Based off of my field report assignment, write an analytical essay 2000 words minimum and take the CULTURAL APPROACH.

My neighborhood is #89 (Runnymede- Bloor West Village)

https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/data-research-maps/neighbourhoods-communities/neighbourhood-profiles/

 

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GEO793
The Geography of Toronto

Winter 2020

Analytical Essay:

Equity in the City of Toronto:
Are the needs of Toronto

neighbourhoods being met?

2,000 word minimum excluding bibliography
20% late penalty per calendar day

Check D2L for your section’s due dates
35% of final grade

The essay assignment is where you turn the research you conducted in your field report
into an essay. Since this an upper level liberal studies course, we expect you to use
some higher order, conceptual thinking to develop your ideas. For this assignment, you
need to connect your own research with research of scholars in the field. Together
these findings will help you to answer the question: are the needs of your
neighbourhood of study being met?

Higher order thinking connects concrete examples to concepts (abstractions, like place,
culture, space) and theories (sets of abstractions brought together, like gentrification). In
your essays we want you to connect things you see in your neighbourhood to broader
concepts or theories. You will need to understand the readings and think about them in
order to connect your own observations to more abstract ideas.

A major concept embedded in the question of “Are the needs of Toronto
neighbourhoods being met?” is the notion of spatial mismatch. Spatial mismatch is a
term highlighting the disconnection between where people live and where people work,
and particularly how certain groups of people are disadvantaged when there is a
mismatch.

We can also think of spatial mismatch as between where people live and where social
resources like shops, restaurants, and services are located. A sustainable
neighbourhood would have most of the amenities that people need on a daily basis
within walking distance, and those on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis further away. If
commuting from home to work or services takes significant portions of one’s day, the
patterns of one’s everyday life are less sustainable.

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Transportation mismatch is a term that examines how particular modes of transportation
may disallow access to jobs for particular people. If jobs are not located on public
transportation routes, and there is no housing near by, a personal automobile is
required. For groups who cannot afford this resource, their access to jobs may be
limited.

Over time, neighbourhoods grow and shrink in population size, change their
composition in terms of demographics and ethnic identity, and shift their function from
an industrial area to a residential or commercial area. Sometimes these shifts
accompany a good balance of resources and services, and sometimes they are not.

Your challenge in this essay, is to examine what the needs of a neighbourhood are, and
what are the resources that the neighbourhood provides.

As mentioned in the field report, you can take one of two approaches to this research:

1. A cultural approach

You can think of culture broadly as a way of life, thus people live many cultures (ethnic,
religious, sports, arts, age-specific). Your research should focus on a certain set of
needs depending on the ethnic, language, religious, subculture, or age characteristics of
the population. Next, you connect these needs with a set of resources (social services,
venues, public spaces, any others). You then assess whether the needs are currently
being met or not, and make some analytical comments.

You may ask questions about whether the needs of the majority ethnic group in an area
are being met with services like restaurants that serve cuisine from that region. You
may ask if the needs of children are being supported with adequate daycare. You can
inquire if there are sufficient cultural resources for seniors, particularly immigrant
seniors. Income, education, and language are also variables that you can shape into a
needs profile.

Your resources profile should take into account the neighbourhood’s history. You can
see if the neighbourhood’s history as an industrial site has left it devoid of commercial
venues, thus requiring residents to travel far for shops and restaurants. Did the planning
of the 1950s shape the residential area into separate areas for separate land uses?

2. A mobility approach

How does (a subset of) the population have unique or specific needs, and are they are
met by the existing infrastructure (sidewalks, public transit, bikeways, crossings, roads)?
The needs become the characteristics of the population, and the resources become the
transportation infrastructure (both soft (transit programs, services, rules) and hard
(roads, sidewalks, subways). In order to truly sample the characteristics of users in the
area, you are being asked to conduct 1 hour of traffic observation at two spots (2 hours

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in total) in your neighbourhood of interest using the mobile app Counterpoint
(https://counterpointapp.org/). A video by the creators of Counterpoint (and one of my
former students who know works for them) will be ready by the end of February. Include
the results of this count in your findings.

