Yorkville Symbolizes a Wealthy Space and Place in Toronto

Individuals tend to shape space and place so that it they can interact within areas that represent their interests and cultures. When looking at Toronto, there are so many different areas that contain specific identities in order to reflect all the different types of people, whether it is different ethnicities, religions, genders, sexuality, age, or class. An example of a place that has been socially constructed by people is Yorkville which is known by the majority of Torontonians as being very ritzy where people with a lot of money can enjoy all the different luxuries that the place offers. Yorkville cannot just become such a glamorous area without people’s influence because they are who decided a need in expensive retailers, businesses, and residential homes. Individuals wanted a place where they can expose their wealth and as a result, they have created such an area that could reflect their identity. Without human input, Yorkville is only an open space. But, it becomes a place when people give it a purpose in which people are allowed to interact and gain different experiences. In the 1960’s, Yorkville was known to be a hangout for hippies (Hume, 2008), however there was a need to change Yorkville to make it more attractive. This location not only became an area where people spent a lot of their time, but it also brought a lot of consumption which allowed Toronto’s economy to boom. Its location being in the heart of downtown became the perfect spot where people were surrounded by top designer stores and fancy restaurants. People have also recently created a need for glamorous condominiums because they not only want to spend their time there, but want to live and be surrounded by the culture that they have created. Basically, Yorkville has become the Hollywood of Toronto that attracts celebrities and other rich people because of its elegance. It allows these people to express their wealth and be connected to people that share a similar lifestyle and interests. Nonetheless, it is clear that Yorkville can be illustrated through a Marxist approach of inequality and exclusion. If there is a homeless person walking within the area, people will stare and treat them differently because they do not fit this wealthy culture. In a way, these wealthy people feel uncomfortable since their space and place is threatened by someone that is unwanted and clearly does not belong. If a person does not have money, they are looked as an outsider which in the minds of the rich makes the place look worse since it is meant to have a posh image. If you do not walk into Chanel or the Four Seasons with expensive clothing, jewelry, or anything that symbolizes wealth than you simply will be ignored by some and judged by everyone. Therefore, there is a clear sense of hierarchy amongst people since only the wealthy are accepted and treated well, whereas those that do not pertain this classy image are put off to the side and feel a sense of worthlessness.

Christopher, Hume. (2008). “Shop Counter-Culture and Reincarnation Rule.” The Toronto Star. http://www.thestar.com/article/296532 (accessed February 6, 2008).