Effects of Gentrification in Kensington Market.docx -...

Running head: EFFECTS OF GENTRIFICATION IN KENSINGTON MARKET
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Effects of Gentrification in Kensington Market
Name of Student
Student Number
GEO 793
Section 21
Professor Raymond Garrison
Date

EFFECTS OF GENTRIFICATION IN KENSINGTON MARKET
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Effects of Gentrification in Kensington Market
Gentrification is a process of restructuring urban buildings and neighborhoods so that
it could meet middle or upper-class standards for economic success. Gentrification is a
sensitive issue in Kensington Market, Toronto. It has become a common concern in the area
because most buildings are being restructured to the modern designs thus destroying the city's
cultural structures. Kensington Market is a unique area in Toronto with the highest population
of immigrants that fosters multiculturalism. Various developers and investors are entering
their economic market and facilitating gentrification, and people in the neighborhood do not
seem to agree with this movement. This paper will discuss residential gentrification in
Kensington Market, how it has affected the residents, and ways which people have reacted to
this new economic movement.
Gentrification has not been received very well in Kensington market, most of the
residents do not agree with the changes it has made to the society. Initially, Kensington
Market was an area filled with vintage building's especially shops. These buildings were
constructed in the Victorian architecture designs with bright colored paintings and wall art
paintings in various public places that define the features of Kensington Market ('Culture trip'
2016). Their architecture is multicultural with a blend of Victorian designs and 'hippie'
designs of multiple colors.

EFFECTS OF GENTRIFICATION IN KENSINGTON MARKET
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According to Culture trip (2016), gentrification was facilitated by the rise immigration
into the area which pushed workers to build small houses along the streets thus making the
city a middle-class neighborhood. Since the 1900s, Kensington Market has undergone
multiple changes that have not been sitting well with the residents. Gentrification has
attracted many investors into Kensington Market which has led to high standards of living
and unaffordable housing. The restructuring of urban spaces is causing a lot of commotion in
the area especially for residents who are used to the ancient structures.
Gentrification affects the residents both culturally and economically; the culture of
Kensington Market is based on ancient architecture, and the housing was cheap for residents
before. According to Lytvynenko (2016), the cost of land has increased, and landlords have
increased rental prices for tenants. This is a huge change for long-term tenants who are used