A confession about my plans for this week’s post.
I’ve been working on bringing more lived-experience voices into this series about Old East Village (OEV). Over the past few weeks, I’ve had some wonderful conversations off camera and met some truly memorable people. I’ve chatted with customers in local shops, spoken with someone who called out to me while I was taking photos to tell me how much they appreciate the spotlight on the neighbourhood, and had casual conversations while sitting on a bench or waiting in a lineup.
All of these interactions have helped ground my own perspective on the warmth, character and genuineness of this community. I’m looking forward to bringing more of those lived experiences into this series.
But with no interview lined up in time for this week’s post, I was still reminded of something I’ve come to believe: stories need to be discovered and shared.
So, I wandered over to Renee’s Sandwich Shop. This AMAZING place had a lineup of customers within minutes of opening. I placed my order, struck up a few conversations and, as it turns out, found someone who could bring a very different and interesting perspective to the story of OEV.
Tristan Squire-Smith, co-owner of Coldwell Banker Beaver Realty Brokerage and a building owner in OEV, agreed to share his experiences and thoughts about the neighbourhood.
What makes Tristan’s perspective particularly interesting is what he and his partner have done over the past few years. They took a boarded-up building and brought it back to life. They opened a business, built partnerships with other area businesses and, through that experience, have developed a strong belief in the potential of Old East Village.
We talked about all of that—the opportunities, the challenges and what Tristan believes needs to be done to help this neighbourhood thrive.
Tristan brings an asset-based approach to his thoughts on OEV. His perspective is grounded in words like “potential,” “opportunity” and “support,” while also acknowledging the current realities facing the neighbourhood and the actions he believes are needed.
I hope you enjoy the conversation.
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Steve’s Reflections is sponsored by Old East Village BIA
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Wednesday - City Hall Notes by Mike Donachie - SPONSORED BY SPERO LAW
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Friday - Reflecting - with Steve Cordes SPONSORED BY OLD EAST VILLAGE BIA
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