Analytical Essay
The Geography of Toronto
Field Report Assignment:
Equity in the City of Toronto:
Are the needs of Toronto neighbourhoods being met?
Name: Jaya Xavier
Student Number: 500984459
Course Code and Section: GEO793, Section 031
Date: 2020/02/12
Section 1: Pick a neighbourhood, and learn about it
1. Which of the City of Toronto’s 140 neighbourhoods have you selected? (Include the name and number).
Runnymede – Bloor West Village, Section 89
2. Why did you choose this neighbourhood in 50-75 words?
I chose this neighbourhood because it is where I grew up. I completed kindergarten, elementary school, and high-school in this neighborhood. Ultimately, I chose it because I have a deep rooted attachment as it feels like home. I want to showcase the remarkable features of this neighborhood and I believe I have an advantage since I am already well informed about it. Although I am aware of Bloor West Village’s best coffee shops, I believe there are many historical aspects that I need to be exposed to.
3. Write out the APA bibliographic citations for 3 newspaper articles on your neighbourhood.
Forani, J. (2018, Oct 26). There’s more to Runnymede than Bloor West Village, The
Toronto Star. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com/
Forani’s (2018) article discusses who, what, when and where of the neighborhood Runnymede – Bloor West Village. This neighborhood is where upper-middle class individuals desire to live due to the education and safety. Forani discusses where the locals go to eat, drink, their menus and addresses. The article reflects on the name ‘Runnymede’ and how land owner, John Scarlett, named his original home “Runnymede”. This article discards the importance of acknowledging this neighborhoods’ true land owners, Indigenous peoples.
Reynolds, C. (2016, June 26). Bloor West Village rally counters racism with a celebration of
tolerance, The Toronto Star. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com/
Throughout Reynolds’ article, he shares the importance of accepting all races and cultural backgrounds. Individuals in the Bloor West Village worked together to complete a successful rally against racism and educate people. They want to build a safe space for refugees and immigrants as they chanted the phrase “Refugees in, racists out”. Reynold was able to get interviews and experiences from immigrants living in the Bloor West Village. He discusses how people have been discriminated against in the Bloor West and how we can make it change.
Mays, J. (2015, June 5). Picnic: A cautious low-rise building for Bloor West Village, The Globe
And Mail. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com
In this article, Mays describes Bloor West Village as an elderly neighborhood. This is a location where people come to get away from the busy city life. This neighborhood is filled with generations of families who have grew up and raised their own children here. It relies on the old style homes and its tightknit community. However, there has been residential changes that have made locals feel uncomfortable. The development of low-rise buildings are starting to change the neighborhood and the construction of new buildings have caused a disturbance.
5. Write out the bibliographic citations for 3 academic journal (peer-reviewed) articles or academic book chapters on your neighbourhood, part of Toronto, or topic (social or cultural needs or mobility). Use RULA or Google Scholar . The example here if for an article. See www.owl.purdue.edu for other styles. If you are already leaning to the cultural or mobility approach, try to include some key words on topics of interest.
Pataki, A. (2013, April 10). Sherry vinegar on steak salad might be worth singing about: Baka
Gallery Cafe in Bloor West Village uses hard-to-find Spanish condiment, The Toronto Star. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com/
Pataki discusses a local restaurant favourite, Baka Gallery Café, and its extensive menu. They have naturally and organically sourced ingredients for some of their best dishes. In the Bloor West Village, it is easy to spread the word around and Baka Gallery Café has managed to grow by its popular food menu. They have used a special, and costly Spanish condiment by Sherry vinegar for their most popular salad dish.
Yu, S. (2009, April 3). Done Deals: Bloor West Village, The Globe And Mail. Retrieved from
https://www.theglobeandmail.com
In this article, Yu reflects on the popular real estate in the Bloor West Village. This neighborhood has become extremely attractive over the past decade and homes are in high-demand. This article was created in 2009 and if individuals search up current homes for sale, they will see a massive price increase. This house near Jane station sold for $420,000, almost $100,000 under its asking price. Houses are now priced in the millions because of high-demand.
