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<title>blogTO Recent Comments: Starbucks to Ruin Kensington Market?</title>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/feed/recentcomments/?10942</link>
<description>Comments recently made in this post on blogTO</description>
<copyright>Copyright 2009</copyright>
<lastBuildDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:31:36 PST</lastBuildDate>
<item>
<title>Julia</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Kensington is one of the few commercial neighborhoods in Toronto whose culture is really determined by the community who uses the market, and is more of a real 'home' to Torontonians than anywhere else in the city. Friends who visit Toronto from elsewhere in Canada are always impressed and warmed by it's uniqueness, even Montreal does not have an area with this particular kind of density. I'm really surprised that the value of this is even being questioned. The neighborhood needs to hold on to it's integrity. The idea of a Starbucks sitting there sounds like a depressing joke.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c460056</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c460056</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:20:03 PST</pubDate>
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<title>TBor</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I never realized there are so many experts in Toronto on what other people's motivations are.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c328826</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c328826</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:41:06 PST</pubDate>
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<title>mantis</title>
<description><![CDATA[
To the person who said that Starbucks was an improvement on the  corner of Bathurst/Queen. I totally agree with you on that point, it sure cleaned up all the mess that was there for a long time. I'm for Starbuck on that one, but Nassau/Augusta isn't the same messed up seedy corner.  We don't need a Starbuck at Kensington Market.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c328173</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c328173</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:36:56 PST</pubDate>
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<title>Gordo Porcel</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I will brake something of Starbucks every night I walk by it. 

and I don't even live there. It's my favourite place in Toronto.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c320253</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c320253</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:52:46 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>Andrew</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Most of the people who are against the Starbucks in Kensington Market are anti Americans. They're the same "type of people" of would also be opposed to any American company moving into their dirty neighborhood. Kensington Market is a dirty place, and I think a Starbucks would help clean the place up. I've been there myself. I currently live in Milton (I doubt anyone from Toronto actually knows where that is) and when I compare Milton to Kensington Market, the biggest difference is that Milton is a clean friendly place, and Kensington is a trashy dirty place. 

Again, the people opposed to the Starbucks are anti Americans. They're the same people who want to turn Canada into a socialist nation.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c316736</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c316736</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:26:41 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>rkw</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Just heard that the real estate agent just backed out of agreements, even he wouldn't touch this one, more for his public reputation.
 
Another thing, the owner of this building has basicaly neglected it to the point that unless some one with tons of money to fix it buys ,it might be condemned.

This irresponsible land owner is trying get a free make over for his building at the community's expense. 

Bravo]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c316361</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c316361</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:06:12 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>rkw</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Again the issue here has little to do with whose coffee tastes better, arguably it's up to the individual to decide.
Coffee here is definitely more fresh as the beans are fried on site and most coffees sold are free trade, where as starbucks only has a few free trade brands which usually aren't on tap.

The main reason we are opposed to this from happening is it will cause a rent increase and force out family's and businesses that have made this neighborhood what is.

This is a moral issue which I think highlights some of the differences in ideology of our society.

Socialist who believe that family business should be protected from being threatened by Capitalists.

The Capitalist's who think that big business should be able  to make a profit regardless of negative of effects on the community. 

This conception that making somewhere cleaner will actually have any effect on issues like poverty or drug use is ridiculous, and probably the main reason it exists, look at queen st, tell me the existence of any real sign that things will ever get better in parkdale or cabbage town where there are people staggering around doorways of condos and hotels who could care less if the building is clean or not.

The people here believe that the only way to deal with these problems is at a community level, when people are treated like human beings regardless of economic status, and given help they need.

