Newest Addition To Kensington Market

I am a HUGE fan of Kensington Market, and have been for years.  There have been some definite changes within the past 10-15 years.  Kensington Market has always prided itself on being non-conformist and unique.  It's a community that supports small businesses, and has a plethora of products that you can only find in Kensington.

But, as shabby became chic, and different and unique became the norm, we started to see some changes in our beloved market.  The European Quality Meats and Sausages - a place that sold certain meats that you couldn't find anywhere else in the city - sold, after over 50 years of business.  The Blue Banana opened up, which is a bit over-saturated in capitalizing on pseudo-unique products.  You used to be able to go to kensington market and buy an authentically cool vintage t-shirt for under $10.  Now, if you mistakenly buy it from the wrong place, you'll be paying $30 for a vintage looking t-shirt with a Fruit of the Loom tag on it.  There are nightclubs and bars that are "places to be"

One thing that has always remained the same in the market are the residents.  Partially because it's rare that property becomes available in Kensington, and partially because there's an underlying camaraderie between residents.  Things may have changed in Kensington, but you will never see a Starbucks on Augusta, or a McDonalds on Nassau.  This is because the tight knit community has always fought together against large corporations infecting their beloved market.  

So I wasn't surprised at the newest Kensington Market stunt.  This morning, I read in the paper that a vacancy has opened up in a Kensington store front.  This is very hard to come by, but the landlords have taken the their community and to the public in trying to find a suitable tenant.  They've asked that people provide their feedback, and have hung a sign in the entrance "What would you like to see in this space".   They're going to charge the same amount in rent whether it were leased out by a Starbucks, or a free trade coffee shop, but they want the opinion of their neighbours and friends before deciding who will be the newest addition to the market.

If you'd like to let them know what you'd like to see, email them at 225augusta@gmail.com