You can be creative in your analysis of the needs : resources ratio: could it be area on
the ground? How many users are using a location in a given time snapshot and how
much space is dedicated to them? Anyone who uses Yonge-Dundas during class
changes knows what I am talking about! A lot of space for cars, and not a lot for
pedestrians!

The essay should have 7 major parts. Labelling these with subheadings makes it much
easier for the marking assistants to read your papers and is recommended.

1. Title Page: Make a creative title for your essay that describes to the reader your
topic and neighbourhood

2. The Introduction (around 250+ words): here you introduce your topic,
neighbourhood, and your outline of your argument

3. The Literature Review (around 500+ words): here you will summarize at least
6 scholarly sources (peer reviewed journal articles, book chapters in university
presses or academic publishers (Routledge, Sage, Wiley), or dissertations and
theses), highlighting how they are important to your argument. You can use the
same wording you used in questions 6 of your field report to start your literature
review but be sure to connect the point of why they are important to your essay.
Newspaper articles and popular media sources should not be used here.

4. The Field Research (around 500+ words): here you summarize the main
findings from your field report, and if you are choosing the mobility essay include
the results of your Counterpoint analysis. Have two sections or paragraphs that
detail

a. The needs of the neighbourhood based on the population
b. The resources in the neighbourhood based on its history and your field

research
You can include findings from your newspaper (field report question 4) and
popular media (field report question 8) analyses here to help support things you
saw in your field observations.

You should include 3 figures (photographs, graphs, or maps) to illustrate these
neighbourhood characteristics.

5. Analysis (around 500+ words): this is the meat and potatoes of your essay
where you link up your literature review with the field research, using them to
craft an argument about whether your neighbourhood’s needs are being met.

Home

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This argument should incorporate a few concepts from the class. Have a look at
the last page to see how an argument is crafted with evidence and sub-
arguments.

Drawing on the history of the neighbourhood might be a useful tactic to show
both why the neighbourhood works or does not: How did it change since over
time? How did it relate to the rest of the city?

If you are doing the mobility section, include some recommendations for
improving mobility for groups in your area.

6. The Conclusion (around 250+ words): here you conclude your essay by
summarizing your argument, and your evidence. You can include some ideas for
further research if you would like.

7. Bibliography: This is your full bibliography of all the works cited in your
research. Make sure it is in alphabetical order, and using hanging indents (as
below (you do not need to include links in bibliographies and it should be doubled
spaced). Use APA format here (no numbers!)

Formatting:
• Include a title page with an assignment title, your name, student number, course
section
• Use double-spacing (2.0 or every other line)
• 1 inch or 2.54cm (Normal) margins
• Use 10 or 11 pt font for sans serif (Arial etc), or 12 pt font for serif (Times, etc).
• Include page numbers
• You may include images, tables and graphs in the text: make sure you have a source
caption
• Ensure you label all figures: Figure 1: Write a Descriptive Title. Source: Where you got
the image, if your own photograph use your name and the date.
• Check your work for typographical, spelling, and grammar errors. Print out a copy and
read it!
•Save your file as your LASTNAMEFIRSTINITIALGEO793ESSAY

Some Geography of Toronto related articles to whet your appetite

Amar, A. K., & Teelucksingh, C. (2015). Environmental justice, transit equity and the

place for immigrants in Toronto. Canadian Journal of Urban Research, 24(2), 43-
63. https://go-gale-
com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/ps/i.do?ty=as&v=2.1&u=rpu_main&it=DIourl&s=RELE
VANCE&p=CPI&qt=SP%7E43%7E%7EIU%7E2%7E%7ESN%7E1188-
3774%7E%7EVO%7E24&lm=DA%7E120150000&sw=w