Yu, S. (2015, May 29). Bloor West Village house sells $200,294 over asking price: Done Deals, The Globe And Mail. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com
This article states the current prices of homes selling in the Bloor West Village. This home situated at Bloor St W and Jane St sold for $1,225,294, $200,000 more than its asking price. It has multiple bidders and the sellers were able to bargain for more. Although the home is relatively small, its price is unbelievably expensive in comparison to what it would sell for 10 years ago. This demonstrates how popular and valuable this neighborhood is becoming.
7. Write out the bibliographic citations for 3 popular media sources on your topic. These can be websites, non-academic (“coffee table”) books, songs, films, television shows, webisodes, etc. example here is for websites. See www.owl.purdue.edu for other styles.
Sankey, S. & Sankey, J. (2019, May 6). Living in Bloor West Village: Get To Know a Family-
Friendly Neighbourhood, Stu Sells. Retrieved from https://www.stusells.ca
This website created by the real estate team ‘Stu Sells’ has produced many articles and readings on Toronto homes and apartments for sale or lease. These have been a great reference for individuals looking to buy a home in Toronto. This specific article discusses what to do, where to eat, where to shop, all in the Bloor West neighborhood.
Edwards, S. (2017, October 17). Real estate agents are creating short films to help sell homes in
Toronto, NOW Central Communications Inc. Retrieved from https://www.nowtoronto.com
This website published an article on a film. Edwards discusses the real estate agent’s, Karyn Filiatrault’s, short film which was able to sell her first apartment in just one day. She used creativity to increase her sales and become a well-known realtor. People believe the videos are degrading because of the use of attractive female models in them, however, Karyn has seen the impact of her videos and is continuing to create them.
Wright, E. (2010). Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. Marc Platt Productions.
Scott Pilgrim Vs the World is a film that is filmed and based in Toronto. During the film, the characters reference specific restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs that many Toronto locals visit. This film is a great representation of Toronto and illustrates the beauties of the city such as graffiti alley, Queen St W, Kensington market and more. There are multiple scenes filmed in the Bloor West Village near Ursula Franklin Academy.
9. After reviewing your web, library, and media research, draw a map of your cultural landscape or ethnic economy (or at least a part of it that you can visit). Draw the main streets that act as the boundary. Locate 4 major landmarks in the area on the map, write a short description (20-50 words) of these landmarks. You can use Google Maps and other sources on page 2 for research for this element, but draw the map by hand. Take a photograph or scan of your map, and paste it here.
1. Runnymede Theatre: This theatre has been turned into a chapters book store and now it is recently been turned into a Shoppers Drug Mart. There is historic architecture in this building that the owners have not demolished in the renovations.
2. Runnymede Church: This church is a staple for residents in the Bloor West Village as it has built a close knit community.
3. Runnymede Public School: For the majority of families in this neighborhood, the children attend Runnymede Public School. It has been renovated to add more classes and space for children since many families are trying to get their children on the waitlist to attend this school.
4. Runnymede and Bloor: This is the most central place most residents to hang out and grab a coffee. There are a lot of great restaurants and store to visit in this intersection along with banking services.
