Interview+2+Jennifer

Interview #2
What do you think differentiates Kensington Market from other areas of Toronto?

//Kensington Market is a world within itself!! This community is extremely diverse, and offers a wonderful variety of things to do, places to visit, and different cuisines to explore!! Kensington Market attracts those who like the “simpler” way of life…..verses the highly stressed and competitive culture that is evident in downtown Toronto area.//

What kind of activities do you engage yourself in within this area?

//Living in Kensington Market gives me the opportunities to explore!! I love to walk around the market and observe all of the different people. Those who are visiting for the day, and those who have made Kensington Market their home. I love to watch the different cultures and how they interact with one another….I always attempt to learn more about their culture so that I can better understand where they are coming from.//

How do you feel about different forms of traffic in the Kensington Market area. Do you think that traffic within this area should be limited specifically to vehicles, pedestrians, bikes, or another form of transportation?

//Personally, Kensington Market is always a hub of activity. I would like to see motor vehicles limited to the area. If you live in Kensington Market, then you would have a permit to travel the streets in Kensington Market. If you are visiting, then park your car outside of the area, and bus or subway in to Kensington Market. Motor vehicles in Kensington Market are definitely the main contributor to traffic congestion. It is easier to get around the market by bike or walking. The streets are narrow….often obscured by pedestrians and vendors.//

Do find that there are conflicts in traffic flow, or traffic flow disruptions such as festivals, groupings of people or commercial vendors taking up street space? Do you think that these traffic flow disruptions are justifiable?

//Like I said, traffic congestion seems to be an issue in Kensington Market, even when there is not a festival. I personally think that your experience will be a lot more pleasant if you do not have to deal with the traffic problems. Parking outside the area is a possible solution. Maybe commercial vendors/delivery trucks have designated times(early morning or evening) to make their deliveries.//

What do you like most about the Kensington market area?

//The sense of community, the diversity.//

What could be improved upon within the Kensington market area?

//The one thing that I am uncomfortable with in Kensington Market is the lack of cleanliness. With all of the different opportunities for spread of disease and infection, the market could do a better job with maintaining a cleaner environment.//

Do you feel connected to your community, or isolated?

//Well, I live in Kensington Market, but work outside the area. I do enjoy connecting with my community on my days off. I am aware that there are so many different people living and working in the Kensington Market area, and it is not always easy to connect with all of the different cultures….although I certainly try to connect with them by visiting their stores, purchasing my groceries and necessities locally etc.//

There are many different prominent cultures in the Kensington area. Do you feel isolated, or limited to a specific culture, or do you integrate yourself into many different cultures?

//As as I mentioned above, I do try and connect and support the many different cultures in the Kensington area by supporting their businesses and involving myself in the different events that are offered throughout the year.//

Do you feel that you are active in your community? Do you find that anything limits you from getting the most out of the Kensington market community?

//The diversity of Kensington Market is wonderful, but also a challenge. Language is an issue, but I do try and expand my knowledge on the different cultures, and how I can appropriately “fit in”.//

How familiar are you with the Kensington market venue? Do you feel that your community is organized, and easily navigable?

//When I first moved to the Kensington Market area, it is somewhat confusing to get around. But, in saying this it does not take long to be able to comfortably find your way around the area.//

How do you feel about the physical environment factors in Kensington market? Ex. Noise, Pollution, Cleanliness, Security, Etc.

//Well, it is pretty noisy during the day, but I think that is expected due to the make up of Kensington Market. Anyone who moves to the area, should know that noise can be an issue at times. Kensington Market is somewhat dirty….lots of garbage etc. I feel that I live in a safe area, and have not felt compromised at all.//