Smaller locally lead pilot projects, that could be easily implemented in the short term to test the ideas of the Kensington Masterplan, using art and the engaged citizen of the market as a catalyst to recapture some of its underutilized public spaces for the better good and use of the community.
In 2018, the Kensington Market Business Improvement Area (KMBIA) selected a team led by SUMO Project to develop a vision for the Kensington Market public realm. Through background research and a series of public consultation sessions the team produced a Public Realm Masterplan founded on eight principles to guide the design of public space improvements for the benefit of the community.
Under this vision, four (4) small areas have been designated as temporary projects (Pilot Projects) that will test the Masterplan design rationale and could eventually lead to the full-scale Masterplan implementation by the Market for the Market.
The idea is to create spaces that promote both informal and planned activities. Kensington is characterized by spontaneous artistic expressions that range from street art to performances. Design interventions will serve as anchors for this type of expression.
This area is one the most popular intersection along Augusta Ave. due to the presence of the “Garden Car” at the south-west corner. There’s opportunity to expand and promote active uses along the generous open space in the north-east corner, the proximity to Sonya’s Park on Oxford St. as well as the potential connection between the park and a narrow laneway that connects it back to Augusta Ave.
This location is one of the main ‘entrances’ to the Market and a place where spontaneous social gatherings occur prompted by the physical characteristics of the space – existing steps, the bike rack/Kensington sign, a linear planter and wide sidewalks. This is also a place where a wider vehicular right of way conflicts with the slower, more intimate pedestrian nature of the Market.
The west corner of Kensington Ave. and Dundas St. W. has been identified as ideal for a significant public art piece and entrance plaza, for informal gatherings and performances that would create a strong sense of entrance to one of the Market’s most unique streets.
This is an ideal area to promote and intensify the market functions as there is an existing, healthy concentration of food vendors and an intimate human scale that results from the narrow right of way. There are opportunities to enhance the pedestrian realm and intensify it with more commercial activities that take over parts of the street as a true street market.