Nuit Blanche 2015

The 

Storybook 

Project 

Volume 1 

2015 Nuit Blanche

© 2017 Department of Imaginary Affairs 

All rights reserved. The use of any part of this publication, reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, 

mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or stored in a retrieval system, without the prior written consent of the DIA – or, in 

case of photocopying or other reprographic copying, a licence from the Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency – is an infrigement of 

the copyright law.

The 

Storybook 

Project 

Stories and illustrations by the 

residents of the East side of Toronto.

Welcome to the 

Department of Imaginary Affairs 

We seek, collect, and share stories of Canadians from coast to 

coast to coast. Every story helps us learn more about the people 

who live in Canada. Through our projects, we share these stories 

in the hopes of creating a nation of empathetic citizens, public 

services, and policies. 

Stories are the key to challenging assumptions, nurturing and 

fostering creativity, and giving rise to citizen voices. 

2 

Department of Imaginary Affairs

The East side to me is ... 

On October 3, 2015 the Department of Imaginary Affairs officially 

debuted with its first public project, The East Side Story, an 

Independent Project during Scotiabank Nuit Blanche at St. James 

Park in Toronto. The project endeavoured to capture the narrative 

of citizens who live, work, and play on the East side of Toronto, 

about why they live there and how they see the area developing 

in the future. The stories that were collected were bound together 

in a 6 by 10 foot (12 by 10 foot when opened) storybook and 

displayed in the gazebo of the park. During the 12 hours of the 

event, visitors were encouraged to read the 144 stories contained 

in the book and collaboratively turn the pages (made of vinyl). 

Stories were collected the night of from visitors on a large 5 by 7 

foot page hung in the gazebo. Though The East Side Story was a 

public art installation, it was also research for the DIA to gain an 

understanding of the themese, concerns, questions, and general 

excitement of what the East side has to offer its residents. 

In 2017, The East Side Story became The Storybook Project. With 

each new community we engage with, we will add their stories 

to the book, both physically and digitally. It is our hope that this 

becomes the largest book of individual stories in Canada. 

If you would like to add your story to the book, visit us online at 

dia.space. 

The Storybook Project: Volume 1 3


Elena Basile 

East Side 

A place of exploration and adventure - I live on the West end, so the 

East side is where I go for fun and to visit friends - I love some parts of 

the beaches - Had a friend who used to live there and invited me for 

early morning walks - The beaches is amazing where NOBODY is there! 

I frequently go to Riverside and the Danforth too - but I find things are 

gentrifying on the east side as (...) on the west. 

4 



Roberta 

East Side 

A big big mystery! I moved to Canada 15 years ago and Toronto has been 

my city since, but I am still exploring it! And the more I explore, the more I 

get curious 


Nature 

Dale Davis 

Beach 

Grew up in a forest of names 

Balsam 

Sychamore 

Spruce 

Pine 

Beech 

Williow 

Fern 

goes on 

Memories of playing in 

ravines (Glen manor) 

There were rabbits, 

turtles frogs 

6 


Indian Bazaar 

Before Little India was a neighbourhood, there was a movie theatre called 

“The Naaz” in the 70’s - that was the only thing there until the influx of 

East Indian in the early 80’s. And now they are moving West to areas like 

Brampton bringing in new shops. 


Leslieville 

Betty Yan 

Leslieville 

The East Side to me is following the lingering scent of fresh bread from the 

Weston Bakery, biking around the neighbourhood and stopping by Ed’s 

Convenience Store for handfuls of candy for less than a dollar, meeting my 

best friend down the street to go to Jimmie Simpson Park, chasing the 

ice cream truck down the street to cool off, and above all, the welcoming 

smiles from strangers and familiar faces that bond this community. The 

East Side is my home and childhood. 

8 


Brian Hamlin 

Leslie Spit 

The East side is where my children and grandchildren have been raised. 

I have kept bees near the Leslie Spit for the last eight years. The honey 

has become one of the most favoured of all Toronto honeys. The weird 

wetland flora and general area of the Portlands is the traditional territory of 

the Mississauga of New Credit, we honour their historical connection to the 

East side with the hope their contributions past and future will be celebrated. 


The Weeping Willow in 

Sarah Ashbridges Park 

Kate Flaherty 

Sarah Ashbridges Park 

I was presenting an outdoor poetry reading with my “Tuesday Poets” at 

Sarah Ashbridges park on Queen near Greenwood when another actor/ 

poet and I stood under the magnificent weeping willow tree as we need a 

bit of poetry – both of us almost cried with the willow when we read about 

the layers of history under that tree. Beneath the soil are layers of common 

humanity – common ground: a native heart of vocals for their fire, above 

that, the seeds planted 

by sectors, and above 

that a lady’s English 

garden. So many levels 

of human connection 

with the Earth and 

elements. It struck us 

both how the sacred 

land was revered by the 

First Nations here; the 

first peoples native to 

Canada have so much 

to teach us so much to 

forgive. It made us weep 

with hope for a new 

generation of respect for 

Aboriginal Peoples. 

Applegrove Community Complex 

10 


My East End 

Darlene Rouse 

Danforth 

The East End is home for me. I’ve been here in the same apartment for 

seventeen years. I really enjoy my surroundings here on the Danforth 

between Coxwell and Pape. 

Now changes occur – Home Hardware will be greatly missed. The workers 

were so kind and helpful. It was a small store but a real landmark for me. 

Then Mark’s Warehouse turned into Canadian Tire. Apparently, Canadian 

Tire owns both stores. I really miss Mark’s for its quality clothing. 

But, most missed are the Zellers store in Gerrad Square, Shopper’s World 

and East York Malls. Walmart took over in Gerrad Square. Target tried to 

make a go of it in the other two plazas. Now they are closed and those 

two stores stand empty. What a waste of space! 

Lastly, Scotiabank moved 

to Pape and Danforth. Now 

it’s a six block walk – does 

me good! But some of our 

tenants are not able to walk 

more than a block. 

We are lucky enough to 

be situated between two 

subway stations. We still have 

restaurants and coffee shops 

galore. This is still my happy 

place! 



Moments to Remember – 

Ashbridges Bay 

Jessie Hemthorn 


Oh the lake summer of 1999. I had a very nice E.S.L. homestay student 

staying with me. He was from Columbia S. America and on this day I 

suggested we should take a bike ride in Kew Beach Park, by the lake. It 

was a warm sunny afternoon and we cycled around reaching a beautiful 

view of the lake with huge boulders on which we could sit. Throwing down 

the bikes on the grass area, we sat on top of the boulders to drink in the 

vast expanse as smooth unrippled waters of Lake Ontario reaching out 

endlessly to the horizon. 

There wasn’t a soul about. It was as we were alone on the planet. Few 

words where passed. The beauty, the stillness, the hushed silence, it felt 

I was in a timeless spiritual dimension; at one with the universe and the 

creator. 

How much time passed – I don’t know I felt I could stay there forever! 

As the sun moved west and its light began to fade, I didn’t want to break 

the spell, I thought my young friend must be feeling the pang of hunger. I 

asked him about dinner. “Do you mind if we stay a bit longer? He replied. 

“No” I said, and we stayed until the sun began to sink below the horizon. 

Silently we got on the bikes and rode home. It 

was a time to remember and to treasure. 

You might still find this now, but in the early 

morning before it crowds come! And of course 

you would have to be alone or be with a quiet 

kindled spirit! 


12 


Memory Lane’s Treasure – 

The East Ends Pleasure 

Margret H. 

East Side 

Come stroll with me, down memory land. Into the fleeting past, and back 

again. 

The famous Maple Leaf Cottage and tree. The Inspirational Song from 

Alexander Muir to us you see. The Maple Leaf forever had become a 

National Anthem for a while. In the 50’s it’s rival surpassed it, O Canada 

took over. The song did not do as well as the significant tree did. The 

damaged tree was almost gone by the ice storms. People are nursing it 

back to health with T.L.C (tender, love and care). Thank you Alexander Muir 

1830-1906 for your contribution. 

Canada’s three most endearing symbols are: 

The Maple Leaf, the Canada 

Beaver, the Mounties. 

This is pure and proud Canadians. 

There are many treasures in the 

East End to be appreciated this is 

only one of them. 

Ashbridges Estate 

The Gardener’s Cottage 

The National Exhibition 

The Beaches beautiful library 

The Churches in the East End 

The Boat House in Kew Beach 



Fish ‘n Chips 

Diana Bradley 

Leslieville 

“Fish ‘n Chips and Vinegar 

Vinegar, 

Vinegar, 

Fish ‘n chips and vinegar, pepper, pepper, salt!” 

One of my happiest memories was when Dad took us out or fish n chips. I 

lived with my family in Etobicoke. 

Today I live in Leslieville which boasts of many such restaurants. My 

favourite, however, is the B+B Fish’n Chips near Queen St. E/Carlaw Ave. 

It is run by Chinese couple. It’s been in the area for many years. They 

have their own method of preparing each delicious serving. They make a 

cone-shaped holder out 

of newspaper, into which 

they insert a clean, white 

paper, into which they stuff 

the fish ‘n chips! There is a 

bench inside and out. So 

humble a place, so great a 

catch!! 

“Fish ‘n Chips and 

vinegar… pepper, pepper, 

salt! 

(But don’t hold the 

ketchup!) 


14 


A Vision of the East Side 

Stella Tan 

East Side 

One awakens to the serenade of song birds 

While transport vehicles whisper by silently 

Sped on by hydrogen fuelled cells, fossil fuels 

Are no more the air is pure as that in the 

Wilderness 

Harmless water vapour dampen 

The air our skins are moist and fresh 

Plants and animals flourish in virgin forests that 

Once were 

East enders’ homes and water powered by the 

Sun all clean and unending 

Armed with abundant knowledge East enders turn to 

Growing their own fruits, vegetables, trees in 

Every space, minerals and organic wastes 

Ploughed back to enrich our soil 

Little East enders wisely taught send out 

Their message of Peace, Love, 

Togetherness 

Echoing over and over joined by 

innumerable voices 

Throughout the future ages yet to come 

A dream you say? No, definitely 

achievable 



Ruslina C. 

East Side 

The East Side to me is like a flower garden that carries with love, tender 

and gives the equal sunshine to all different kind of flowers. And that’s 

what I love most about living in East Side. 

My kids and my family feel home, feel special by being part of a garden 

with every kind of flower doesn’t matter what aroma, colour, or shape. 

I wish I will the able to continue live in this garden, for the rest of my life, 

and I wish that in 100 years, the East side will continue to the home for 

every flower. 

Kettle of Fish 

16 


M.J. 

Riverdale 

I love the East End because of: 

East Chinatown – shopping for a quarter of the price! The fish is so fresh – 

it’s still swimming! 

Riverdale Park – Track, pool, skating rink > Has the best sledding hills in 

the winter! 

