Posted Nov 13, 2006, 6:07 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Southwestern Ontario
Posts: 15,218
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Thanks for your responses
I hope this set of photos communicates the extent of grittiness on Barton. It's not so much that it's the most horrible area, it's the shear size, it really is a long stretch. The amazing thing is that the street is so intact: the entire street is lined with an nearly unbroken (but dilapidated) streetwall. Hardly anything has been torn down. Since it's lasted this long, I'm guessing the street will remain much like it is now.
I believe it will remain like it is because there is a stigma associated with Barton Street, but even moreso, there is a stigma associated with the people who live around Barton. No amount of redevelopment, tax breaks or urban planning can remove the stigma because it lies in deeply rooted social problems. The cycle of poverty and all the drugs, crime, desperation, hopelessness, etc. that go along with it are deeply entrenched in that area of the city. These people have to live somewhere.
Those who live in the Barton Street area are proud of it because it's their home or where they grew up. It definately has character, and those who live there like to talk about how tough it is and exaggerate how dangerous it is. There is some danger, and as you can see in the pictures, the criminal element is always visable. On my walk I saw prostitutes, police chasing people, and homelessness, while others offered to sell me pot or crystal meth. Despite that, I didn't risk life or limb to get these photos, but I easily could have had my camera stolen. Although I'm cultured and educated now, I come from a working class background and look kinda scruffy, so I was able to mingle among the people I met on the street without much trouble. I think there would be more risk for a really clean cut, obviously privileged person walking around taking pictures there.
Also, the Centre Mall, which is located toward the end of the tour, is slated for major redevelopment which will include residential. Obviously having a Mall on the street does nothing for the vast string of empty storefronts along Barton, but it will be interesting to see what effect the new residential will have in the area.
**EDIT** I don't mean to give the impression that Barton is unsafe, just that it's a rough neighbourhood, and the residents play that up, and you will find trouble if you look for it.
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Last edited by flar; Nov 14, 2006 at 1:20 AM.
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