as I walk Toronto

in Kensington

Some places never change, at least not in the big ways. Although little things pop up only to be replaced by other tidbits, Kensington still looks like it has for a while now. I can’t say forever! Because nothing lasts forever.
In fact, there is a small photo exhibit on hoardings in the neighbourhood that features old pictures and there are definitely similarities to be found!

below: On the left, from 1940 a photo of a shop at Denison and Dundas West from the Jewish Archives.

below: This is an enlargement of the the black and white photo on the right from the picture above. It is the Augusta Fruit Market and it was taken in 1961 by Vincenzo Pietropaolo

below: Sixty years later the same building sits on the same corner only now it’s the Oxford Fruit Market. It even has the same green roofline and what looks to be the same hydro pole!

below: An iconic Kensington sight gets a new paint job.

below: Fix your hearts or die.

below: A mural on the side wall of Perolas, by Jeannie Priscila aka Dajenesis

below: Hands outstretched to passers-by

below: Hate has no home here, plus something that started with “Behind stained steamy glass, we’ll (and then your imagination can take over!)

below: free Toronto Caribbean newspapers

below: Ricas Tortas, Elotes y Esquites are fading away

below: Eyes eyes and more by Jeremy

below: Walking past temptation – churros, empanadas, slushies and Birra Catrina

below: Pour me into frequency – in triplicate

below: This little sock monkey not only shows his rainbow colours but also shows his support for the COVID-19 vaccine!

below: Uber5000 – yellow birdies in a helicopter on top and dogs playing cards on the bottom. Perhaps that yellow birdie on the ladder is dropping in on the card game?

below: A view down the alley towards more murals – a very big multicoloured chicken beside a face

below: A Rowell Soller close up

below: A brighter than blood red beak looks rather creepy on this enormous chicken by Phillip Saunders

below: Walking past one of the many patios now open in Kensington

below: Carlos House of Spice

below: Saved by the youth Can you imagine it? Beside Snacks Mexican style where Aguas Frescas (Jamaica, watermelon and mango) are $5. Also on the menu, Pina Coladas, as well as Elote, and Esquites (corn dishes I think)

below: a silver poser bunny

below: Dundas West near Augusta

below: Walking to Noras for a shawarma or a kabob?

below: Hoardings on Dundas West surrounding Alexandria Park redevelopment.

below: A large mural that was a collaboration between Phillip Saunders and Luvs

below: Graffiti slaps, stickers, and paste-ups – Feelings Boi, Urban Ninja Squadron, TRP 613,

below: T-bonez in black and white

below: A shiny red skateboarder zooms past a snake with its tongue stuck out

below: stickers on boxes

below: Stickers on poles

below: A wise owl with curly hair and glasses plays the accordion

below: You are not your mistakes plus a summer time poem

The words are very small on the red sign; this is what they say.

Summer Time
Sundress
I feel India in my bones
I can smell sunlight
I can feel the high time
bless me
God bless me, goddess of forbidden love
I am she
I ___ one white candle
Maintain purity