The park truly helps us come alive! 

Riverdale Cemetery tells so much history. The tombs are so old and show 

us the reflections of peoples live in the area back in the day 

I wouldn’t want to 

live anywhere else! 



R.S. 

Beach 

The East to me… having barbeque at the beach and riding my bike on the 

trails. 


18 


Ayda Swaidau 

Danforth 

The last seven years of my life, I lived on the Danforth and Main Street 

area. Nothing was unusual with the area old broken Danforth avenue. 

Pompy side walk you even cannot use a (...) on, a littel dark. And suddenly 

the last three years they started first fixing the side walk, was all cement 

blocks, no pumps and then they fixed the road, no cracks, no broken 

walls for disposing waters. And most of all they design the side walk with 

beautiful trees and extra black lights and two flower blooms on each light. 

My east Danforth area is looking in its best for doing anything, shopping, 

joking, or walking. 



Ashley 

East Side 

The East side to me is… coming to St. John’s. It is a beautiful place to 

come be a part of and meet new people. What I wish for the East side 

is to have more people come and see it for themselves. I hope in 100 

years, there will be an inclusive space for people of all kinds together and 

contribute to. 


20 


C.F. 

East Side 

I am an East-side girl; always have been probably always will be. 

Yonge Street seems to be a real defining demarcation point in the city’s 

geography; people tend to always live either somewhere on it’s Eastside 

or somewhere on its west side, but not often crossing this imaginary 

boundary, whether it be a mental and unconscious mindset or social in 

nature. I like the East end. 



J.H. 

East Side 

I was born and raised in the East end of Toronto. It’s changed a lot over 

time. The past 39 years, especially on Queen Street, there’s a lot more 

new restaurants, but some of my favourites have disappeared. The 

neighbourhood has become very multicultural; a lot of people have moved 

away. All my friends have now moved away, but it makes room for new 

ones! 


22 


Sharon Gorman 

Riverdale Park 

To me the East Side is a place where I’ve gotten to know myself. What I 

love most about the East side is… the view from Riverdale Park. 



A.B. Class 

East Side 


24 


Janice B. 

East Side 

I love it in the East Side. 

At the mission were I work, friends and family, they get along. 

The barkey, it grows people to came to see the mission and other people 

we know they like family, it is a second home to. and the people work 

at the they creat time and tea time and dinner. They sit down and eat 

together. 



My Neighbourhood 

Chinatown East 

To me the East side my home and a place I feel very comfortable to be 

around. I originally started my East side adventures at the Broadview 

and Dundas intersection of the city. Growing up with a 2-minute walk to 

Chinatown was probably one of the most exciting thing to me as a child. 

The sheer amount of people there everyday was surrounding to me, and 

the hustle and bustle became like entertainment. 

I feel as though my upbringing in that neighbourhood definitely played 

an integral part in how I’ve grown up today. Being exposed to an infinite 

amount of people, cultures, foods and influences all varied by place of 

origin; all came together in a “melting pot” of sorts. 

Today the East side 

is a little different. The 

hipsters are coming. 

Cultural appropriation 

and gentrification are 

showing up in little 

areas now, being 

deemed “quaint” and 

“exotic”. It’s slowly 

happening, but I feel the 

East side is resisting. 


26 


Supportive Community 

East Side 

What I love most about the East side is how everyone works as a 

community. People are always supportive of each other and willing to help 

with anything. When I lived here it was my favourite place to be. There 

were many people my age and tons of places to go an have fun. 



Needs to be Cheaper 

Alaska 

East Side 

I wish the East end had cheaper food/stores because I don’t work or have 

a lot of money so we need cheaper cafes. Also, then all our friends can 

hangout more in the East end which would be cool cause I don’t like the 

TTC that much too. The TTC was really hot in the summer. So I hope that 

it will be cheaper in a few years! 


28 


Better Things To… 

East Side 

The East side is nice but it needs better food places, not just McDonalds 

and Subway. We need better things to do in the East side but go to 

school, the beach and the movies but those things get boring after awhile. 

East side, please get better food joints and better things to do. 



Closing Down the Viaduct 

Nebula 

Danforth 

The best thing to ever happen in the East end was when they closed 

down the Bloor-viaduct for a free concert. On July 4th, 2015 they closed 

off the Bloor-Danforth bridge for the bridge lighting and the part of the 

Pan-Am torch relay. But my favourite part was the set that July Talk played 

before the bridge was lit. I think that in the future they should close down 

the viaduct more often because its kinda fun to dance in the middle of a 

bridge, and above a train. 


30 


Second Home 

East Side 

The East side to me is my second home, I grew up in Scarborough, but 

spent a majority of my work life on the East End, serving the community 

and getting to know the neighbourhood and its people. It molded me as 

much as my own neighbourhood has. … strawberry! 



Chiara 

Beach 

My favourite place to go for dinner with my family is the Goof or the 

beacher cafe on the East side! 

St. Denis 

32 


East Side 

The east side to me is home and a place that I know about. What I like the 

most about the east side is that it has nature and I could have play dates. 

What I wish for the east side is that I wish there was all the restarants I like. 

in 100 years will look simaler but there will be more elctronics and people 

make robots. 

St. Denis 


Mya Stifani 

Beach 

What I love most about th east is all of the stores / shops on Queen St. 

and Kingston Rd. I also like the Resturaunts on those streest as well. In 

100 years, the east side will probably be filled with condos like the rest 

of Toronto (Basically). What I wish for the east side is that it does not be 

come condo filled and there are still things like parks and shops. 

St. Denis 

34 


the Spit /Tommy Thompson 1913-1985 Park 

Jenny Harper 

Leslie Spit 

Enter at the side of the wooden gate and walk along the gravel pathways or tracks and 

marvel at the multi hues of vivid wild flowers. Stone artists make inukshuks on the way 

down to the small cliffs and on the stone beaches. 

This is the Spit peninsular - 5 kilometers of wilderness for hikers, cyclists, 

rollerbladers, fishermen and sailors, built up from discarded construction materials on 

sandy bogland, right opposite Toronto’s silhouetted skyline. Croc shoes worn for foot 

protection from the stones can be comfortable for paddling and swimming - the lake 

so warm by August/September. 

There are many further wonderful walks along the eastern side - also a pathway 

leading to the west side bird sanctuary, which during spring and summer nesting, 

visitors are prohibited from entry before September. I have seen red, yellow, blue birds 

fly, even an owl swivelling its head and winking in a winter tree. Rabbits, coyotes, 

amphibians. From nowhere suddenly appear flight formations of cormorants and 

geese - so mesmerizing. Stripped trees like creamy skeletons show bird nests high 

and sandy beaches below just gazing across to Cherry Beach. Winter x-country 

skiers enjoy the flat open, bare trees for 

landmarks and native Osier dogwood 

stems. Stunning vivid red against the white 

of snow and occasional beaver teeth 

marks on logs. By resting on the hill by the 

windmill comes that prize view and from 

where we can dream!! 

The East Side means to me the Spit, when 

five minutes from my home, I can leave 

Toronto behind and be in the wilderness. 


T.L. 

East Side 

What I love most about the east side is, is too many to choose. The 50 

year old, St. Lawrence market, how wide and big the garden district is. I 

think the east side of Toronto will still be in a very clean state, and that the 

east side will be peaceful in future. Canada itself will be still be a peaceful 

country. 

St. Denis 

36 


Akhansha Fernando 

Beach 

I live in the east side for most of my life. A person everyone should know 

is a crossing guard, he makes everyone smile. If you look outside my 

teachers window you can see him, but sometimes he goes on a break. He 

loves sports, well at least I think so, he talks abott the games to anyone 

who passes him and stops to talk to him. He is very nice. 

St. Denis 


Beach 

East side is to me: Ed’s real scoop! Beach. School. Flowers. 

St. Denis 

38 


Beach 

I like to go bycicling at the bikeing path near the beach. 

St. Denis 


Jacquie 

Beach 

This is my school in the East side. It is called St. Denis Catholic school. 

I like the East side because of the great ice cream shop called Ed’s Real 

Scoop. It has REAL ice cream. I have lots of friends here!!!! 

St. Denis 

40 


Boyagoda 

Beach 

The thing I like best is St. Denis. It is the best school in the whole world 

because of its teachers and students. 

St. Denis 


Emma G 

Beach 

This is St. Denis. I spend most of my time here during the day. I made 

lots of friends here and I learn here! Also there’s a lot of places around the 

school that I like to hang out at! 

St. Denis 

42 


Rellason 

Beach 

The best thing in the East side of town is the good people and the nice 

schools like St. Denis. Also my dance studio for the love of it, also the 

loving friends and family. 

St. Denis 


Beach 

Ed’s Real Scoop, it’s the home of the East side. 

Another great place in the East side is the Balmy Beach Club. There’s 

volleyball, rugby, water sports and a great place to get a drink and chill out. 

St. Denis 

44 


Alison H. 

Beach 

I love the beaches because it is so friendly. I like to play beach volleyball. I 

like to go to movies with my friends. 

St. Denis 


Sofia G. 

Beach 

My favourite thing in the East side is when I got to the Balmy Beach Club. 

St. Denis 

46 


Julia P. 

Beach 

My favourite place to go is the beach to watch the sunset. 

St. Denis 


Beach 

The East side to me is a place to hang out. I like to go to the beach, play in 

the ravine and go to the cinema! Some things I do at the beach, go in the 

water and play beach volleyball. The ravine is a good place to go with my 

friends. 

St. Denis 

48 


Sofia R. 

Beach 

My favourite part about the beach is that I get to go swimming. I also get to 

make sand castles. I like to collect seashells. I think that the beach would 

have more ice cream trucks, hamsters everywhere in a hundred years. I 

want there to be free candy stores. 

St. Denis 


Roi D. 

Regent Park 

At the East side Toronto Regent Park there is an aquatic centre 

St. Paul’s 

50 


Jazmin R. 

Gerrard Square 

I like to play volleyball at recess. Volleyball is my first favourite sport. I play it 

with my friends everyday! 

I go shopping with my mom to get groceries at Gerrad Square 

St. Paul’s 


Yemariam 

St. Lawrence 

I like playing volleyball with my friends at school. Watching a movie at 

Rainbow Cinema 

St. Paul’s 

52 


Rose N. 

East Side 

I live on the east side. I love my home but we had to move the house, we 

gone. I miss my finds, my home but we went to a new house. 

St. Paul’s 


Rodvin B. 

St. Lawrence 

To me the East side is a place with many lovely people. Also a place with 

many memorial buildings and places. Such as our school and the St. 

Lawrence market. The East side is where many of my friends live and on 

the East side I do a lot of things even though I live on the West side. I even 

do more things on the East side than I do on the West side. 

St. Paul’s 

54 


Zoe 

Cherry Beach 

To me the East side is home. My story is… 

One day my dad and I went to Cherry Beach. My dad asked me “where 

the dog?” 