https://go-gale-com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/ps/i.do?ty=as&v=2.1&u=rpu_main&it=DIourl&s=RELEVANCE&p=CPI&qt=SP%7E43%7E%7EIU%7E2%7E%7ESN%7E1188-3774%7E%7EVO%7E24&lm=DA%7E120150000&sw=w

https://go-gale-com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/ps/i.do?ty=as&v=2.1&u=rpu_main&it=DIourl&s=RELEVANCE&p=CPI&qt=SP%7E43%7E%7EIU%7E2%7E%7ESN%7E1188-3774%7E%7EVO%7E24&lm=DA%7E120150000&sw=w

https://go-gale-com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/ps/i.do?ty=as&v=2.1&u=rpu_main&it=DIourl&s=RELEVANCE&p=CPI&qt=SP%7E43%7E%7EIU%7E2%7E%7ESN%7E1188-3774%7E%7EVO%7E24&lm=DA%7E120150000&sw=w

https://go-gale-com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/ps/i.do?ty=as&v=2.1&u=rpu_main&it=DIourl&s=RELEVANCE&p=CPI&qt=SP%7E43%7E%7EIU%7E2%7E%7ESN%7E1188-3774%7E%7EVO%7E24&lm=DA%7E120150000&sw=w

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Buzzelli, M. (2001). From Little Britain to Little Italy: an urban ethnic landscape study in
Toronto. Journal of Historical Geography, 27(4), 573-587. https://journals-
scholarsportal-
info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/details/03057488/v27i0004/573_flbtliuelsit.xml

Chaudhary, A. R., & Guarnizo, L. E. (2016). Pakistani immigrant organisational spaces
in Toronto and New York City. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 42(6),
1013-1035. https://journals-scholarsportal-
info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/1369183x/v42i0006/1013_piositanyc.xml

Currah, A. (2002). Behind the web store: the organisational and spatial evolution of
multichannel retailing in Toronto. Environment and Planning A, 34(8), 1411-1441.
http://journals.sagepub.com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/doi/pdf/10.1068/a3562

Foth, N., Manaugh, K., & El-Geneidy, A. M. (2014). Determinants of mode share over
time: how changing transport system affects transit use in Toronto, Ontario,
Canada. Transportation Research Record, 2417(1), 67-77. https://journals-
sagepub-com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/doi/abs/10.3141/2417-08

Hiebert, D. (1993). Jewish immigrants and the garment industry of Toronto, 1901–1931:
A study of ethnic and class relations. Annals of the Association of American
Geographers, 83(2), 243-271.
http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/stable/pdf/2563495 ?refreqid=excel
sior%3A3d06d631cb1677e2e8fbfe59bfd3e18c

Nash, C. J., & Gorman-Murray, A. (2015). Recovering the gay village: A comparative
historical geography of urban change and planning in Toronto and
Sydney. Historical Geography, 43, 84-105.
https://ejournals.unm.edu/index.php/historicalgeography/article/view/3188/Nash-
GormanMurray

Rankin, K. N., & McLean, H. (2015). Governing the commercial streets of the city: New
terrains of disinvestment and gentrification in Toronto’s inner suburbs. Antipode,
47(1), 216-239. https://journals-scholarsportal-
info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/00664812/v47i0001/216_gtcsotagitis.xml

Ray, B., & Preston, V. (2015). Working with diversity: A geographical analysis of ethno-
racial discrimination in Toronto. Urban Studies, 52(8), 1505-1522.
https://journals-scholarsportal-
info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/00420980/v52i0008/1505_wwdagaoedit.xml

Takahashi, K. (2017). Toronto’s Little Portugal: gentrification and social relations among
local entrepreneurs. Urban Geography, 38(4), 578-605. https://journals-
scholarsportal-
info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/details/02723638/v38i0004/578_tlpgasrale.xml

Walks, R. A. (2001). The social ecology of the post-Fordist/global city? Economic
restructuring and socio-spatial polarisation in the Toronto urban region. Urban
Studies, 38(3), 407-447. https://journals-scholarsportal-
info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/00420980/v38i0003/407_tseotppittur.xml

Zhuang, Z. C., & Chen, A. X. (2017). The role of ethnic retailing in retrofitting suburbia:
case studies from Toronto, Canada. Journal of Urbanism: International Research
on Placemaking and Urban Sustainability, 10(3), 275-295.

