Chanel Vinet

Many Small Things

Toronto’s Chinatown West has always been at risk of being lost. Attempts to gentrify it, to have it curated for outsider expectations, and to reduce it as a mere tourist attraction threaten its character and community. While it may outwardly present itself a certain way as means to survive, its inward-facing existence is what I am interested in. That is the more honest, sometimes subtle, and unedited version of Chinatown. It is a place of resilience and care. Its quirks and particularities should be celebrated. Behind the dense street front views are pockets of open space connected by thin alleys and laneways. The area is full of these underutilized and often uncared for spaces that have the potential of becoming places for community engagement and connection. Community gardens can become a shared space for those living and working in mix-used blocks as they can care for it together. Small tea houses can offer small private rooms for a couple friends to gather and chat. A pavilion dedicated to Mahjong would revive game nights that were once held by community groups, and would also provide light in a dark alleyway. Places where vendors used to gather could be brought back and the sidewalks they occupy would be made to suit their needs. Distinct trees can be planted to subtly mark Chinatown's boundaries. All these small interventions could facilitate specific local activities and would work together to anchor the neighbourhood by also promoting a sense of belonging. They are responses to community patterns and behaviours and are not made for the attention of outsiders. They are quiet, subtle additions and changes to the existing conditions of Chinatown but are strategically placed to defend its place or to assist its people.