“Behind you,” I replied. 

My dad turned around, “Where?” 

“Behind you!” I replied. 

He turned around again and saw our dog. We smile and laughed. 

St. Paul’s 


John A. 

St. Lawrence 

On the East side of Toronto, I went to the Rainbow cinemas to watch 

Avengers 2 the whole movie was about Iron creating a good robot that 

went wrong. So he turned evil and could upgrade himself by a very, very 

strong metal called “vibranium” so before the movie my mom bought some 

popcorn, candy and drinks, after the movie that started at 3:30 to 6:00. 

We went out and had dinner and then my uncle picked us up to go home. 

St. Paul’s 

56 


Quincey W. 

Regent Park 

One day at RPSM (Regent Park) I did a performance with my choir and my 

friends also go to the same choir as I do. We have to perform a lot. Regent 

Park is really really fun. 

St. Paul’s 


Aquatic Centre in Regent Park 

Regent Park 

One day at the Aquatic centre. My friend and I were on the diving board, 

then he tripped off the diving board. 

St. Paul’s 

58 


Playing at Nelson Mandela 

Regent Park 

I like to go to Nelson Mandela soccer field because not only I love soccer 

but I’m also really good at it. I also like going to the aquatic centre with my 

friends because its fun to be with your friends when you’re swimming. The 

adidas store because I can get all the equipment I need for soccer. 

St. Paul’s 


Jonathan R. 

St. Lawrence 

The Eastside is awesome. My favourite place to have fun is the Esplanade 

basketball court. I had an amazing time at St. Lawrence summer camp 

where we went to many water parks. We went on scary water slides. The 

east side to me is a peaceful and fun place. I think in 100 years, the East 

side will be floating and there will be flying cars and cyborgs. My favourite 

memory of the East side is when I scored soccer team in St. Lawrence 

soccer game. 

St. Michael 

60 


Mackay 

St. Lawrence 

The East side is a great place. I’ve grown up here and it has such great 

spots to hang, eat, play and just do whatever. One of the things that I 

love most about the East side is the extremely friendly people. I love just 

seeing someone I know and just talking to them on the sidewalk. The one 

thing I don’t love about the East Side is how there is so much construction 

and pollution. When I see all of the smoke coming out of building vents, 

it makes me sad to know that near the beginning of time everyone relied 

on nature and now it’s technology we rely on. Often times I wonder what 

it’d be like to not have any technology invented at all – I think it would 

help make us more dependent on nature. I love the food here! There’s 

chocolate factories, food trucks/stands (not grease trucks!) that are so 

delicious. One of my favourite spots to eat is Bellisimo’s Pizzeria (I am 

obsessed with the poutine!) and Balzac’s café. The best fries are Jamie 

Kennedy’s Frites that are dressed in thyme, salt and sea salt. A great spot 

in the East side is the Distillery – gorgeous thing to see, music to listen to 

and food + clothing + accessories to buy. The St. Lawrence market is an 

amazing and happening place to be on a Saturday. One of the sad things 

is the homelessness, there is not a massive amount but not a small one 

either. The East side has a great visual too, the parks and some older 

buildings are just 

stunning. The East 

side is Amazing! 

St. Michael 


The Carkwheel Story 

Jayden D. 

St. Lawrence 

One school day the lunch bell rang for lunch recess. Suubi, Ale and I went 

to a part of the school yard. I did not run, a chatch up then a cartwheel! 

St. Michael 

62 


Rediet Y. 

Beach 

My favourite thing to do in the East side is to hang out with my friends, go to 

beaches and go to malls. I also enjoy going swimming at the aquatic center. 

St. Michael 


Sarah 

East Side 

I have enjoyed many things in this area I call home. Such as going to the 

movies when I saw Big Hero 6 for the first time. There are many fun parks 

to go to for all ages. My whole like I have lived here. I got my first pet at the 

tails pet store which has moved twice. I like going to the beach to collect 

glass and rock etc. What I might enjoy most is shooting hoops in my 

driveway, which is not a distinct thing in the neighbourhood, just going to 

mention it. I really like going to my favourite sporting stores where I get my 

Saskatchewan Roughrider jerseys. I also enjoy going to my favourite milk 

store, it’s flavoured. Someday I hope that there will be good gym really close 

to us. Also the CN 

tower is one of 

the most amazing 

buildings ever. 

St. Michael 

64 


Leah 

Beach 

I like going to the beach with my friends and hanging out. I like how there are 

lots of trees and parks in the neighbourhood. I think in 100 years, the east 

side will be all condos, but I hope there will be more parks and the area will 

still be the same. 

St. Michael 


Hayden 

East Side 

I like to have playdates with my friends. I love the beach on the east side. 

Also I love the bike path because it goes super far and I also love Ed’s real 

scoop for ice cream and I love my big backyard also the big space so I can 

play soccer. 

St. Michael 

66 


Elizabeth 

Beach 

I love the East side of Toronto, there are many fun places to go like the 

beach. It is fun to live here with so much to do. I love to go to the movies 

and play volleyball at the courts on the beach, go biking on the trails, shop 

on queen, go to Mcds and get snacks, stroll though the ravine. I love it here! 

St. Michael 


Mary H. 

Beach 

My favourite places on the East side are the Balmy Beach Club and Ed’s 

real scoop. Ed’s is awesome because it makes the best ice cream. I like the 

Balmy Beach Club because it’s a great place to play sports and hang out 

with friends also I like to go there because I do camp there in the summer. 

St. Michael 

68 


Isabella 

Beach 

My favourite part of beach is to play in the sand and swim. Also collect 

seashells. I think the beach there is going to be more shops also more 

people living in the beaches. I hope for flying car because I want a flying car. 

The Eastside means lots of fun with my friends and I like to go to Ed’s. 

St. Michael 


Max 

East Side 

Afterschool in the east side, I normally go to a baseball diamond and hit 

some balls. I also like to go on a bike ride down at the boardwalk. I also like 

to go to the docs and go to the driving range and go-karts. 

70 


Beach 

GOOF: #1 Place to eat in the Beaches! 


Beach 

To me the East side is where i grew up. It is my home i love school and 

i would not want to live anywhere else. The people on the East side are 

known for being friendly and always busy and rushed because there is 

so much traffic on the East side. It would be so great if there was not so 

much traffic on the east side. It would also be good if there was not so 

much garbage down at the beach and all the streets and if the line at Ed’s 

wasn’t so long. The best secret is the beautiful beaches. 

72 


Falling, I heard God’s Voice In The Trees 

Joylyn Chai 

Danforth 

My eternal gratitude to the friends and neighbours who helped me after I 

was in an ACCIDENT on the Danforth. 

We stare at a reflection of ourselves every day and forget who we are. We 

might not know ourselves or what matters. We heave and pull at our heavy 

hearts: Lie down, crawl, stand still. Then, in a split second, we’ve fallen. 

Without help, we cannot rise again. Muck and blood commingle. We are 

startled by nothing: the darkness, the descent, the inability to connect 

stray thoughts and repetitive words. This makes jarring sense. Everything 

is obliterated 

oblivion. Nothing 

is important. 

What remains 

is the possibility 

of nothing, the 

absolute certainty 

of nothing. So 

much blood and 

bruising, pressure 

and burning 

released. A handful 

of water opening 

under water. 


Corktown 

The East side is my home. I have lived here about half my life but it feels 

like forever. I like to go to the park with my friends and family and ride my 

bike on the bike paths. I think some things could be improved, like more 

security around back allies/lanes, because i have heard numerous times 

about how someone was shot or killed. Also, I live near a school called 

St. Paul’s where there is a good Shepperd shelter across from it and I find 

that sad. Who puts a homeless shelter across from a school? I think in 100 

years, the East side will be improved in some ways, but the sad thing is, I 

imagine grey skies because of all the pollution. I imagine living in the East 

side when i grow older, so i can only hope things changing for the better. 

74 


Felicity Z. 

Beach 

What I wish is that the government will stop building condos and stop 

destroying the village of the beaches. My favourite place in the beaches is 

the boardwalk and shopping on Queen St. with my friends. 


Luella Price Lane 

Joanne Doucette 

Indian Bazaar 

I have suggested to Paula Fletcher, our local City Councillor, that the eastwest 

laneway running from Greenwood east, north of Gerrard, be named 

the Luella Price Lane. Here is the background below. The laneway would 

celebrate a notable woman who survived slavery to come to Canada and 

built a new life. There is very little awareness of the Afro-Canadian history in 

this neighbourhood. This would highlight it. 

Luella Price, 6 Redwood Ave 

Luella Price was born June 20, 1858 at the time of slavery in Virginia and came to 

Canada in 1885. She died in Toronto on June 15th, 1935 and lived at 6 Redwood 

Ave. She is listed on her death certificate as “a housewife” but she was so much 

more. She was a dressmaker and for many years she ran a boarding house. She also 

had a restaurant on York Street in the heart of Toronto’s black community. Prominent 

members of that community, including Elisha Edmunds and John Hubbard, boarded 

with the Prices. 

Her husband Grandison (or Granison) Thomas Price was born March 1, 1857 at the 

time of slavery in Maryland. Grandison Price is listed at Perry County, Alabama in the 

1866 Alabama State Census “Coloured Population”. 

Grandison Price and Luella Cooper were married in Washington, D.C. in 1875. He 

immigrated to Canada in 1883. He was a barber in 1891 but became a porter on the 

railroad and worked for the CPR. They had at least one child, a boy, who died young. 

They adopted a son, Robert J. Lynch who was a waiter on the railway. They were 

active in the Baptist Church. In 1911 they lived on Morse Street and became relatively 

well-to-do (having insurance worth $3,000). 

In 1915 Luella Price built the three-storey brick apartment house, 6 Redwood Avenue. 

It cost about $9,500 to build. 

Grandison T. Price died on April 10, 1921. They are both buried in St. John of Norway 

Cemetery. 

76 


From Plato to this day at Danforth pt.1 

Mohammad Fida 

Greektown 

The East side in Toronto means to me as ‘my home’ for dwelling around Danforth Ave 

since 1982. It has interesting stories on how fast it grew up during the last three decades 

of Time. In the beginning it was mostly Greek and English peoples’ old village known even 

to Americans. But in 1990’s after the fall of Soviet Union, the new world order made the 

‘Toronto East end’ becomes a multi cultural location with a lot to explore 

In the beginning I remember the TTC station of Donlands was the Danforth Station. With 

the passage of time TTC management got more realist and intelligent by providing its 

services in a modern faster and scientific ways. Thus the Danforth Village at the turn of 

the century got recognized as the Greek village with a big gate erected by the municipality 

at Danforth / Joan Ave intersection and this village ends at the Broadview intersection. It 

is not that big area but still have Broadview, Chester, and Pape /Donlands stations which 

the residents move around promptly in the GTA. The Greek village is negotiable on foot for 

just one hour walk. Interesting scenario is the historical version of its people whom mean 

to civilization lot as all recorded civilization on earth begun after the era of Plato, the Great 

Greek Scholar before Christ. Just image about the era 430 B.C and visualize Alexander 

the great marching over to India. There he could defeat the Indian forces of elephant 

infantry of Rajah Pours as his elephants turned back and walked over own soldiers. Since 

then lot of import and export occurred between the two civilizations and it is all that history 

one may recall about at this corner of the East side of Toronto. This may make you walk in 

History with the evolution of philosophy from Plato and Aristotle up to Karl Marks ... and at 

each step you will say yes mankind has always been in search of better standard of living 

and freedom which even prompted our generations to immigrate to Canada from around 

the whole world. 