And it is not as easy a simply stating that your going to clean up a deep seeded problem like you wash your car.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c316274</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c316274</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:51:15 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>steve</title>
<description><![CDATA[
It seems that the heart of the problem is an aesthetic critique not a social or moral (although it could be an ethical aesthetic argument in which case I would love to hear more on the topic).  That being said, if there is going to be a worthwhile discussion on this issue, please, for the sake of everyone, be clear on what exactly is the problem.  I'm hearing a mish-mash of "corporation this", "tourists that", "standardization," etc.etc.etc.  Fact is, if the argument is that Starbucks in Kensington will ruin the atmosphere by changing the clientele, people, let us not turn a blind eye to such establishments as "Waterfall."  Are we not already experiencing this shift in clientele?  The dingy, grimy, raw and real appearance of Kensington should be praised, but it should be praised for the right reasons.  Similiarily, the green and black familiar Starbucks logo, and the hospital cafeteria vibe should be noted as well.  Facts are facts and cannot be disputed, so please, when arguing this issue, don't make statements like "overpriced" when Moonbeam espresso is more expensive than Starbucks.  Is it a difference between ceramic mugs and cardboard cups?  Or between the type of machinery used to make the product? Or is it the seemingly ridiculous argument that independent coffee houses hire real baristas while starbucks hires the fake kind?  Whatever the problem is, acknowledge it, and bear it the fuck out. But please, try to make sense when you do, otherwise people stop listening.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c316134</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c316134</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:21:00 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>Lionel</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Dear Stabucks, Please stay out of Kensington Market in Toronto.  You do not belong there.
We have had this sort of problem in Melbourne with the golden arches. It is a matter of changing the dominant discourse and forcing them out. Let them know that they do not have the RIGHT to invade your space. See <a href="http://intergon.net/tsw/sustainableceos.pdf">http://intergon.net/tsw/sustainableceos.pdf</a> or <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thesustainableway">http://www.myspace.com/thesustainableway</a>
Let Starbucks know that they have a DUTY to go somewhere else with their corporate operations.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315966</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315966</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:49:20 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>michael</title>
<description><![CDATA[
this is like my last refuge in toronto.. i've been living here my whole life (29 years) and recently have been considering moving away from the province all together..and this is a real big blow against everything i felt toronto had to offer all this time.. queen st has been striped clean of its former charm.. the arts hub around abell st.. and now this.. i'm so close to bailing, leaving the captains of toronto to go down with their sinking ship]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315901</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315901</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:59:10 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>Hunter</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I think that even if this does end up happening, I'm sure the community will do everything in their power to shut it down.  Can you imagine going to Kensington Market for a Starbucks Coffee? That's not why people go.  I can see it now...local protesters booing everyone who enters the shop! Wouldn't you opt not to go there and instead find either something "Kensington" or if they must have their stupid Starbucks, they would go to the one down the block.  The business would not stay open for long with that kind of commitment from the community I'll tell you that!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315829</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315829</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:40:48 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>somechick</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Besides the fact that starbucks coffee tastes horrible - I don't  think it will last long in Kensington, and if it does expect scant amounts of people in there. Mostly suburbanites and yuppies looking for the familiar and generic. I just came back from Paris and Rome, and though there are Starbucks in Paris, they are mostly populated by tourists and exchange students.

I don't think Kensington is glamourous or particularly beautiful, but for what little culture Canada and Toronto has (yes I know you will argue that), Kensington is a little refuge for those that want a little piece of somewhere else, even though it may last an afternoon only. Or place where you can find that  special ingredient or hard to come by spice. There is a reason it lasted so long and will continue...changes will happen, but I think it has a soft spot in many people's hearts and will continue to be it's own entity.

Not everybody can attend protests and community meetings, so the least one can do is just NOT buy your coffee there and support the little guys down the street.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315821</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315821</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:30:12 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>rkw</title>
<description><![CDATA[
You people don't get it.
If starbucks moves into the market it will cause a huge rent increase for residents and family businesses that are all ready having a hard time making ends meet.

The people of this neighborhood do not want this here, and your opinions unless you are from Kensington frankly do not matter.

We like our streets and stores the way that they are, it keeps out all the whiners.

And gos to show that the majority are living in a repressive society that care more about aesthetics then whether or not family's are going to be displaced. 

But from the looks of how things are going this won't even go through, a part of the land is on city property which gives our counselor more ground to stand on, as he understands, although not even being from here of the importance of letting  community's decide what direction they want to see their neighborhood go.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315813</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315813</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:22:54 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>Cheryl</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I shudderto think Starbucks would move into Kensington.  AND I don't think Kensington is dirty.  It is not the Eaton Centre but then it isn't supposed to be.  If people want sparkling and shiny they should stay outta the market.  Starbucks is closing stores left, right and centre, why would they even consider opening in a place where people are so adamately opposed?  This is totally bizarre!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315758</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315758</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:30:18 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>Jamie</title>
<description><![CDATA[
DRAKE YOU HO!

IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315674</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315674</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:30:07 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>Ali</title>
<description><![CDATA[
If Kensington market will change forever with a single store, let it happen... where is the strong feeling of Kensington culture? Let people decide what they choose... Let starbucks run and close down after few months or years... They will close the doors if there is no income... 

I don't see productive many people for world peace and sustainability in Kensington Market... There must be more important issues than Starbucks in the world... Or at least, why don't market people start to clean their streets from garbage and drug dealers???  There is so much consumption in the market but no productivity.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315660</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315660</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:36:30 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>Meh</title>
<description><![CDATA[
SBux does not keep stores open that are running @ a loss.  A store front is not simply a marketing tool - labour costs would be through the roof ... they are like every other retail store - if they don't meet their targets, labour gets cut then the store is closed shortly after if there is no change.  I love how people think of Starbucks as a big bad corporation...what about all the jobs they are creating and the support they have on the local communities.  Every SBux has a budget specifically allocated to contribute to the community around their location and with every store opening big bucks go to charities. Pike Place was the first location - let me remind you all that that's a small market place in Seattle.  SBux are refocusing their efforts and concentrating on their core values ... I think they would fit in very well in Ken. Mrkt - if anything...they may tarnish their image a little by being around such nasty dirty stores!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315658</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315658</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:35:41 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>rkw</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Kensington is not like the rest of canada, or the rest of the world..

It is the last bastion where the people actually still live pro actively with the community,and have more effect on the ground then the government has...

The last time nike tried to open a franchise here it was literally ran out of the neighborhood by an angry mob and already  there are signs of it happening again almost inevitably...

An example to all that you don't have to sit back and let business's concerned only with corporate interest desecrate your quality of life... 

But, hopefully it won't get that far 
People do actually live here, it's not just a disney land set we put up and take down for yuppies to venture into on weekends, these ideals are a way of life that are lived everyday, and there is sense of community here that nowhere else in the city can even shake a stick at...

Like honestly, this  need to make everything cleaner and safer is what has made our city almost unbearable to much of the world...]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315571</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315571</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:28:21 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>TheStoreOwnersofKensington</title>
<description><![CDATA[
As mom and pop shop owners in the area, a group of us feel our business is being dramatically affected by the so-called "defenders" of the market.

It is so extremely important to have space in the mind.  Otherwise, you always create what you are fighting against.  The psychology and the brand image of Kensington Market that people attach to is no different than the brand image that Starbucks has.  Both are desperate for power.

Be creative, do something new.  Kensington Market is a neighbourhood full of raw emotion and energy, it can be a leader in creativity and sustainability.  And that doesn't mean Pedestrian Sundays.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315173</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c315173</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:06:16 PDT</pubDate>
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<title>kensington news</title>
<description><![CDATA[
here's some news about starbucks looking at the n/w corner of augusta and nassau...

this morning, some folks pasted the building with "i *heart* my local cafes" and "kensington doesn't welcome multi-national corporations" and a detailed petition demanding that the market should be corporate store-front free

go check it out

release this to any media you see fit and also mention if you think it is relevant - 

pedestrian sundays kensington hosted by streets are for people and the city of toronto, september 28th - all-candidates debate with federal candidates for our riding (3 - 4 pm on augusta between nassau and oxford) hosted by michael j 

preceded by maracatu nunca antes and followed by samba elegua (afro-brasilian percussion) at augusta and nassau, ambassadors (funk) at augusta and oxford, dancing community spirit into the streets and hearts of kensington market

at north augusta 7 - 10, aline morales band followed by richard underhill and the kensington community horns

+ a fundrasier to print a passport-style directory of kensington (augusta house and the boat - both on south augusta, 7 pm 'til late late late...) - independantly produced with the generous support of Red Pepper Spectacle Arts and the Kensington Market Action Committee

see you there!!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c314851</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/09/starbucks_to_ruin_kensington_market/#c314851</guid>
<category>Toronto, Eat & Drink</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 28 Sep 2008 05:06:35 PDT</pubDate>
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