Chanel Vinet

01 For Jurying Consideration

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. It is a place of resilience and care.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. Its quirks and particularities should be celebrated. Behind the veil of densely packed commercial buildings are hidden open spaces connected by thin alleyways and lanes. 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 would work together to anchor the neighbourhood.They are responses to community patterns and behaviours and are not made for the attention of outsiders.