Section 2: Make a statistical profile of your neighbourhood
| Selected Demographic Characteristics of Runnymede – Bloor West Village Neighbourhood,
City of Toronto, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 |
||||
| 2001 | 2006 | 2011 | 2016 | |
| Population of City of Toronto (#) | 2,481,510 | 2,503,270 | 2,615,070 | 2,731,571 |
| Population of Your Neighbourhood (#) | 9,805 | 9,565 | 9,632 | 10,070 |
| Population Density (people/km2) | 6,058 | 6,333 | ||
| % Children (<14) | 17.8% | 18.3% | 19% | 20% |
| % Seniors (>65) | 13.5% | 12.1% | 11% | 12% |
| % Owners | 74% | 80% | 78% | |
| % Renters | 26% | 20% | 21% | |
| Household size | 2.51 | 2.54 | 2.52 | 2.63 |
| Immigrants (%) | 32.4% | 29.4% | 11.1% | 23.2% |
| % Mother Tongue not English or French | 8.12% | 12.77% | 46% | 23% |
| Most populous non-official home language (Name) | Ukrainian | Ukrainian | Ukrainian | Ukrainian |
| Most populous non-official home language (#) | 180 | 280 | 170 | 140 |
| Top ethnic origin (Name) | English | English | English | English |
| Top ethnic origin (#) | 2,220 | 2,415 | 2,640 | 2,515 |
| Median household income ($) | $66,805 | $80,618 | $74,729 | $112,128 |
| % Low income (LICO-AT Low income after tax/LIM-AT/Low Income All persons/Low Income Individuals 15) | All persons: (13.1%)
Individuals 15+: (34.4%) |
All persons: (9.5%)
Individuals 15+: (32.1%)
|
All persons: 9% | LIM-AT: 6.9%
LICO-AT: 5.3% All persons: 760 people (8%) Individuals 15+: $71,888 (96%) |
| % Bachelor’s degree or higher | 37.8% | 52.8% | 83% | 63.3% |
| Unemployment rate (%) | 5.0% | 4.4% | 7% | 5.0% |
| Top Period of Housing construction | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% |
| Top Commuting Time (Name) | 30 to 44 mins | |||
| Top Commuting Time (%) | 38% | |||
| Top Commuting Method (Name) | Driver (in vehicle) | |||
| Top Commuting Method (%) | 46% | |||
| Source: Social Policy Analysis and Research Unit, City of Toronto, 2005, 2008, 2014, 2018. Neighbourhood Profiles, using data from Statistics Canada, 2005, 2008, 2014, and 2018, Census of Populations 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016. Toronto: City of Toronto. Available: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/data-research-maps/neighbourhoods-communities/neighbourhood-profiles/ |
Section 3: Field Research
11. Go out into your neighbourhood. Document it with photographs. Include 3 iconic images here. Again, if you are leaning towards the cultural approach take some photos that are important places to your group, if you are leaning towards the mobility approach, you may seek to locate some problem areas. You have to take these photographs yourself, make sure to label them with a caption.
Source: Bloor West Village busy intersection, Bloor St West and Runnymede Road, Toronto, February 11, 2020. Photograph taken by Jaya Xavier
Source: Baka Gallery Café during its rush service, Beresford Avenue and Bloor Street West, Toronto, February 11, 2020. Photograph taken by Jaya Xavier
Source: Runnymede Theatre historic sign, Bloor Street West and Runnymede Road, Toronto, February 11, 2020. Photograph taken by Jaya Xavier
12. What are the artifacts or architecture from groups who had lived in the place in the past? Take note of places of worship, old signs, old buildings, historic plaques, renovated or refurbished sites. Give three examples and what group you associate with it.
1. Chapter at Runnymede and Bloor that was previously a theatre, has now been turned into a Shoppers Drug Mart. Residents of Bloor West Village were upset with the owners of the building because this building is a historic part of the neighborhood.
2. Runnymede United Church is over 70 year old and a lot of its history relies in the community. They offer camps for children, events, Sunday mass and a beautiful church the community to connect in. It history is seen inside as it has been barely renovated.
3. Runnymede Public School is one of the oldest, most well-known schools in this neighborhood. It is more than 100 years old and has a legacy of families who have attended it. It has several plaques and acknowledgements of donations all around the school.
13. What are some indicators of the economic wellbeing of the area? (Be creative: how would you describe the area to someone else? Is it wealthy? Is it poor? Why would you say this?).
Bloor West Village has developed into a neighborhood for the upper middle class. People choose to live here because they want to start a family and put their children in safe, well known schools. Runnymede and Bloor is filled with expensive clothing stores, cafés and restaurants which I believe tailors to its target market. I grew up in this neighborhood and my family was in a financial state where I was able to maximize my opportunities. I was surrounded by very wealthy families, where they would purchase million dollar homes. We have recently put our home on the market for 2 million dollars and have seeked out multiple bidders who have offered more than its asking price. I have witnessed the types of people who live in this neighborhood and who are moving to it.
14. What ethno cultural amenities can you see in the area? Name at least 3 restaurants, shops, churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, cultural halls, or other features that cater to a particular ethnic-cultural group and what that group is.
1. This community is Ukrainian based. Every year, the Ukrainian festival takes over the Bloor West Village where different Ukrainian restaurants sell their products.
2. Baka Gallery Café has been a staple in this neighborhood situated at Runnymede and Beresford Ave. The owners are Ukrainian and have been selling organic Ukrainian based dishes.
