Munk in the City Walks

Walk #1: Kensington Market Walking Tour
September 6, 2024, 3:30pm

Register: urbanpolicylab.ca/munkinthecity

Welcome to the new academic year!

Munk in the City is an experiential learning initiative organized by the Urban Policy Lab that brings Munk School students out of the classroom and into the community to see first-hand the challenges faced by residents across Toronto, and consider the urban policy solutions that can address these issues.

Our first walk of 2024, through Kensington Market, will take place on Friday, September 6, in collaboration with the MPPSA’s Compass Mentorship Program. During this walk, we’ll visit historic sites and explore how Kensington Market evolved from Indigenous land to a British Loyalist settlement, eventually becoming a heritage site that embodies a ‘microcosm of the Canadian ethnic mosaic.’ We’ll reflect on Kensington’s role in shaping the immigrant experience in Toronto and how that experience, in turn, has shaped the city. Join us for a chance to relax, connect, and reconnect before the school year kicks off. To sign up, visit urbanpolicylab.ca/munkinthecity

Itinerary

Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Meeting Point: Canadiana Building, CG-160
Destination: Bellevue Square Park

Stop 1: Bellevue Square Park & The Kiever Synagogue
– Introduction to Kensington Market and its history

Stop 2: Augusta Avenue & Sonya’s Park
– Exploration of small businesses and market culture

Stop 3: St. Stephen-in-the-Fields Church & Fire Station 315
– Historical insights

Stop 4: Kensington Avenue
– The evolution of Victorian homes into shops

Stop 5: Social gathering at a local taco spot or pub

Kensington Market – From Indigenous Past to the 1970s

Indigenous Roots and Early Settlement Kensington

Market’s history begins with Indigenous peoples, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, who lived on this land long before European settlers. In the late 18th century, the Denison family, British loyalists, purchased large tracts of land, setting the stage for Kensington’s development.

The Denison Legacy (1790-1900)

The Denison family transformed dense forests into a bustling neighborhood. George Taylor Denison built Bellevue House in 1815 on what is now Bellevue Square. As Toronto grew, the Denisons subdivided their land, paving the way for Kensington’s dense, diverse community.

Jewish Settlement and Market Formation (1900-1930s)

In the early 20th century, Jewish immigrants settled in Kensington, converting their homes’ ground floors into shops, creating the Jewish Market. This unique blend of residential and commercial spaces defined Kensington’s character.

Cultural Flourishing and Challenges (1930s-1950s)

By the 1930s, Kensington Market was a vibrant multicultural hub. Despite economic hardships and social tensions, the Market thrived, deeply connected to its immigrant roots.

Portuguese Influence (1950s-1970s)

In the 1950s, Portuguese immigrants added their influence, transforming homes into businesses and introducing Mediterranean aesthetics. Their arrival further enriched Kensington’s diverse cultural tapestry.

Kensington Market – From the 1970s to Today

Community-Led Preservation (1970s-Present)

Since the 1970s, Kensington Market has faced pressures from gentrification, but strong community activism has preserved its vibrant spirit. Grassroots organizations emerged to resist large-scale developments, ensuring the neighborhood’s eclectic mix of cultures and businesses remained intact.

The King of Kensington

The 1970s also saw Kensington Market rise to fame through the popular TV show “King of Kensington,” which showcased the neighborhood’s diverse community and its resilience in maintaining its character amidst urban pressures.

Organized Community Efforts

in the 1990s, local activists and business owners formalized efforts to maintain Kensington as a haven for small businesses and diverse communities. Cultural events celebrating the Market’s heritage helped solidify its identity as one of Toronto’s most cherished neighborhoods.

Community Initiatives: KMBIA and KMCLT

The Kensington Market Business Improvement Area (KMBIA) was established in 2009 to represent over 240 local businesses. The KMBIA supports business owners, enhances public spaces, and collaborates with all levels of government to address community concerns, ensuring the Market’s continued vibrancy. In 2017, the Kensington Market Community Land Trust (KMCLT) was founded in response to gentrification pressures. Working closely with Friends of Kensington Market, the KMCLT acquires and manages land to maintain the Market’s affordability and cultural diversity, keeping it accessible for residents and small businesses.

Additional Resources

If you’re interested in learning more about Kensington Market, here are some fantastic resources to dive deeper into its rich history and vibrant culture:

StrollTO – Kensington-Chinatown Tour
A detailed guide to exploring the Kensington-Chinatown area, providing insights into the market’s diverse communities and landmarks.

The Toronto Star: A Walking Tour of the Real Kensington Market
An article that takes you on a walking tour through the heart of Kensington Market, highlighting its hidden gems and historical significance.

Kensington Market Business Improvement Area
The KMBIA, formed in 2009, represents over 240 businesses and serves as the voice of the diverse community. It is managed by a volunteer Board of Management elected from local business owners.

Kensington Market Community Land Trust
The KMCLT was incorporated as a community-based non-profit corporation in December, 2017, after several years of discussion and organizing led by Friends of Kensington Market.

Kensington Market Historical Society
The KMHS preserves and shares Kensington Market’s history through documentation, public events, newsletters, and research projects, fostering community involvement.

Future Walks

Thrifting in Toronto – Bloordale
We’ll explore Bloordale’s vintage and thrift stores, uncovering why they’ve flourished here and the urban policies that support them. Along the way, we’ll dive into the neighborhood’s history and vibrant community.

Toronto’s Waterfront – Ontario Place
We’ll explore the city’s ambitious revitalization efforts and discuss the latest developments shaping this vibrant area. As we stroll towards Ontario Place, we’ll delve into the recent, controversial plans that have sparked significant public debate.