
There are a lot of grocery stores and restaurants in the area. Clothing also
seems to be an item that can be easily found in the market. This differs from
stores in other areas which are usually dominated by large corporate entities.
Kensington Market is filled with a number of interesting signs. I noticed a
blue “No Parking” sign posted on the side of a building. This is a private
sign put up by the building owners. It is not a city-issued street sign.
Other odd signs include a posted speed limit of 11 km/h in a parking lot on
Bellevue Avenue. In addition, there was a sign in front of the playground at a
day care center that reads, “Use playground at your own risk.” Sign placement
is also different in Kensington Market. The names of some of the streets were
not placed on a sign post at the street corner but were placed on the sides of
buildings at intersections. (RS)
* * *
This past Friday was my first field visit to Kensington Market, I have heard of
it prior to my visit, but I have never once actually seen it. Before visiting
Kensington I pictured it very differently from what it actually was. I imagined
it to be more like a “flee market” experience, where there are many shops with a
variety of people trying to bargain for deals. When I first stepped off the
subway and headed towards the market I already felt out of place, partly
because I live in the suburbs where everything is very quite and most people
tend to be more independent. Kensington was more of a public place where all
the markets are open and accessible to everyone who walks through the streets.
The people living and working within the neighbourhood all seemed very friendly
and welcoming to outsiders. The streets were all very narrow and compact, which
allow for a public network. Since the streets are much narrower, most people in
the community seem to commute by bike or by foot, which is very different for me
because most people in my area tend to commute by car or public transportation.
The market has many aspects of nature that are occupying the space. The trees
and plants make it feel more condensed, homely and peaceful. The benches
surrounding the park and the rest of the area provide a relaxing commodity to
view, and allows you to interpret and be a part of the natural entity of
Kensington. The architecture of the market is very vibrant; the colours of
houses attract all cultures and ethnicities to the area and make them feel more
relaxed and included. The churches and synagogues within the area attract
multiple people, and they also demonstrate lots of history of the area
overtime. It shows the different religions that occupy or use to occupy the
space. One thing that really got my attention was the different smells in the
area. Depending on where I was situated, there was a variety of different
scents surfacing around, such as garbage, fish, and also the natural fresh
smell of fruits and vegetables. It was kind of odd to have a variety of
different smells, ranging from the natural scent of fruits and vegetables, to
the awful, dirty smell of the garbage.
After taking my first field visit to Kensington Market, I experienced something
very different from what I once imagined it to be. I enjoyed my walk on the
streets of the market, and got a good sense of the cultural feel of the
neighbourhood. As I was on my walk I was thinking of potential research topics
for my study, and I came up with a couple of topics that I’m interested in
researching, such as the different types of architecture in the area and also
the different ethnicities that are living in the area, particularly the
Portuguese. Both of these topics are in interest for my study, once I take
another glance at the market through other resources, I will then make my final
decision. (JC)
posted by Amy Lavender Harris at 12:55 PM
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