In 1980’s when I came to this area there was no Muslim mosque but those few Muslims 

from India and Pakistan had then begun to appear on Danforth Ave. Then about a dozen 

strong could gathered on Danforth and Euston Ave where we have a big 7 /11 store now 

and they got a basement to do their worship etc. Then to the Eastward of Danforth Ave/ 

Donland intersection we had many Churches and Muslims could buy one church on the 

south of Danfo1ih at Donland intersection. In 1983 it was just available for worship after 

a little ofremodeling. And today “Medina Mosque” has become a great Tourist attraction 

with its high rising minarets and two domes contributing lot to the beauty of the Danforth 

Ave at the Donlands junction as Muslims from all national background do visit the mosque 

frequently for their five prayers daily worship and a special gathering on each Friday with 

two occasions of Eid prayers annually. Maulana Siraj Its Imam has contributed great 

service for the modernization of this mosque. 



From Plato to this day at Danforth pt.2 

Mohammad Fida 

Yes! Toronto’s east end at this corner is a great retlection of our Torontonian cultural mix, 

accommodation and multi-cultural-ism which is exclusively the ‘Canadian way’! People 

from all walks of life and background are dwelling here for their own good and better 

future with a great humor and civic sense. 

In this area of Greek Village one has not only access to all sorts of business and services 

but government facilities too. For new comers the Wood Green community center is 

available around the clock while for massage therapy you have dozens of bars open with 

all facilities. 

Asian European and African food and drinks are right next door on the Greek Village 

at Danforth ave. This means that this side of our Toronto East has opportunities for job 

seekers too. Big Groceries are at the walking distance and Indian Bazaar on Gerald and 

Cox well is just minutes away. Doctors and dentists ‘besides Eye doctors are available as 

bars and bakeries keep the costumers happy round the clock. 

The Greek community celebrates three big festivals annually in this area. One is the 

Freedom March when they got liberated from the Turkish subjugation, 2nd is the spring 

march and yet another festival of the Greek village is celebrating ‘The Taste of the 

Danforth’. This year 22nd festival is being celebrated on Friday 7th of August to 9th .lt will 

be a great fun. Please visit the web page at www.greektowntoronto.com/ to know that 

how millions of people from around the world pour down to taste and feel this international 

street festival... 

78 


The Tug of the East Side 

Sharon McMillan 

East Side 

While I spent my earliest years on the west side (in Parkdale), my parents didn’t stay in our lovely, creaky 

old house south of Queen St. for very long. When I turned seven my parents moved us to the north east 

end of Toronto (Agincourt) where every tree had been removed to make way for crescents filled with new 

homes. We eventually went even further north and eastward to Markham where parents finally settled. 

I resented our move from the city for as long as I could remember and always claimed the West side 

of Toronto was the best because my earliest happy memories took place there. I promised myself 

I’d be moving back as soon as I could swing it. Fast forward through university, to work in the U.S., 

and finally to a return to Toronto where I surprised myself by moving my own family not West, as I 

intended, but East to the comfort of a Markham home, close to grandparents. 

This is what happened: I finally embraced the fact that I am an east-ender. When I travel on the West 

side I inevitably get lost (especially around Keel St.) and always miss the familiarity of my East side 

neighbourhoods. There was a time I could not admit that publicly, but embracing by East side roots 

has been exhilarating! 

Two years ago when my husband and I began looking to downsize to a condo, we couldn’t escape 

the fact that we loved all things on the east side of the city. The charm, convenience and history of St. 

Lawrence Market and Old Town Toronto had grown on us as we commuted over the years to the city 

for work and entertainment. 

Movies in Market Square; veal parmesan sandwiches at St. Lawrence Market; the Christmas Market 

in the Distillery District; coffee at Balzac’s on Market St., the gardens in St. James Park, “everything” 

about Corktown Common and; Eggs Benny at Le Petit Déjeuner on King...are just some of the 

reasons why I love the East side. 

My favourite places to dream on the East side are: Berczy Park in the winter, and the promenade at 

Sherbourne Common in the summer. 

The East side has lovingly retained the old parts of our city that reflect the earliest beginnings of 

Toronto while at the same time making the best use of cutting edge technology, innovation and the 

creative ideas of our culturally diverse residents. That mix has helped to 

make life on the East side welcoming, exciting, engaging and memorable. 

My vision for the East side in 100 years is that we have neighbourhoods so 

well connected that everyone feels a part of the East side and each resident 

- especially our youth and our seniors - is equipped to participate fully in 

the local every day workings of the community. I envision many more parks, 

and numerous safe and inspiring places to walk and cycle. I also envision a 

strong and vibrant local economy where residents support local merchants 

and suppliers because they are served so well by them. 

After living in so many parts of the city and even in other countries, without 

question my heart lives on Toronto’s East side! 


Diane Walton 

Leslieville 

Back in October, I adopted a sweet, big old dog named Sunshine from 

the Humane Society. As I’ve had dogs before our first venture was to 

Greenwood Dog Park. Nope - she had no interest in going there. I tried for 

3 consecutive days to lead her up that garden path, to no avail. It seemed 

she preferred the company of the sidewalks of Leslieville, where no doubt, 

the ‘food pickings’ were better! I quickly learned she was a food monger. 

She’s a Great Pyrenees, a breed I had no real knowledge of, so went with 

the flow. We walked the streets of Leslieville instead. One day in December 

I decided to bring my camera along, took a sweet pic of a man, his son and 

their dog. I posted the pic on the Leslieville Facebook Group and told this 

story above. Thus began ‘Day 1: A Day in the Life of Leslieville...’ where I 

announced that I was going to start a daily photograph post of something 

interesting from my morning walks with Sunshine, my adopted dog. As 

I write, we are on Day 200, and going strong! The project has not only 

introduced me to a whole slew of new and wonderful Leslievillians, but I 

am seeing a neighbourhood I’ve lived in for 12 years with new eyes. I am 

loving this renaissance. I was a working photographer back in the day, but 

had not been that avid a photographer for years until I began this project. 

Photographing our neighbourhood has opened a new world for me. To see 

the project from Day 1 or any Day, click on the link and begin your journey. 

80 


Comfort in the East side 

Lillian Morimoto 

Leslieville 

The East side to me is comfort. I know I am home when I see the familiar 

houses, parks and people strolling along the sidewalk. When I moved for 

University I often became home sick, waiting for the days when I can go 

back home. Home to me is not just the house that I have lived in since I was 

young, it is the area, the East side. I have so many memories in different 

parts of the East side. This includes tobogganning down the hills in the park 

I live right across from with my cousins when I was younger, and rolling the 

largest snowball in comparison to the other kids. Or taking a jog down the 

trail towards the beach during the summer time and running into flocks of 

geese. The tears, laughter and experiences that I have shared with people, 

that have come and gone from my life, will always be remembered when 

I walk around the neighbourhood. Although people change, the area and 

small details of the East side remain the same. The sight of these places give 

me a rush of those memories and a sigh of relief in my heart, as if I can finally 

be comfortable and let myself relax. 


Friends: They’ve Got Your Back 

Michael Bilas 

Regent Park 

The East side to me is dynamic and life-changing. Ever since I could 

remember, I have been living my life in Regent Park. Sprucecourt Public 

School was the elementary school where I grew up and also encountered 

and gained many friends along the way. After my sixth grade graduation, 

I had to say goodbye to a few of my friends since they were not attending 

the same middle school, Queen Alexandra Middle School (Queen A.), as 

me. It was hard, but during my two years at Queen A. I met new people 

who became my friends. High school was the next step for me, so I 

entered Jarvis Collegiate Institute and this was where I truly changed 

and found my identity. High school was a time of cliques, popularity, 

experiences, and figuring out who I was as a person. Sure I have had my 

ups and downs, but it was those experiences that made me who I am 

today. I met wonderful people whom I cherish even to day and support me 

with decisions I make. Presently, I am attending Ryerson University for my 

undergraduate nursing degree. Post-secondary life is teaching me how 

to become an adult and how to be more responsible with the decisions I 

make. Of course, school is stressful and I would not be able to cope with 

the stress if it were not for my friends whom I met in my elementary years 

since day one. I do not know what the future has in store for me, but what 

I do know is that my friends will always have my back to help me with 

every step of the way. 

82 


Hiking in the East 

Candice Nguyen 


The East side to me will always be home. It has everything you could 

ask for. My favourite place to dream in the East side is on top of the 

hills at Riverdale Park after a great workout while looking over the city’s 

landscape. My vision for the East side in 100 years is the development of 

some neighbourhoods into welcoming areas for families and tourists. 



Sajida Ahlip 


I think of myself as a city girl. I love downtown Toronto, including the 

skyscrapers, the lights and the seemingly never-ending hustle and bustle 

of people. However, sometimes I start to miss wide, open green spaces. 

This is why Riverdale Park is one of my favourite places in the East side. 

When I was younger, my dad would take my siblings and I to Riverdale 

park for some fresh air and exercise. We would kick a soccer ball around, 

play volleyball or walk around the track. Nowadays, I enjoy going to the 

park with my friends to play badminton during the summer and sometimes 

just sit on the hill to relax and catch up on each other’s lives. On snowy 

winter days, my siblings and I love to go tobogganing on the steep hills. It’s 

a nice, refreshing change of pace from the usual downtown environment 

and not to mention a great way to spend time with family and friends. 

Riverdale park is one of the many gems in the East side! 

84 


Fairy Tale Wedding Pictures 

Louise Maynard 

Ashbridges Estate 

I have lived in Riverdale/Leslieville my whole life. When I got my first nonbabysitting 

job as a receptionist in a car dealership when I was 18 I would 

take the 501 Streetcar east from Boulton Ave to Coxwell Ave and pass 

the Ashbridges Estate. I loved looking at the beautiful house and the 

gardens; watching the colours change with the season, the beauty in the 

gardens and the history of the house and the estate. Every time I would 

pass the estate I would think to myself one day I am going to have my 

wedding pictures taken there; it’s the perfect place. I changed jobs and 

the years went on but still every time I passed the estate I had the same 

thought - my wedding photos. Fast forward several years to 1994 and I 

started working at Applegrove in the Duke of Connaught School behind 

the Ashbridges Estate and I met my Wally. Wally proposed and after a long 

engagement we set the date September 8, 2001. The hall was booked, 

caterer hired, wedding party ready to go and then I was able to make one 

of my other dreams come true, I contacted the right people and booked 

the Ashbridges Estate for my wedding pictures. The perfect way to 

remember our perfect day. 


