Architecture, landscaping and promenades create enjoyable experiences. But it’s the energy that comes from discovery and connection to people and place that leave a lasting impression.
Toronto’s assets, like its energy, may elude the first-time visitor, especially during the winter months. The most special qualities — changing neighbourhoods, mixing cultures, spaces and people — lie under the surface and are best found not by tourists but by the explorer or resident. As a recent resident, I’m noticing changes to the energy of my West Queen West neighbourhood.
There’s the obvious gentrification of Queen West and Ossington spreading north to Dundas, which definitely creates a sense of change for better or worse. Whether or not you’re in favour of the development happening along those streets, there is an energy that change creates. As you wander the neighbourhood, you wonder what will come once the brown paper comes off what was empty retail windows.
Since I moved from New York, I’ve missed neighbourhood cafes — a place where you can read the paper or work all day. I found wifi in Toronto elusive, and I could only guess that shop owners wanted to discourage what they viewed as loitering. I finally got my wish, not with a single cafe, but four in the last eight months that have sprouted up around Trinity Bellwoods Park. Each spot has its own personality—fun ambient music, comfy décor—and wifi! These cafes are warm environments that provide a destination outside of the home or office for the neighbourhood to come together. The four dollar lattes is a topic for another discussion in terms of inclusive spaces.
So we have more places for community, but I’m interested in the more subtle changes to our neighbourhood vibe. First a restaurant opened with a single long table, then a pizzeria, then cafes with communal seating. Sounds banal, but it means that Toronto’s diverse population, famous for being overly polite, is forced to sit together, break bread together and inadvertently work together. Perhaps someone needs to pass the salt at the restaurant or plug in your laptop at the café. Chances are there will be contact or conversation with unknown neighbours. Similarly, outdoor seating has cropped up along Queen West, Ossington and Dundas. It’s funny the effect a single bench can have…people sit on it, together!
Finally, places for Toronto to connect and find real community that everyone on Facebook is craving. Good energy and optimism is bubbling up in Toronto, even on the coldest winter day.
Wendy Gold, Founder and President of OpenCity Projects, comes from small-town Canada. While living and working abroad, she became fascinated with cities and how people experience them. But it took moving to Toronto to show her the value of a city that embraces cultural diversity and green space.
photo by Jbcurio
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