Neighbourhood Crawl: What multimedia artist Sook-Yin Lee loves about Kensington Market

Sook-Yin Lee has lived in the same 19th-century Kensington Market home since she moved to Toronto for a gig at MuchMusic almost two decades ago. The neighbourhood plays a role in her latest feature film, Paying for It, which is based on a graphic novel by Lee’s former partner, Chester Brown, about seeing sex workers within their polyamorous relationship. Lee filmed scenes in her home as well as at Sneaky Dee’s, Buddha’s Vegan Restaurant and Market Video. “This is a caring community that has managed to stave off total gentrification,” she says. “Whenever I return from a trip or even another part of the city, I instantly start to breathe easy again.”

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Kensington Leather

“Al Alkayet is a true leather man who is dedicated to his craft. His shop is jammed to the rafters with all kinds of leather goods, including jackets, belts, wallets and satchels. It can take some time, but you’ll always find treasures here. Al also does custom orders. He’s crafted beautiful pieces for me, like a two-tone fanny pack. He sold it to me for practically nothing. I said, ‘The price is too low!’’’ 67 Kensington Ave., kensingtonleather.com

Global Cheese

“This place is run by a Portuguese family and has been around since 1970. There’s a cow in the window as well as vibrant handwritten signs displaying the cheeses. I never get more than two steps inside before someone hands me a sample. I usually buy whatever they offer me. They have a nice goat brie and a caramelized cheese with some sweetness. They also sell local butter in bulk—they’ll slice you off a chunk.” 76 Kensington Ave., globalcheese.ca

Market Video

“Daniel Vila used to run the underground venue Double Double Land. Now he hosts Sunday film screenings at his home. He’s a serious culture lover. Can you imagine inviting strangers over to watch weird and wonderful art films? The last time I was there, I saw an experimental animated Japanese movie. Daniel’s decor is glamorous and otherworldly, so I knew it would be the perfect setting for Chester’s first encounter with a sex worker in my film.” instagram.com/marketvideotoronto

B&J Trading

“Benny Ho, who runs B&J, is funny enough to be a stand-up comedian. My partner, Dylan, and I come by just to hang out with him. His shop is full of affordable treasures from China, like tapestries and fans, as well as practical items like candles and stationery. I recently bought a pair of stunning embroidered wrist sleeves here. They’re like something from a museum.” 376 Spadina Ave.

Shoney’s Clothing

“Most second-hand places are so expensive these days, but not Shoney’s. I get a lot of my film wardrobes here. You have to rummage around, but it’s worth it. My favourite places are all about the experience of looking around and meeting the shopkeepers. Dylan just bought a 1974 military coat here for a fraction of the price you’d find at a fancy vintage shop.” 222 Augusta Ave., instagram.com/shoneysclothing

The Arch Café Bar

“The Arch has a welcoming boho feel at a time when so many cafés have embraced a cold minimalist aesthetic. They have gorgeous tapestries, comfortable pillows and family photos on the walls, plus scratch-made food and live music. I’ll visit just to see the owners’ dog, Archer, who has the run of the joint. I also love their teas and desserts—especially the chocolate raspberry brownie.” 293 Augusta Ave., thearch.ca