Beef Patty 

Danielle Couto 

Riverdale 

I remember when I was in gr. 8 I used to hang out with my friends after 

school. Everyday after school we would go to the corner store to buy a 

beef patty. After we would go to the park near the store, sit there, and talk 

about life. Those were some of the best memories of my childhood. 

86 


Blair 

Beach 

Growing up next to the beaches was such a thrill. I love being able to 

walk outside and 30 seconds later have my feet in the sand. And in 

winter watching the waves crash on the shore and freeze into crazy ice 

sculptures was always exhilarating. 


My Home 

Enney Hoang 

Beach 

The east side to me is home. It is where I have met all my best friends and 

where I’ve spent time with my family. I remembering entering my theatre 

to apply for a job because that’s what my friends wanted to do. I had no 

expectations of getting hired at 14, but I did. I have been there ever since 

and have learned and created bonds that I will never forget. When I think 

of the east side I think of family, friendship and the beaches, it’s simply my 

home and where I grew up. 

88 


East Side Identity 

Karl Wang 

Indian Bazaar 

I remember when I was a kid, my parents asked my brother and I if we would 

be okay with moving North. I remember we were yelling, stomping, and latching 

onto our parent’s legs while we screaming No! 

The East is a place I call home, as a child I could of never imagined living some 

where else other than here. Even now, whenever I travel I miss it, it makes me 

sick when I am away from my HOME for too long. I also can not picture my 

future without it. The East is a place where I want my family to be, a place where 

I can picture my future family being. In a sense, you can say I am attached. All 

my fondest memories, places, moments, friends all exist here. The East side is 

a place I hold dear to my heart, I feel it is a part of my identity. It has created a 

permanent bond with me, a bond so strong that I feel is unbreakable. 

The East side is growing, the developments in areas like Regent Park, and 

Parliament & King leave a promising feeling inside me. I can’t wait to see how 

these places turn out, and how those communities will grow. In a 100 years I can 

see the East being full of life, a staple in the city where people feel the need to 

be a part of it too. I can see the East side being a leader in culture and diversity. 

Just from growing up here in the school system I have felt that. As a child I was 

always drawn to diversity, and I always thought to myself that I was quite lucky to 

be brought up in one of the most diverse areas in the city! 

The East side is not just an area of land in Toronto. It has it’s own identity, just like 

how each individual has their own identity. And thus, the East side is completely 

unique and unlike any other area in Toronto. The East side does not solely rely 

on it’s establishments within it to make it unique. The people, the communities, 

and leaders contribute heavily towards it’s name everyday! And I can say I am so 

grateful to be a part of it. Whenever people ask me which part of Toronto I live in, 

I wear it like a medal on my chest and respond, “In the East side.” 


The Market Gallery Surprise 

The Market Gallery City of Toronto 

St. Lawrence 

On a busy Saturday morning, the elevator door opens to the 2nd floor of the St. 

Lawrence Market; allowing a family with a young child a glimpse into the Market 

Gallery. A little voice asks in wonder, “What is this place?” as the family enters. They’re 

greeted by a staff person that welcomes the family with a smile, and explains the 

current exhibit. The child becomes excited by the table that lay just ahead, covered with 

paint, crayons, and other art materials. They’ve happened upon the event, Summer 

Saturdays at the Market Gallery, where free arts & crafts are offered. “Mom, can we 

make a crafty?” says the little voice, almost too quiet to hear. She spends some time 

creating her work of art, while the parents tour the gallery. The parents take their 

time with the exhibit, but eventually make a move to leave. The child presses for just 

a few more minutes, “Please mama, it’s not perfect yet!” The Gallery Clerk engages 

the parents, sharing the history of the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood and the 

Market Gallery. The parents are surprised to hear that the Market Gallery resides in 

what was once the council chamber of Toronto’s original City Hall. Again, the parents 

try to convince the child to move on. “Oh no, just a few more minutes,” she pleads. 

Finally finished, the child, initially so tentative about coming into the gallery, uses her 

biggest voice to let everyone know that this was the best place she’d visited in Toronto. 

She shows off her work of art with pride and says, “Let’s come back next Saturday to 

see what craft they’ll have.” The mother reminds the child that they would back home 

by then, far from Toronto; far from Canada. “Oh please mama, I want to come back!” 

The gallery clerk hands the child instructions for another arts & craft activity that could 

be done later at home. The child and parents, satisfied, leave the gallery for other 

adventures. The east side to us at the Market Gallery is welcoming and engaging. 

90 


East-end edition - amydagoldfish 

Amy Li 

East Chinatown 

The east end represents my origin and how I was brought up. I live 

between Riverside/Queen street east and the smaller part of Chinatown. I 

get to soak in the mix of both western and eastern cultures. Although parts 

of the east-end can be intimidating it helped me build a tough skin and to 

not be afraid to express how I feel. I got the opportunity to grow up with 

my Asian culture and have the access to explore what’s outside of it. To 

illustrate, living on the east end is very convenient to the heart of Toronto. I 

get to experience and learn and explore what the city has to offer, while still 

being close to home. 

I’m saddened to see how the area is becoming more industrialized and 

modernized. I wish more of smaller stores but they’re being replaced 

by bigger chained stores. We get sucked into this void of being rushed, 

pushed and pressured that no one really has the time to relax and breathe. 

One of a great place to let loose is Riverdale Park. We get to enjoy the 

pretty colours of the sun setting. But even then the scenery is disturbed by 

all the construction sites going on and the blinding lights of the city and the 

cars zooming by and the TTC screeching against the tracks and getting a 

whiff of cigarettes. 


Daydream at the Market Gallery 

Melissa Beynon 

St. Lawrence 

The East side to me is a great big wonderful community; full of history, 

diversity, and culture. One of my favourite spots in the East side is the 

St. Lawrence neighbourhood. In the heart of this neighbourhood is the 

Market Gallery, one of the City of Toronto’s Historic Sites. It is a peaceful 

space tucked away on the second floor of the South St. Lawrence Market. 

I used to live next door, and always found the time to stop by the Market 

Gallery to see the latest exhibit. It has always been a great place to take 

a moment away from the hustle and bustle of the market, and downtown 

life in general. I love that the changing exhibits reflect a different aspect 

of Toronto’s culture and history. My favourite exhibits in the past include 

works from the City of Toronto’s fine art collection. I love learning about 

local artists and 

seeing our great 

city from their 

perspective. The 

Market Gallery is a 

great place to learn 

something new 

about Toronto, and, 

get caught up in a 

daydream! 

92 


Cycle of the East 

Ivy Quach 

East Side 

The East side to me is the foundation of who I am today. It is where all my 

childhood, teenage, and adult memories have rooted itself and grown, 

whether it’s at home, at elementary, middle or highschool. At the age 

of four I fondly remember climbing and exploring, what was considered 

a ginormous garden as child; picking wild berries, planting seeds, and 

capturing ladybugs. I felt like I was in my own little world of curiosity. It 

sprouted my love for exploring the outdoor and unknown expanse of the 

east. And when I was in my teen years, I was able to go exploring at greater 

distances in the larger parts of the east on my bicycle. Each destination that 

I rode through would become incorporated into my memories. I find it so 

comforting when I can share, experience, and form these memories with my 

friends. Whether it’s riding in the cold hard rain and picking/eat wild berries 

on tree (on the same day) or serendipitously discovering unknown part of 

Toronto; I have many wonderful memories in the east (Riverdale Area). And 

one of the most memorable cycling experiences so far was discovering 

the existence of Tommy Thompson Park with my friends. We rode our 

bikes for what felt likes hours..maybe hours... along a bike trail until with no 

destination in mind until we reached an endpoint and discovered a fabulous 

light house. The bike ride there was serene and it made me question where 

place has been all my life. Exploring the east is like the accumulation of more 

wonderful experiences to who I am. As I cycle further east I can’t help but 

notice distinct changes to the geographical landscapes and structures. In 

the process of cycling through, I feel like I change as these destinations... It’s 

a cycle. Just because I’ve opened my eyes a little more to what the east has 

to offer. I hope to take in as much as I can before the landscape changes 

again. As right before my eyes my community, Regent Park, is redeveloping. 

There’s still so much to see, especially when east has many hidden gems. I 

recently discovered Rouge Beach. How did I not know of its existence until 

this year? Or even Scarborough Bluffs? ....Let’s continue cycling through the 

East. Join me will you? Haha :) 


Finding Compassion 

Briane Nasimok 

East Side 

When I finally headed out on my own in the world, I came East (okay 

it was only from Bathurst and Eglinton) and found a community that 

seemed to care genuinely for each other. I lost my grandparents at an 

early age so when I acquired a house on Langley, next to an older couple 

I was intrigued. Members of the community were always there when they 

needed help with shopping or errands and soon after I joined the “team”. 

After her husband died I believe my greatest addition to Bernice’s life was 

my dog Scmutzy - who Bernice always called “Sweetie”( mainly because 

Bernice was a touch deaf). When I would go off to work in the morning, I’d 

drop Sweetie off next door - and pick her up at the end of day. And then 

when I took a little sabbatical from employment - I still had to drop the dog 

off every day - even though I was still at home. Bernice got sick and went 

to the hospital for a week and Sweetie pinned for her each day. When 

Bernice passed, Sweetie died the very next day. Three of us at the funeral 

remarked about their special bond. 

94 


East side is love 

Bonnie Chen 

Leslieville 

The East side to me is love. Love can be expressed in many different ways. 

Love is when I consider my elementary, middle, and high school friends 

my family. The ones who have created those childhood memories such as 

running around in the playground during recess, eating lunch together, and 

staying up working on school projects. 

Love is when I have access to everything conveniently and safely. I can 

walk on Queen Street East to find the items I need for dinner or ride the 

public transit to get downtown. Whether it’s exploring new restaurants, 

entertainment for the weekend, or evening strolls to parks, I am 

surrounded with endless choices. 

Love is when I see smiles all around. People are friendly, happy and 

excited to be in the East side. A simple wave or compliment can make 

someone’s day. 

How do you express love in the East side? 