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/details/03057488/v27i0004/573_flbtliuelsit.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/details/03057488/v27i0004/573_flbtliuelsit.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/details/03057488/v27i0004/573_flbtliuelsit.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/1369183x/v42i0006/1013_piositanyc.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/1369183x/v42i0006/1013_piositanyc.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/1369183x/v42i0006/1013_piositanyc.xml

http://journals.sagepub.com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/doi/pdf/10.1068/a3562

http://journals.sagepub.com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/doi/pdf/10.1068/a3562

https://journals-sagepub-com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/doi/abs/10.3141/2417-08

https://journals-sagepub-com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/doi/abs/10.3141/2417-08

http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/stable/pdf/2563495 ?refreqid=excelsior:3d06d631cb1677e2e8fbfe59bfd3e18c

http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/stable/pdf/2563495 ?refreqid=excelsior:3d06d631cb1677e2e8fbfe59bfd3e18c

http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/stable/pdf/2563495 ?refreqid=excelsior:3d06d631cb1677e2e8fbfe59bfd3e18c

https://ejournals.unm.edu/index.php/historicalgeography/article/view/3188/Nash-GormanMurray

https://ejournals.unm.edu/index.php/historicalgeography/article/view/3188/Nash-GormanMurray

https://ejournals.unm.edu/index.php/historicalgeography/article/view/3188/Nash-GormanMurray

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/00664812/v47i0001/216_gtcsotagitis.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/00664812/v47i0001/216_gtcsotagitis.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/00664812/v47i0001/216_gtcsotagitis.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/00420980/v52i0008/1505_wwdagaoedit.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/00420980/v52i0008/1505_wwdagaoedit.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/00420980/v52i0008/1505_wwdagaoedit.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/details/02723638/v38i0004/578_tlpgasrale.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/details/02723638/v38i0004/578_tlpgasrale.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/details/02723638/v38i0004/578_tlpgasrale.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/details/02723638/v38i0004/578_tlpgasrale.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/details/02723638/v38i0004/578_tlpgasrale.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/00420980/v38i0003/407_tseotppittur.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/00420980/v38i0003/407_tseotppittur.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/00420980/v38i0003/407_tseotppittur.xml

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https://journals-scholarsportal-
info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/17549175/v10i0003/275_troeriscsftc.xml

Example outline of the Argument of an Essay
(https://www.ryerson.ca/content/dam/studentlearningsupport/resources/els-
writing/The_Essay_Outline )

Argument/Thesis: Downloading music illegally is the same as stealing

Subargument #1: Downloading music for free is a legal issue.

Supporting evidence:

 Theft is taking something from someone who is the rightful owner without
their permission. (Canadian Law quote)

 Artists own the rights to their own music. (Canadian Law quote)

 Music is under copyright + Music is intellectual property, and taking it without
permission should be considered a criminal act – despite the fact that
“everyone is doing it.” (Research Article 1 and 2)

Subargument #2: Downloading music for free is an ethical issue.

Supporting evidence

 Principles of morality, i.e. what is right and what is wrong. (Dictionary of
Philosophy)

 There is no difference between taking the music for free off the internet and
taking it for free out of a store. (Research Article 3)

 Intellectual property = Intangible. This should be treated the same way as
tangible property, i.e. something physical that you can touch. (Research
Article 4)

Subargument #3: Downloading music for free results in a loss of income.