3. Baby Point Lounge is a lounge and restaurants situated on Jane St and Bloor St West. They have the best pierogis in this neighborhood and are well known by locals.
15. What arts and cultural amenities can you see in the area? Name at least 3 resources that foster the production or consumption of the arts (theatres, halls, dance, fashion, arts classes, music).
1. Bloor West Music Studios has some of the best musical classes in this neighborhood. They offer private and public classes for all age groups. They sell musical instruments as well.
2. Humber Cinemas recently closed down, however it has been an important staple of this community for the past 20 years. It has hosted many events and film releases for the community to join together and experiences.
3. Annette Street Music is another great musical centre for individuals seeking music lesson. They offer summer camps and private lessons all year round.
16. What public transportation amenities can you see in the neighbourhood? What bus or streetcar routes run through the neighbourhood? Is there a subway line? Are there GO train stops? Does there seem to be good access to public transportation?
Runnymede station is at the centre of Bloor West Village. They have bus 77,79, and 71 that go north and south of Bloor St W. Commuters are able to easily take the TTC as the busses come every 2-5 minutes.
17. What are the resources for pedestrians or wheelchair users in the neighbourhood? Are there sidewalks? Are there curb-cuts? Are there shortcuts and paved paths? Are there recreational paths?
Since this neighborhood has a suburban feel, there are many alleyways behind every street. As I live on Runnymede, I am able to cut through streets very easily by taking the alleyways. Along Runnymede and Bloor Street W, there are full sidewalks which are safe for pedestrians to walk on. Regarding wheelchair use, the streets are well maintained meaning that it is very accessibly for these users. Each curb has a cut on every street to accommodate for wheelchair users and strollers as there are a lot of families in this neighborhood.
18. Are there adequate amenities for cyclists? Bike lanes? Sharrows? Pass throughs or slower traffic streets?
There are bike lanes all the way down Runnymede, however there are none along Bloor St W. Since Bloor St W is a pedestrian filled street, people choose to bike on the roads at their own risk. The street is not that wide so it would be difficult to put in a bike lane on both sides of the road. There are sharrows along Runnymede Road to indicated to vehicles to stay in there lane as there may be a biker passing by. Since Runnymede Road has a primary, junior and senior public school, it is important that the speed limit is under 50km/h along these roads to accommodate for families. Bloor Street West has a speed limit of 50km/h which is relatively slower to other busy streets around Toronto. It is due to the amount of families and children in this neighborhood.
19. Are there any amenities particularly for senior citizens or children? List them here
1. Chartwell Grenadier Retirement Residence: This residence is for senior citizens and offers great programs for students to volunteer and interact with the seniors. As a child, I use to volunteer here with my family members.
2. MakerKids Bloor West Village: This IT program allows children to develop their STEM skills. It offers after school programs that children can easily walk to if their parents cannot pick them up from school.
3. Angelgate Day Care: This day care provides a full service to families where they can drop their children from 8am-7pm if they have to work full time. This day care takes the children on excursions and offers them daily meals.
Section 4: Reflection
20. After your background and field research, write 3 questions you still have about your neighbourhood. List 3 resources you may try to use to find out the answers to your questions.
Question 1:
As I grew up in Bloor West Village, I found that I was surrounded by Euro-Canadian individuals. At many times, I experienced racism as I was the only dark skinned individual in my grade. Has this neighborhood helped with any anti-racist initiatives?
Reynolds, C. (2016, June 26). Bloor West Village rally counters racism with a celebration of
tolerance, The Toronto Star. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com/
Question 2:
Restaurants are continually changing in this neighborhood. If I needed a list of the best restaurants, where would I find them?
Luxmore, C. (2010, Nov 2). Bloor West Village Guide: our 20 favourite places between High
Park and the Humber, Toronto Life. Retrieved from https://www.torontolife.com/
Question 3:
Bloor West Village has increased in popularity over the past decade. What kind of homes are currently on the market and at what cost?
Sankey, S. & Sankey, J. (2019, May 6). Living in Bloor West Village: Get To Know a Family-
Friendly Neighbourhood, Stu Sells. Retrieved from https://www.stusells.ca
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