Dancers Stranded by 

Cholera Occupy Former Post Office 

Mary Jane Warner 

St. Lawrence 

Toronto Dance Teachers 1825-1925, Dance Collection Danse Press/es, 

Toronto, 1995 

In December of 1839 a short-lived dance academy opened in the former 

post office on Duke Street. Earlier that year Postmaster Charles Berczy 

had relocated the office and his family to Front Street and James Scott 

Howard, Berczy’s predecessor and the building’s owner, had to find 

other tenants until it could be sold. Two of the new occupants would 

be Dominique Checkini and his wife, ballet dancers who had been 

touring North America with a French company. They had been giving 

performances at the Theatre Royal on King Street until a cholera outbreak 

forced the group to disband. In rooms they then rented from Howard, the 

Checkinis offered instruction in quadrilles, mazurkas, gallopades, various 

waltzes, and fencing. 

In the early 19th century it was not unusual for ballet dancers to teach 

social dancing, both to supplement their meagre incomes and to promote 

their performances. Dominique Checkini certainly had the credentials. 

A veteran of the Italian Opera House, Drury Lane and Covent Garden 

theatres, he had also operated a dance school in London for eight years 

before joining the Ravel Brothers’ truncated tour. Toronto was to benefit 

from his expertise only briefly, however, as the couple departed in the 

spring of 1840. 

96 


Meet you on Queen St. East 

Robin Sokoloski 

Leslieville 

I moved to Toronto 12 years ago, knowing very little about the city. The 

friends that my husband and I went to university with in Ottawa were 

all from the Beaches. So, moving to East side of the city made perfect 

sense to us. We created a home for ourselves in Leslieville. In a way, our 

quaint little corner of the city has grown into itself, just as we have as 

Torontonians. No other place quite feels like home as where we are now. 

Although there are certainly businesses that have withstood the test of 

time, the majority of the store fronts along Queen St. E change regularly. 

Queen Street has been referred to as the artery of the City by many. The 

perfect cross section of the various neighbourhoods and diversity that 

the City has to offer. All that being said, the stretch between Bertmount 

and Logan will always exude great 

significance to me. This is where, 

at the point in my bike ride home 

from work that I’m able to shed 

my defenses, and meet my family 

to walk the rest of the way home 

together. 


Lara Lum 

East Side 

“The east side has been our home for 3 years and in that time we could 

not imagine being anywhere else. There is a sense of community and 

camaraderie that I have yet to find in other Toronto neighbourhoods. 

Everyone who lives here is passionate about the area; quick to support the 

new ventures, call out the naysayers and embrace the ever evolving aspect 

of the neighbourhood and residents. I couldn’t know what Toronto will be 

in 100 years, but I do know for certain that growth has come to the east 

and that it will continue to flourish as more and more of people discover 

the wonderful residents, buildings, schools and small town routines that 

only exist here in this big city.” 

98 


It Will Always Be My Home 

Kristie Luong 

East Side 

I don’t live in the east side of Toronto anymore, but it will always be my 

home. It is where I met a majority of my friends and it is a place where I 

spent the majority of my life. 

Many memories were made while living in the East side, memories that I will 

forever cherish. I still remember celebrating my birthday at the beach with 

everyone close to me, venturing off into the Taste of Danforth, and so much 

more. There is an abundance of activities to do and endless amounts of 

food to divulge in. The East end is also very multicultural. The diversity in this 

close knit neighbourhood never fails to give me a warm feeling inside. 

My friends and I go to different schools. Whether we be at McMaster, 

Laurier, Ryerson, York, or the University of Toronto we always find time to 

see each other in the East Side. East Toronto holds an important place in my 

heart even if I’m not physically there. 

One of my fondest memories is playing Mah Jong (a game originated in 

China) at one of my bestfriends’ houses. It was nice just spending time 

relaxing and playing the game leisurely. The game would sometimes get 

competitive, but none of us would ever get too roweled up. There were just 

a lot of smiles and laughter that day. 

My vision for the East side in 100 years is to keep being very multicultural 

and to keep hosting different street festivities. In addition, in recent years, 

there seems to have been more alarming crimes occurring. I hope for crime 

rates to drop. 

Lastly, like I mentioned above, although I don’t physically live in the East side 

anymore, It will still always be my home. 


Ruby Tuesday 

Ruby Mathers McHenry 

Leslieville 

My name is Ruby Cecilia Mathers McHenry. I just turned 5 years old. I 

live in a new condo in Lesleville with my Mama, my Mommy, and my little 

brother, Cy. I have the best view in the whole house because I can see the 

CN tower. I have lived in 5 houses in 5 years, but my moms say we are not 

moving anymore now that our condo is done. This home is my favourite 

because: my Auntie Linda lives around the corner, I can watch airplanes 

land on the island, and GO trains rush past the park; Jimmy Simpson 

Park is close; Ed’s ice cream is the best; The Roy poutine is delicious and 

I am allowed to eat there even though it is a grown up restaurant because 

I am very polite in restaurants; I can walk to my karate class; I can walk 

to my uncle Blair’s house (he has a pool!) and I can take a street car to 

my uncle’s Robert and uncle Ian’s house. The only thing I wish was in our 

neighbourhood that isn’t is the Ex (and I wish it was every day). 

100 


Home 

Brandon Smith 

East Side 

The East Side to me is a place I can call home. After leaving for university 

from small town Welland, ON at 18, moving about each summer until 

graduating and moving several times for my career, the East Side found 

me close to 10 years later. The East Side has given me a place of escape 

from the hustle and bustle of downtown, green space to sit, a familiar 

community to stroll, neighbours who I greet, a partner who I love and, 

once again in my life, a true home 


East enders through and through 

Ian Green 

East Side 

Growing up in Scarborough I am an east ender through and through. I 

have an urban family that lives, plays and loves on the east side. When I go 

to the west side I immediately appreciate the order and personality of the 

east. I honestly can’t imagine living anywhere else. 

102 


Feeding the community; 

growing engagement 

Jeannette Hanna 


My favourite east side innovation is the Beach Community Garden. Located by 

Ashbridge’s Bay, this assemblage of raised beds has been producing a bounty of fresh 

vegetables for the local food bank throughout the summer of 2015. It’s the brainchild 

of Alex Rochon-Terry and a host of community volunteers who built the beds and have 

lovingly tended a cornucopia of edibles that are harvested weekly for needy families. 

Alex and the team also use the garden as a learning environment for the community. 

They’ve led workshops on medicinal herbs and a how-to introduction to pickling. Local 

daycare kids come to learn about plants and how food grows. They’ve made “stinky 

spray” (an organic pesticide out of crushed marigolds, dish soap and water), butterfly 

nectar sponges and painted rocks for decorating the garden. As Rochon-Terry wrote in 

one newsletter, “When we pulled up a carrot from the ground, the whole bunch of kids 

went silent and were totally shocked by this crazy phenomenon!” The weekly “garden 

bees” for tending the crops, harvest mornings and special activities for youth have 

built a strong fellowship of gardeners. Every day, dog walkers, joggers and neighbours 

come by to marvel at the how much a little imagination, well rooted, can feed a whole 

community in so many ways! 


My East Side 

Jade Leadbetter 

East Side 

I grew up in the west, lived in Harbourfront for over 5 years but have built my home in 

the East. I love the East End because there is a sense of family and community here. I 

love to support local so I find myself wandering in and out of my favourite places not far 

from my home. My favourite spot to rest in the East End is in one of the many parks, 

Broadview especially, where I can have a gorgeous view of the City I call home. 

104 


Finding Home 

Kirsti Mathers McHenry 

Leslieville 

I moved to Toronto in 1997. I lived in a rundown apartment above a store at Queen and Spadina. 

Then I left. Then I came back. Then I moved west. Then I left again and returned again. I moved south 

and north and east (but not that far east - I thought the world ended at Church St.). Over six years, 

I lived in eight different neighbourhoods, all west of Yonge. Then I moved away again thinking that it 

could be forever. But first I fell in love. With a girl. Who lived in the east end. 

I spent a year driving between Ann Arbor, Michigan and Cabbagetown, Toronto. That year included 

innumerable long distance phone calls and many, many nights with my soon-to-be wife and her 

friends at the House on Parliament. Cabbagetown is where I found a wife and where I found a second 

family. In those days, our “urban family” gathered daily at the HOP to share stories of new jobs and 

new experiences and to vet people like me - girlfriends who showed up to urban family gatherings a 

little too often to be taken lightly. 

After a year, I moved to Cabbagetown. The urban family took me in but soon my wife and I were 

moving again; we moved south this time to King and Sherbourne. The walk to the HOP was longer 

and sometimes we convinced the gang to come south to Betty’s. We got married and decided to buy 

a house. The pull west was still strong for me and we ended up living at Harbord and Ossington. We 

missed the urban family - most of whom still lived in the east but we biked east a lot and met in the 

middle a lot and hosted the family a lot. 

Now we have two children and a new condo in Leslieville. We are surrounded by parks and ice cream 

and love. Uncle Robert and Uncle Ian stop by Jimmie Simpson park on their bikes when they are out 

to visit us. Uncle Blair lives just over the Riverside Bridge and we go there to swim in the summer. Aunt 

Lara and Uncle Julian bought a place near Little India and we can’t wait until they move in. The rest of 

the urban family lives on the east side, but a little far north for our liking. (We’re working on them.) 

Our children live an amazing life - we walk, we 

take the TTC, we enjoy great food and amazing 

company in parks, restaurants and in our building. 

Riding the streetcar over the Riverside Bridge or 

passing Regent Park on Dundas trigger a calm 

and happiness in me - a sense that I am close to 

home. We have a community here that is beyond 

anything I have experienced anywhere else. The 

neighbourhood is amazing, but the fact that it has 

attracted so many of our people to it makes it 

something more; it makes it home. 


Return to the east side 

Heather Worte 

Danforth 

I’ve lived everywhere in Toronto. In 10 years I’ve moved 8 times. My first 

place was on Broadview with a view of the downtown skyline and as a 

small town kid first time in a huge city I remember thinking the city seemed 

so close. Soon I felt like I grew out of the east end and that downtown 

view seemed so far away, I moved downtown, then moved west, then 

further west, then north, sometimes by choice sometimes not. And after 

10 years in Toronto I’ve found myself back on the Danforth and it feel more 

at home than anywhere else in the city. I now like the DVP divide between 

downtown and here, I like that it feels more laid back and community 

driven. I like the feast of the east, Detroit eatery breakfasts, hitch, left field 

brewery, the list goes on. My only hope is that the small community vibe 

sticks around as the east end popularity rises. East side till we die! 

106 


East Side 

In every city I’ve lived in the East End has been my home. 

My bike is the reason I love this city + the East Side is the best way to roll 

for adventure! 


Leslieville Farmer’s Market! 

Evelyn F. 

Leslieville 

108 


Park 

Umasekhri 

East Side 


Rainbow Park 

East Side 

110 


Park 

Kathryn 

East Side 


Taylor Creek Park 

112 



Miranda 

St. Lawrence 

St. Lawrence Market 

Market Street (yummy restaurants!) 

