Category: #Sunnyside365 (Page 33 of 39)

“What do I like about the neighbourhood? People. Yeah, I’ve worked at Vendome for about 5 years and it’s mostly the people and the sense of community. A photo? Sure, the Calgary Herald just did a photo of me here, so why not?” Kristi, barista at Vendome.

“‘New Age’ is the re-learning of ancient traditions. New Age Books and Crystals started in the basement of the space we’re currently in, 35 years ago. The owner of that place did so well that she moved into the the old location that the store used to be in, and that’s when my family bought the business. It’s like a dream come true to take over this whole building and combine it into one large space. We’re finally knocking the walls down and making a series of new reading rooms. It’s really exciting to see all this happen.

There’s so much new age and spiritualist places in this neighbourhood. I think it works in balancing the type of energy that comes from down-town. I was thinking of taking the business right out of the neighbourhood because of the huge costs of operation, but I just couldn’t do it. I was born in the Sunnyside Community Housing Co-op, I’ve got roots that run through this community as deep as they go.I feel like Sunnyside is one of the most eclectic neighbourhoods in the city. It’s the antithesis of the concrete jungle across the river there…” Yvan, Owner of New Age. Learn more at www.newageyyc.com

“We strive to bring to the community a source of good quality, flavourful food and goods produced by local farmers, food creators and artisans. As an Alberta Approved Market we are committed to ensuring that at least 80% of our vendors sell products which they, a family member, a staff member or a member of a producer-owned cooperative have made, baked or grown. Many of our farmers operate small family farms that use traditional methods but have decided not to obtain organic certification due to limiting factors like cost. We encourage you to ask all vendors about their growing and production methods when you visit the market. Come for the goods, stay for the fun. Live music and special guests have made the market a place to stay and enjoy.” www.farmersmarket.hillhurstsunnyside.org

“I don’t want to move away from this neighbourhood. I love it here, everything is so close and there is such good energy. But the fact is that it’s too expensive for a person to try and make it on their own here with the money they pay. If you’re not a couple earning huge bank or like, somebody that inherited their house: you need to live with like, four other people. It’s okay, I’m sure I’ll find a way to stay in the community.” Name withheld.

“I organize and run a live variety talk show. It’s an open stage to share with local Calgarian performers, it’s called “Late Night at The Plaza.” Admission is by donation and we run on Wednesdays at 10 pm. We’re going to take a three week break and kick off the next season in September.

This neighbourhood? It’s seriously magical. When I was a kid living in Airdrie, I’d say, ‘Let’s go to Kensington!’ This place is amazingly fun.” Karlee, Director of Late Night at The Plaza. More details available at: facebook.com/latenightplaza

“My family first came here from Ireland 46 years ago. My Gran was pregnant, had and kid, and then went back to Ireland to get the rest of the family and they all settled here in Sunnyside. I grew up in this neighbourhood and played in Riley Park when I was a little kid. I worked at the House Coffee Shop for over 7 years.

I like the different kind of people that this neighbourhood brings together. It’s such a wide diversity of people. You see people of all walks of life sharing space with each other. The local business is great too. I’ve been friends with some of these business owners since I was 5 years old. Yeah, it’s a great place.” Morgan.

“It really is the greatest neighbourhood in the world. I’m chairman of the BRZ, and I’m totally in love with this community. We always try to incorporate local artists and pottery makers in our store. Even the labels on our tea tins feature local artists, and more than a few of the pots and mugs are made local. The chocolate bars are local, the mugs are local, that one’s made by an ACAD student, the honey is from The Bee Hive… it’s all local.

I love the feeling here. The residents are really involved in their community. People try to support the small businesses here, whether you’re from this neighbourhood or not.” Jonathan Kane, Owner, The Naked Leaf