Kensington Market – A Unique Neighbourhood in Toronto

Location: Spadina and Queen St. West

A bustling neighbourhood in the heart of Toronto, just west of Chinatown, Kensington is infamous in Toronto for its year-round vendors selling everything from fresh fish to chilies. Small houses along street labyrinths and murals throughout the market make Kensington Market a unique and much loved neighbourhood in Toronto.

Kensington Market

Description

Kensington Market is situated in the heart of Toronto. Nestled between the major streets of College, Dundas West, Spadina and Bathurst, it is easily accessible by transit and attracts people from not only all over Toronto, but all over the world. The cozy market has an organic feel with a mish-mash of ‘mom & pop’ shops, punk record labels, a large selection of vintage stores, and one of the best butcher shops in Toronto. Kensington Market is one of the most vibrant places in Toronto.

What will you find in Kensington?

Fresh produce

Cheese Shops

European Delis

Fish Shops

Festivals

• Music

Arts and Crafts

Specialty Shops

Vintage Clothing

Candy Stores

Jamaican Bakery

Unusual Art Scenes

• Street Art

Great Ethnic Food

History of Kensingston Market

Kensington Market has tremendous significance to the City of Toronto. It is one of the oldest

parts of Toronto and many houses and buildings were erected in the 1800's. It also represents

an ethnic record of immigrants who came to the city; many of which left their cultural imprint.

Cultural Imprints in Kensington Market

Italians – deli/meat shops Portuguese – fish shops Portuguese – colourful, painted houses Jewish – meat markets Chinese – fruit/vegetable markets Africans – spice shops

Original Housing

• Houses are tall and narrow. They have a gable roof (peaked) and some have bay windows. They are colourful in nature due to the Portuguese. They painted the brick on their homes bright colours, especially blue. There is hardly any front lawn, no back

• lawn and no parking.–

New Housing - Lofts/Condos

• Many people find Kensington Market a very desirable place to live. Builders are now renovating buildings to make lofts and condominiums which range in price from $250 000 to $ 1000 000.

• http://www.mrloft.ca/Kensington-Market-Baldwin-Nassau

Video on Kensington Market

• http://www.kensington-market.ca/Default.asp?id=1&l=1

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