Supporting evidence

 Musicians love making music → but if people download their music for free,
simply because they can → music won’t be a good, stable source of income
Record companies will also lose money. Record companies have a very
positive role to play: they scout for new talent + offer training and production
studios for up-and-coming musicians + they provide valuable marketing
services, making sure that new artists get heard. (Personal communication
with artists)

 Therefore many jobs related to the music industry will be affected. (Statistics)

 Talent will be underdeveloped → so, downloading music without permission
will lead to fewer good musicians → not only bad for the musicians, but also

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/17549175/v10i0003/275_troeriscsftc.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/17549175/v10i0003/275_troeriscsftc.xml

https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/pdf/17549175/v10i0003/275_troeriscsftc.xml

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for general public → we’ll have less good music to listen to. (Research
Articles 5 and 6)

Rubric for Analytical Essay

A+ A and A- Excellent. Thorough to exceptional knowledge of concepts and/or techniques
together with a high degree of skill and/or some elements of originality in satisfying the
requirements of an assignment.
B+ B and B- Good. Thorough to good level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques
together with considerable skill in using them to satisfy the requirements of an assignment.
C+ C and C- Satisfactory. Acceptable level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques
together with considerable to some skill in using them to satisfy the requirements of an
assignment.

Excellent
A

Good
B

Satisfactory
C

Marginal
D

Fail
F

Absent
0

Overall
Writes an essay that analyses the
cultural, or mobility needs and
resources of a City of Toronto
neighbourhood with clear
introduction, literature review, field
research, discussion, and conclusion
sections.

20 15 12.5 10 8 0

Field Research
Field research incorporates research
from the Field Report and detailed
observations about the
neighbourhood’s needs and
resources. Uses 3 sources.

20 15 12.5 10 8 0

Literature Review
Literature review is clear and
summarizes a minimum of 6 peer
reviewed or scholarly sources.

20 15 12.5 10 8 0

Discussion
Incorporates literature review with
field research, and makes an
argument about the whether the
neighbourhood’s needs are met.

20 15 12.5 10 8 0

Professionalism
Essay is presented clearly, with
attention to grammar and spelling,
including tables, graphs, maps,
photographs where applicable.
Formatting is correct and is at least
2,000 words. Citations are correct.

20 15 12.5 10 8 0

100 75 62.5 58 40 0-40

8/8

D+ D and D- Marginal. Slightly better than minimum to minimum knowledge of concepts and/or
techniques needed to satisfy the requirements of an assignment.
F Unsatisfactory. Does not meet the requirements of the assignment.

Counterpoint Instructions

1. Make an account before you start to familiarize yourself with the app. Join my team

“Social Geography All-Stars” and have a look at the instructions

How it Works

2. Figure out where you want to set up a counterpoint: this should be in an area you want to
measure the traffic. It needs have a clear line of sight across a street. You may use an
existing counterpoint, or make a new one.

3. Make sure your phone is well charged, and if it is cold, find a coffee shop or other interior
site to use as shelter.

4. Set up the point, and start counting. Make sure to count traffic in both directions (if a two
way street). Counts should not be across an intersection. Try to space out your count to
collect data from different times of day or days of the week to get the best picture of your
traffic flow. Counts can be in length from 15-60 minutes, but you should have 120
minutes of counting in total. If you want to team up with a classmate you could both
collect time at a few sites to get an even better data source!

5. Feel free to collect information from your area using the Building Types area audit!
6. You can View Count History or Download Data from these sites after you are completed.
7. Turn the data into graphs and descriptive statistics in Excel.
8. Repeat and tell your friends! Share it on social media

How it Works

GEO793 Winter 2020

Dr Murnaghan

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 2

6

). 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

20%

Ukrainian

Ukrainian

Ukrainian

English

English

English

5.0%

1%

1%

1%

46%

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%	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%	12.7 7%		46%	23%
Most populous non-official home language (Name)				Ukrainian
Most populous non-official home language (#)	180	280	170	140
Top ethnic origin (Name)				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+: (3 4.4% )	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%
Top Period of Housing construction				1%
Top Commuting Time (Name)	30 to 44 mins
Top Commuting Time (%)	38%
Top Commuting Method (Name)	Driver (in vehicle)
Top Commuting Method (%)
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

Home

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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