Distillery District (cobbled streets) 

Historic buildings 

Wonderful mix of people 

... my home! 



Mark Kerwin 

East Side 

A noise, a poem, a-fragrance-not-yet-subtle, a Brooklyn in the 

making, a hoot, a riot, a colourful parade, a green space, a wanting 

micro-manufacturing to return, a huge swath of opportunity, an 

#AlleywayofDreams, an artist’s canvas a bohemian haunt, a rollicking 

caucus tone and wandering paradise. 

114 



Beach 

home. 

My favourite place to dream on the East side is: 

a) in my back yard under the cherry tree 

b) along the boardwalk and on the beach 

c) under a tree in Kew Gardens 

I wish the East side had better transit on Queen (more buses to subway) 



Beach 

Jazz festival and beaches! 

116 



Theo 

Riverdale 

Where I learned to skate – in Riverdale Park – when I first came to Canada 

from the UK in 1981. My doctor is still at Broadview and Danforth; I never 

changed. I always loved the view of the city from Broadview. 



Lynee Patterson 

Riverside 

My home since 1991. I live in an old row house built in 1887. I didn’t 

choose RIverside, it was just that I found my house here. I’ve had the 

pleasure and fun of seeing the area change so much since ‘91. I volunteer 

with the BIA so am also actively involved. 

118 



Wallace 

East Side 

Where everyone knows your dog’s name. 



East Side 

East End RAWKS! It is one fo the few areas of Toronto that still feels like a 

neighbourhood. I know my neighbours people smile when you pass them 

on the street. It is a great place to live + work. 

I love all the restaurants and the people’s knowledge of what is happening 

around the ‘hood. 

120 



Scarborough Bluffs 

the first place I kissed a boy ... on the scarborough bluffs. 



East Side 

4 Farmers markets within walking distance! 

122 



David Setka 

Cherry Beach 

Cherry Beach! 



my beautiful home. my rest away from the core of the city. (+ streetcars) 

124 



East Side 

A place where you can have + enjoy communittee 



East Side 

• neighbors who care 

• the boardwalk 

• dog friendly 

126 


Parliament & Queen 

Humans of Toronto – East Side Edition 

Corktown 

“I am an actor and activist. And I probably would place the activist before 

the actor if the two were to go head to head. I say that because I came 

out of the whole beginning of the civil rights movement here in Canada and 

in the US. I was busy involved in that, which ranged from urban renewal 

and the scenes of the day like the Vietnamese war to the civil rights 

movements. But, I knew that in order to really do what I wanted to do, I 

had to take what I was learning and what I was doing and putting it into a 

form that I could best put out there, which would be the acting. You never 

really know because it takes someone else to let you know if you have 

done it.” 


Regent Park 


Regent Park 

“You know the stereotype of RP, the “ghetto”, the “hood” or people doing 

drugs? It’s not really like that, it’s a community, it’s mine.” 

128 


Regent Park 


Regent Park 

The hardest thing I’ve ever done is putting myself through 8 years of 

university and coming out the other side hopefully with a really good job. 

I studied Nutrition and always had a big interest in food, cooking, just 

interested in how we can live a better fuller life through food. I am from 

BC originally and one of the things I love about Toronto is all the amazing 

places to eat. 


Regent Park 


Regent Park 

“I always thought Regent Park was always full of creativity, and love 

for the community. It wasn’t without its difficulties, but it is and was an 

innovative community. One that brings people together, that is vital and 

vibrant. Not everyone shared this view, especially in the media. That wasn’t 

something that was considered when people talked about this eastern 

neighbourhood. Sometimes, it was dehumanizing and negative, and 

they totally missed what was great about it: the diversity or how people 

got a long. With the revitalization, I think there is a lot of effort in trying 

to recapture that. The difference is that it is more institutionalized; it is 

facilitated more by organizers and so on. There is tremendous change for 

the better, housing was the number one problem in this area and now it is 

incomparable to what it was.” 

Does the spirit remain? 

“Yes. I see it when I walk around the neighbourhood. Just walk.” 

130 


Parliament 


Regent Park 

“It’s a peaceful, where you can mostly be guaranteed food, shelter and 

where you can earn a life, that’s all good. But we have to remember 

that there are things that are still missing, like homelessness and people 

making laws and then breaking them.” 


Sherbourne and Bloor 


Bloor St. East 

“I feel guilty about not completing my nursing course. But I give back to 

society through my volunteer work and giving back is important to me.” 

132 


Carlaw and Danforth 


Danforth 

“I’m kind really ready for this guy. We’re ready.” 


Queen St. East 


Corktown 

“In elementary school, I was bullied a lot. It wasn’t necessarily the hardest 

thing coping with being bullied, the hardest thing was standing up against 

the bully and becoming more passionate about my arts, talents and 

myself. Just becoming who I really am and not focusing on how I look like 

in the bully’s eyes, but in my heart, in my mom and dad’s eyes. That was 

really hard to overcome, all my fears and insecurities, but I did. It was really 

good.” 

134 


Danforth 


Danforth 

“I don’t remember much. I was young, maybe 16? And I knew I had to 

leave. Maybe if she cared, I wouldn’t be here, but I guess I might’ve been 

trouble. It’s been more than twenty years since I left. I’d rather be here 

though even with the harassment.” 


Amanda’s Story 

St. Lawrence 

My friend and I went to the St. Lawrence market and it was my first time going there 

after 15 years. I haven’t been there since I was a kid. It was really awesome to be 

back there. We went on the weekend so it was crowded and busy. You can see 

the life and smell freshness out of this place! It was awesome. From the outside 

it doesn’t look like it’s going to be all that busy, it looks like a big arena. But on the 

inside there are all these little stands and some good sweets going on. We ate fish 

and chips, that was really good. I haven’t had a good set of fish and chips. 

I remember when I was younger, the St. Lawrence market was much more open and 

broad and not as busy but now it’s packed. It was a struggle to move around but in 

a good way. We also went to the rainbow cinema right across the market, it was a 

touch of nostalgia (not gong to say my age or how old I am), but it was a touch of 

nostalgia seeing the old school styles and the old school ways. It also has a touch of 

personalization. The side of the theatre had people selling goods that they’ve made 

by hand like crochet. I’m like ‘those are skills that I miss’. I come from a small town, 

we have these craft fairs that I used to go to as a kid and it brought back some of the 

memories. To be able to see people at skills that I don’t definitely do not have. I like 

the Rainbow Cinema than the popular theatres because it’s not overly loud, it’s small 

and cheaper. That’s a good thing. 

I want to know small inner workings of Toronto and little places that are like treasures. 

I think that many of them are placed on the east side. 

I was worried when I moved here a year and a bit ago. I started attending Ryerson 

in Fall 2014. As a student, a lot of places on the east side provide discount which is 

cool. I feel like it’s more welcoming, people understand Ryerson is a part of the east 

side community. I live at Neil-Wycik which has been around for ages. We get to live 

somewhere and be social at the same time. It is all these people from different spots 

around the world coming together in one building and learn so much. It’s so diverse 

here and it’s something I’ve been craving coming from a small town. I’ve been to 

a university elsewhere, not as friendly. The food! The food is so good here. I’m still 

learning about the East side. Only now I’m trying to hit the hot spots where people 

are telling me about. 

136 


Aneka’s Story 

Indian Bazaar 

I grew up around India Bazaar by Coxwell and Gerrard. I spent a lot of 

time at Gerrard Square and my mom would do her groceries there. It has 

developed to how it used to be. It used to be rundown and now when I go 

back, it’s a completely different little mall. When I was there, there wasn’t 

Wal-Mart, it used to be Zellers. 

What I love about Indian Bazaar… my dad developed really good friends. 

He has his own renovation business so he became really good friends with 

a lot of shop owners and he would do renovations for them. Whenever we 

go their stores, they would know our names. 

I love their corns during the summertime! They would BBQ roasted corns, 

squeeze some lemon and add some seasoning on it. It tasted SO good. 

That was my go to spot and they would to sell these yogurt popsicles too. 

We would relax and go on walks down Coxwell at night. We’ve built a lot 

of friendships with the people around that area. One of my uncles, who’s 

not really my uncle, would make curry duck. He’s Indian Guyanese and 

he knew a lot of the shop owners. One of the things they always sell were 

these stainless giant pots imported from India. So all of our pots and pans 

are from there. 

There has been a lot of development. I moved when I was 14 and I 

moved to Ajax. Back when I used to live there, there would be no Goodlife 

Fitness. Every time I go back, it’s definitely developing. Smaller businesses 

are being pushed away, the local stores are being pushed away and these 

large franchises are coming in. That’s something I’ve noticed when I go 

back. When I go back it’s definitely a different environment. 


Community 

Chinelle M. 

East Side 

My experience on the east-side is a mixed of negatives and positives. 

We can’t set aside the negatives because they are just as important. It is 

not in a way to denigrate the East-side but rather acknowledge area of 

improvements, things we can work on towards transcending. Some of 

the positives towards the East-side, it is more diverse than where I live 

(Scarborough region). I find where I’m from, there is a sense of community 

but when I come to the East-side, the diversity I see from people, the 

culture and the way things are run, I feel like it might be considered more 

inclusive but yet again we have to acknowledge exclusives to others. 

In terms of improvement, I would say the east-side needs more community 

development. Creating more programs and recreational facilities not just 

for youth but infants, children and even seniors to just have a place to 

relax and express themselves in different forms, whether that’s through 

art, knitting, dancing whatever it is that is comfortable to the individual or 

a group of individuals. I think that would be an asset and it will definitely 

be beneficial to strengthening community or communities on the east 

end. I feel like social service agencies that are willing to do, is lacking in its 

funding. There are a lot of them here but not a lot of people know about 

them, it could be that the word doesn’t get out or it could be intentional. 

They don’t want the word to get out to too many people because they 

can only accommodate that many. That’s the problem, reaching out to the 

government, provincial, federal municipal, all of them. 

138 


Eric 

Beach 

I like going to the beaches and play volleyball. I like the beaches because 

it’s a great place to relax and has a great bike path if you’re coming 

from Woodbine or anywhere on the Danforth. It’s all down hill and is a 

nice cruise during the summertime. I really like that there are a bunch 

of happy people on a summer day, friendly atmosphere and a diverse 

group of people. They have a beautiful Olympic size pool, they have a 

beach volleyball and sometimes they have small festivals of bands which 

I think is neat and cool. It would be nice for Lake Ontario to get cleaner, 

I don’t actually know how dirty or clean it is. I could just imagine it’s not 

the cleanest. Been said were initiatives were taken, saying that it’s clean 

but I don’t know how and what they did to make it clean. But overall the 

beaches is a very cool and good place. In 100 years from now, I think the 

beach will smell poopy. I hope to see no poop in the future. 


Linda’s Story 

Linda 

East Side 

The East side is a place where I can feel like I am two places at once. 

