Educator | Communicator | Photographer
This is it! The last ten days of #Sunnyside365. I’ve got a lot to be thankful for, and a lot of people to appreciate. This truly is a magical, unique little community in the heart of an incredible city. I feel so fortunate to live in this wonderful little neighbourhood.
“The new concept for the space is a Texas Whiskey and Smokehouse. We’re open now, but our grand opening is tomorrow. It’s going to be crazy here.
The owners went down to Texas for a big trip and checked out the best BBQ, smoke meat, whiskey places they could find. They came back and put it all towards the concept for the Hayden Block. The owner used to own Molly’s way back a few years ago. He’s owned a couple of restaurants around the city but he’s put a focus into Hayden Block.
We put a lot of effort into the old Yardhouse that used to be here. It’s a brand new space, really good energy. Also, it’s totally haunted.
That Texas Longhorn skull you see behind the bar? Yeah our chef actually ate the meat that came from it.”
It’s hard not to think of Kensington and Crave Cupcakes at the same time. These folks have been at it for over twelve years, making amazing desserts and growing their business steadily. You can always see a glint of envy in people who see somebody carrying one of the famous containers of gorgeous cupcakes.
“I lived in this house right after I graduated from ACAD. I have no idea who painted the house… it was painted after left. I guess they kicked everyone out because the house was going to get knocked down, but that was years ago. I’m surprised that it’s still here and the art is still up.
I was in and out in less than a year. That was 2008. It feels so long ago, but also just like it was yesterday.
So much to say about the neighbourhood, where do I start….
I’m such an introvert but when I lived in this house I was such an extrovert. We were always in Riley Park, going to bars, seeing friends, getting together. I live in Sunalta now, but I love the art store here, the shops and going for tea.”
Chika Ando, ChikaAndoIllustration.com
Down to the last two weeks of #Sunnyside365! One of my favourite places to hang out with my friends is Frogurt on Kensington Road. I can get exactly what I want, how I want!
“We were up in Fort Mac for a while, just out there in the trees. It was great. We decided to head down to Calgary and just sort of stuck around. There’s something about this city that just draws you in and keeps you here. Maybe it’s the people, but we’re having a good time. Yeah.
We’re heading to B.C. and had a ride all lined up, but it sort of fell through. We got some work here and made a couple of bucks. Now we’re just enjoying some sun and making some change for the trip. We’re supposed to have a ride on Monday to hit B.C., but if it falls through, we’ll probably hitch.
Yeah, head to B.C. and be around some nature. That’s the idea.”
“I’m a bike courier. I’ve been doing it for fifteen years, but it feels like twenty, haha. I come to Kensington to fuel myself with Roasterie Coffee. I actually live on the other side of the river, but I spend most of my time here. Yeah, I guess I live in Eau Claire.
What do I like about the neighbourhood… hmmm. Well, I like the giving nature of people here. Kensington is totally community minded. Also, it’s nice that I don’t have to hang out with my cats when I’m over here. Ha ha!” Markus.
“This little neighbourhood… It gets this reputation for being so eclectic and weird and neighbourly. Honestly though, it’s not some strange coincidence that the people here are so in-tune with the idea of community. Don’t forget that we’re practically downtown, sandwiched by a couple of really busy thoroughfares, and the property is really, really expensive. I think that in spite of that, the residents here all sort of give each other permission to be a bit of a weirdo. It’s what makes Sunnyside and Hillhurst so special.”
It’s hard not to fall in love with this city, even with it’s flaws.
As I turn the final corner into the closing month of #Sunnyside365 I’d like to thank everyone who has supported and participated in this project. You’ve all helped me to elevate my work. I’m not sure what else to say, I’m truly grateful.
A huge thanks to Devin Pickering for helping coordinate this incredible shot. For the full scale image, click the photo and it’ll take you to flickr.
“This neighbourhood is connected everywhere with bikes. I can cruise down to Mission, Inglewood, Bowness, Bridgeland, and be in any of these places in a few minutes. You can go grab some ice cream at Village Ice Cream on 10th ave, and then swing back to the Folk Festival. It’s really amazing! We need more bike racks in the neighbourhood though!”
© 2024 Ara Shimoon
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