Author: Ara (Page 28 of 41)

“What drew me to the neighbourhood is that it’s like a little village. It’s a very social place and lots of pedestrian people. I’ve been all over this city and there’s nothing like this place. It’s a beautiful neighbourhood. I mean, look at those old trees…

There’s a sense of community here that you can’t put to words. Look at the flood for example. The city came to help, and then the neighbourhood came through as a microcosm of support. Lots of people here are very conscious of the ‘neighbourhood first’ mentality, even through supporting local  businesses and events.

I’m a delivery agent with Canada post for over thirty-one years. I’ve spent probably twenty-seven of those years in this neighbourhood–Sunnyside and Hillhurst, I mean.

Yup. Long time.” Edward Cox, Delivery Agent, Canada Post.

“This is it, y’know? This is the time of year that I do most of my personal reflection–thinking about my year, the people I’ve spent it with–that kind of stuff. I guess it goes with the feeling of winter setting in. I suppose that’s why Halloween is set in this time of year, it’s when we traditionally honour our ancestors and say farewell to the warm summer.

I like to think that people who’ve lived in this neighbourhood, maybe even back when the First Nations would pass through this land, would stop and reflect upon the summer and give thanks for the people whom they’ve shared it with as they turn their collars up for the winter.”

“It’s this time of year that I go through the most mittens. I’m just not used to carrying them with me after the summer and I find the afternoons warm enough where I don’t need them. After the first few weeks, I’ve gone through about five pairs. That’s why I wear these cheap ones from Safeway.”

“I grew up in Calgary. I like the history and the opportunity to come over to this neighbourhood. I didn’t choose ghost hunting, it kinda chose me. I’ve been doing this for about ten years. I’ve been all over the U.S.A. ghost hunting and meeting with paranormal investigators.

I’ll be interviewed on Wednesday at ‘Late Night at The Plaza’ where I’ll be sharing some footage recordings of the ghost hunts I’ve been on. You can actually hear some pretty spooky recordings.

The Plaza theatre itself is an old place, the building is almost a hundred years old. They get spooked out in certain areas so they want to see me in action. I’ll be ghost hunting there too.” Robyn, local Paranormal Investigator and Ghost Hunter. Catch her on Wednesday October 28, 10:00pm at Late Night at The Plaza, Plaza Theatre on Kensington.

“His name is Jerri, he’s five months old. I got him as a companion for my older cat, Tigre and so far Tigre is just gravely annoyed. He’s an Abyssinian breed. “The little lions of love” is how they refer to them. Very intelligent. I don’t know if he likes bike rides, but he loves car rides.

He’s big on birds. I probably shouldn’t say that, people might think something bad. He’s a great mouser.”

“Yeah, we took the space over shortly after the big flood a few years back, we tested some new stuff on the menu, but in the end we decided that the space needed a new concept, so here we are. It’s been great so far, lots of great support from our regulars!” David Zimmerman, Owner, Lot 102 Restaurant.

“I opened May ten, nineteen ninety-three. Before this place opened I was a welder. It’s been an extremely excellent experience. It’s been a great experience building friendships, having the support of the neighbourhood and the customers for all these years. I wouldn’t change it for anything. I always said, ‘you treat the people as you want to be treated. Never forget where you started from.’ That’s been how I run my business, my friendships, my life.

What I love about this neighbourhood is the feeling of a small community. You don’t feel like your in a major metropolitan, you know? It’s a great place. Very, very homey. You don’t feel like anybody is chasing after you.” Joe Lecce, Owner, Peppino Gourmet Foods.

“PRLR (prounounced ‘Parlor’). Kensington’s first cocktail bar. We’re really surprised that nobody has done a bar like this in this neighbourhood yet. Our concept is: tattoos, arts, and cocktails. PRLR is owned by Stu, just upstairs at the Oak Tree. We’re really stoked to have our grand opening in a few days.

The art pieces on the wall are from local artists. We’ll be swapping them through as long as they fit with the style and feel of the space. So often you to a nice upscale restaurant and you’ll see something really nice on the walls, only to discover that it was from big box retail or something.

I’ve been living here for five years and I have zero desire to leave this neighbourhood.” Alex, Head Bartender at PRLR, general cocktail guy.

“I love this neighbourhood. It’s probably one of the most pedestrian friendly, and not just for shopping. You can walk through the neighbourhood, go to Riley Park, walk through the bluff, go to the river… there’s so much to do.”