It has both the urban city vibe and a small community neighbourhood 

sensation. You get the urban feel of lights, busyness of local stores and 

restaurant, easy access to transit, people walking down and enjoying 

their days around the corner. You also get this friendliness from each 

communities. There are lots of parks, kids playing, dogs running and many 

community events. Different vibes in different neighbourhoods. 

To name a few: 

• St. Lawrence Market 

• East Chinatown 

• Regent Park 

• Cabbagetown 

• Riverdale Farm/Park 

• India Bazaar 

• Distillery District 

• Leslieville 

All these great neighbourhoods are at a walking distance and we are 

fortunate to have these on the East side. It’s important for people to 

recognize and appreciate the great treasures our East side has to offer. It 

saddens me to see many local stores on Queen St. East being removed 

because not many people explore the East Side. There are so many 

hidden gems especially people, former strangers you can sit and have 

good conversation without buzzing around trying to get somewhere or 

even feeling awkward. Check out the East side if you haven’t been, really 

got nothing to lose. I can say I’ve been living on the East side for my entire 

life and I can also say the East side is my home away from home. 

140 


Allysa Martirez 

East Side / Ryerson 

What I love most about the East Side is that there is always so much going 

on. I feel like I enter a whole new world when I come to the East Side. 

Although I don’t live here, I immediately feel like I belong because there is 

something for everyone here. The first thing that really made me feel like I 

belonged was the Tri-Mentoring Program. I was able to join a community 

of amazing people and receive support from great mentors. The east side 

opened me up to so many new opportunities, experiences and people that 

I would not have met otherwise. The east to me is a second home and 

somewhere that I will always dream about living in. 


Mentorship & Community 

on the East Side 

Jen Gonzales 


I have called the East side my home for the past 8 years. In addition to 

living in Cork town, I work at Ryerson University overseeing the work of 

talented professionals and students who contribute to the creation of a 

vibrant student life on campus. On my walk to work, I love seeing the 

changing landscape of the east side- parking lots becoming condos 

welcoming people to the neighbourhood, trees preserved standing 

strong in Moss Park, and new businesses and old businesses combined 

continuing to add character to our community. 

My commute to work is meditative, and once I get to Ryerson, I love 

popping into the Tri-Mentoring Program office to connect with students 

and staff who participate in the program. For those of us on the East side, 

we love talking about our commute in, who we saw, what we did, any 

adventures that came about as people traveled to the core of the city from 

the East. Incredible stories are shared, and while my personal experience 

of the East side may be small, it is in the sharing of our stories that I 

connect to a more expansive knowing of what the East Side is to many. 

Tri-Mentoring is proud to support the East Side Story as one of many 

community collaborative projects hosted on the East Side of Toronto. The 

Tri-Mentoring program works to build communities via mentorship, while 

connecting people to the experiences, knowledge, and empowerment 

needed to access and be successful inn post-secondary education. 

I love that TMP is part of building community on the East Side. For the 

students and staff that have passed through the TMP doors, and especially 

for those from the East Side, the welcoming office is a home away from 

home where big dreams are discovered, and enabled to come true. 

142 


Michelle’s Story 

Moss Park 

I live at Dundas and Sherbourne, which can be a pretty rough 

neighbourhood at the best of time. A lot of drugs, a lot of fighting and a 

lot of prostitution. It can be a tough area to live in, it can be a tough area 

and to try to get out, to enjoy the city. Because if you’re not involve in 

those activities it’s hard to find places that are safe. The two places that 

I found I love in my neighbourhood; one is Allen Gardens. Allen Gardens 

is a beautiful place at Gerrard and Sherbourne and it has a dog park. I’m 

visually impaired and I have a guide-dog and it’s really awesome to go for a 

walk and enjoy the park. We would go to the lease-free area and play with 

other puppies. I let Thompson run and play, be a dog. We’ve made lots 

of friends in the park, so Thompson he made a lot of doggy friends. On 

our way back we love to stop into the True Love Café, right at the corner 

of Dundas and Sherbourne to some delicious banana bread or apple 

pie, which is homemade, sooo good. Although the building is sketchy 

on the outside, the staffs are super friendly and the food is amazing. 

Some changes I want to see in my neighbourhood, more community 

engagement opportunities. We have a lot of kids in the neighbourhood and 

young people who don’t really have anything to do except for hangouts 

and get into trouble. We really need a Moss Park Community Centre, 

where we have afterschool programs, summer day camp programs that 

are cost-effective because families in the neighbourhood don’t have a lot 

money to spend. I want to see some cool programs so the kids can get 

involved in their community. 


Mitch’s Story 

St. Lawrence 

I’ve only lived on the east side for 2 years now, my favourite place would 

be St. Lawrence market. It feels like it’s an escape from the rest of the city. 

You’re able to go in there, surrounded by good local food. It’s very close to 

where I live which is greatly convenient. You have a mix between different 

culture and niche and people from different background. 

You have the nature with the parks and buildings all within a sort walking 

distance. 

It’s a very pedestrian, friendly and transition area. I don’t even have to 

leave my extended neighbourhood. I get fresh local and organic food, 

cook them, eat it and go for a walk all in a day. It’s a good thing, all 

without leaving the east side all, without leaving my little hood, my little 

neighbourhood. 

I hope the east would have more of what I love. I want more of the 

independent shops, more of the local food markets, small restaurants, a 

lot of the cultural things. Taking the area that is now, a little run down and 

revitalizing it to bring life back. I want to see more things that encourage 

people to walk to places, go to parks, all that fun stuff. It great to see the 

socialization. 

But there are certain areas that are not the cleanest. We have a lot of 

closed shops. That’s one thing I hate. These shops are what gives energy 

to this whole community. 

144 


Ravi’s Story 


The TMP staffs are awesome. Working at TMP allowed me to familiarize 

the Ryerson Community. This place is full of fun and it’s pretty awesome. 

The feeling when you come in to TMP, you feel included and that the best 

thing ever. 

I will definitely miss the people working at TMP. They are just so nice and 

understanding. People can see that I have a disability. Walking into TMP, 

the staffs, they did not judge me based on my appearance. I have been 

experiencing a lot of judgment, and just seeing and walking in, everyone is 

so calm. There was no attention on my disability. I felt like a normal person 

walking in. 

In 100 years from now, I see more people coming in here. Not only for the 

programs TMP offers but just to hang out and chill. I imagine the office to 

be more futuristic, more technologies. 

Changing TMP is not necessary in my eyes because it is already a great 

place to be. Why change something that’s already great? It is pretty 

awesome how it is. They should bring a different colour in the building 

to brighten the place more. One thing though, focusing on the physical 

structure, having the office more accessible in space, that can be 

changed. 


Rudhra’s Story 

Regent Park 

I worked in the RP community from 1998 to 2011 in an organization called Pathways to 

Education. That organization is set out to assist youth from the Regent Park community, 

graduate from high school and access post-secondary education. My role when I worked 

at Pathways, is to help youth register in the program with employment preparation and 

securing paid summer internships. That for me was the best job I’ve ever had in Canada 

just because of the quality and the opportunity I had with the youth. Also because of the 

relationships I’ve built with my co-workers during that time. I made friends that I stay in 

contact till this day. 

Regent Park needs a high school. There is no local high school in Regent Park. That’s 

one of the reason why the program Pathways was created. One of the supports provided 

for students is that they are given free bus tickets to get to and from school every day. 

That program has been in existence in Regent Park since 2001, and it has received 

funding from both the province and federal government. However, I do not understand 

why the government can find 3 billion dollars for the Pan Am games and can donate to 

a program like Pathways to education year over year, yet they cannot find the money to 

build a local high school. So that is what I would say is missing from Regent Park. The 

revitalization/juridification of the community has been able to entice a lot of businesses. It 

was just social housing, and heavily stigmatized community, with that, it has modernized 

the neighbourhood. There have been positives, however, that community field that use to 

exist where people knew each other would look out for each other, there are children with 

extended family unit, rather than the nuclear family. I think that’s a loss some people are 

trying to hold on to. I think that the new community member has no idea what it is. Their 

perception of Regent Park is one that most of Toronto has, in terms of it being high in 

crime area, a lot of negative characters stick and attached to the area. They not knowing 

there are really nice people within that community. 

I would hope that the youth that come out of the community come back to that 

community. Because some of the youth that I have had the privilege to know that came 

before me as a staff person there, who came through the programs are really invested in 

their community. I would like to see them to lead the charge, to take back their community 

and start to question why there is no local high school. If the need for Pathways to 

Education to exist, then why is that community development not happening as a more 

foundational/institutional level. If you are interested in building the community, then a local 

high school is a good start. I hope it happens not in 100 years but before 50 years. 

146 


Zayan’s Story 

Regent Park 

East to me is …. opportunities. There are so many things I’m involved with. My east 

side is Regent Park. My involvement with the Regent Park community allowed me to 

expand my growth. Pathways to Education provided me that. Pathways is a non-profit 

organization that allows students in the community to have access to resources within the 

strive to education. 

My favourite spot in Regent park is 365 Parliament. This is my friends and I meeting spot 

before we go on our adventures. Everyone recognizes the area so it’s easy to navigate. 

My memorable spot would have to be on Sumach Street, used to be my old apartment. 

I remember when I was little, whenever we go out late with my parents, I would pretend 

to sleep so that I didn’t have to walk up to my apartment. My dad would carry me up and 

whenever I see my building I know we are close to my bed where I can continue my sleep. 

There are so many memories I have with my community but what is most important about 

those times, I was young, carefree and I enjoyed my youth. 

What I don’t like about Regent Park is the negative assumption that is attached, 

unfortunately dominated by what the media sees. What I hope to see more of… actually 

right now there is a lot of recognition of what the communities continue to do. This is a 

good change and you can see it slowly coming out. Although there are a lot of success 

stories, it also follows the negativity that “we made it out from Regent Park”. We are seen 

as a “Poster Child” and it does not eliminate the stigma of Regent Park. Ironically, there is 

more emphasis on the negatives about Regent Park for it to have a successful story. 

What do you think about the construction at Regent Park? 

I think it’s good but the way they’ve approached it is not effective. Effective in a way they 

are sending out residents/families to other location. This creates obstacles and barriers 

for individuals who live within the community to access resources and use the community 

in their social life. Once you have established your life in the community, there’s a routine 

of your day to day life. The construction generates individuals to restart their day to 

day life. In my opinion, many families were not ready to make the move. There is also a 

huge disconnect with the resources in Regent Park. An example would be Pathways to 

Education, you have the supports and staffs etc. close to Regent Park and now for some 

people it can be hard to access it. Because the resources are built close to or in Regent 

Park, it may be a mission to get to those recourses. 


dia.space 

@dia_space 

#deptimaginary 

/deptimaginaryaffairs

Nuit Blanche 2015

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