Interview+6+jess


 * Interview #6**

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

//The market incorporates a cultural outlook where such areas as Latin America, China Town and Caribbean are combined in the market though in different sections. It is a cultural are and a hippi market in terms of its colour, murals and crafts.//

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

//I usually bike ride Kara Café. They make the best coffee on Augusta AVE. I then go to Kensington’s where they sell stuff for really good prices. These are my two favourite places.//

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 other?

//In the fall and winter, now, the market is not as busy as in the summer though the population of people is not a problem. I’m used to it. I think it’s great to see the many varieties of people and the same old ones. The traffic should not be limited. The more people coming in or through the market the better.//

Do you 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? Are they justifiable?

//The festivals always cause traffic of everything though it is a justifiable cause. It is what brings the community of Kensington together. And it can get hectic however, it is something to look forward to. And most of us residences enjoy these occasions. We get to see our neighbours and their talents in both visual arts and crafting. We’ve had some pretty impressive muralists.//

What do you like most about the Kensington Market area?

//I really like the distinction between formal and substantive citizenship which was originally conceived with class differences in mind. It’s good to see the different cultures that we have here.//

What could be improved upon within the market area? How’s your mapping? Does it assist in knowing what’s around the market?

//A clear map system for all to know about would be good for the locals. This could bring us even closer together. We not only would know our shops but we would know exactly what cultures are around us and know what’s new or in China town and the Greek, Mexican, Caribbean, or African areas of the market. A map system would be good idea for those suffering from alsimers (loss of memory) If they look at a map they might know where to go or where their at (Laugh). The map would also be good if it were on the internet. My shop can get busy and sometimes tourists are looking for particular places that I can’t exactly remember where they are or if certain places still exist or ever exist, I could just look it up easily on the internet at my shop. There are just a couple specific places I go to. To be truthful, I’m spoiled for grocery store choices in my neighbourhood – the mighty Fiesta Farms and also the Vince Gasparro Meats on Bloor. What the west end is lacking though is a good fishmonger.//

Do you feel connected to your community, or isolated?

//As a community I feel connected, especially in my area of shop. I know all my neighbours here and we give each other ideas and assistance. We are like a family.//

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?

//I don’t really feel isolated even though I may not be Asian I still venture into China town. So even though the cultures are split up they are always closely put together and overlapping. I know that there are places that collide in cultures like the Hungry Thai, which is a combination of both Thai and Hungary cuisine.//

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 thing that limits me from going around is my shops and my comfort zone. I only go to the places that I know best and am used to because I know what to expect. I don’t know much about Greek or African marts and usually go to the mart that supplies my cultural food. (Latin American).//

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

//I know the venues that are in the market though I don’t think I know them very well. I chech them out, though I am usually working and I don’t go into every shop I see. But I would like to see organization of the market even if it means creating navigation maps on either side of the market. At least this could assist locals and tourists in locating areas of the market. It would be nice to also see the signs played upon the markets craft or culture. I think that could add to the crafts that we already see and have at the market.//

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

//Regarding Noise, I really like the music that comes here, its full of culture. However when it comes to security we could use more security around the clock to monitor the market. Me and my family would feel a lot more safer.//