During a recent historical walk with Gene Domagala, he took me to the local Scotia Bank office near Victoria Park Avenue and Kingston to show me some historical photos of this neighborhood. While there, he introduced me to Carolyn Pitre, the branch manager who has been a frequent supporter of Center 55, its festivals and charitable activities.

Many people view Queen Street East from Woodbine to Victoria Park as the main stretch of beach, the beach neighborhood certainly extending further north than that. Gerrard Street has become the center of “Upper Beach” and some people would go so far as to say that even the eastern end of Danforth Avenue could still be considered part of the larger Beaches neighborhood. No doubt Kingston Road has always been part of the beach, and here’s Carolyn Pitre to tell us more about this unique neighborhood.

1. Tell us a little about yourself. What connection do you have with the beach? What is your role at Kingston Road Business Community?

I have been a branch manager for Scotiabank Kingston & Bingham since April 2005, and my family has lived on the beach for the past 18 years. I am often at the beach, on weekends, walking along the boardwalk, shopping, visiting family, etc. I have been involved with the Kingston Road Business Community since November 2005. I attend their meetings, help organize events, and involve my branch in events.

2. What is Kingston Road Business Community’s mandate? What areas does it cover? How is this organization financed?

KRBC’s mandate is to promote business in the area by organizing events to attract people to the area. Our business members extend along Kingston Road from Fallingbrook to approximately Beech Avenue. Residents range from Warden Road to Main Street and Gerrard to Queen Streets. Kingston Road Business Community is self-funded through the collections of our members.

3. Please provide general information about the Kingston Road area, its demographics, residential architecture, and other unique features. What makes this a special neighborhood?

From my observations/experience this area seems to be made up of many young families and also many older families/people who have lived in the area for many years. Compared to other areas I’ve worked in, this area has a very strong sense of community. Many people seem to have home-based businesses, so they live and work here instead of commuting out of the area every day.

4. There are a lot of new real estate developments and the whole area seems to be revitalizing. Please comment on that.

I think this is because a lot of the older folks are selling houses and moving into condos while young families move into the area. Also, some of the industrial locations have now been converted to new housing developments which are drawing more people to the area.

5. What kind of shops and services can be found along Kingston Road?

Kingston Road Business Community has a wide range of shops from gift boutiques, pet care and accessories, unique/fashionable furniture and décor, spas/salons, florists, bookstores, arts and crafts, clothing, sporting goods, shop windows, shop of music. , healthy food, galleries/art stores, etc.

6. What kind of restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops are found along Kingston Road? What places have outdoor patios?

We have a wide variety of catering establishments: bar and grill, pubs, a Cajun restaurant, a Hungarian restaurant, several pizzerias and pasta shops, coffee shops and bakeries selling sandwiches, soups and other hot dishes, pastries, etc. Three of our small cafes and bakeries have outdoor seating, one pub and bar and grill also have an outdoor patio.

7. Tell us about some of the special events and festivals that take place throughout the year along Kingston Road.

We have a Spring Festival (usually the first Saturday in June) and a Fall Festival (late September/early October). We run these festivals in conjunction with the 55 Community Center and there are lots of kids activities, live bands and other family entertainment. Many of the merchants have specials and/or free food for the crowds.

Last year, Community Center 55 hosted the First Annual Christmas Parade along Kingston Road, which was well attended by the community. The Lions Club, Kingston Road Business Community, local schools and politicians also participated on the parade committee.

8. What community, non-profit and service organizations are active in the Kingston Road area? What about places of worship?

We have a wide variety of non-profit organizations working right here in the community: Community Center 55, Lions Club, Pegasus Community Project, All Schools, Kingston Road United Church, St. John’s Catholic Church, as well as the YMCA.

9. What sports and recreational facilities are available in your area?

Recreation is an important part of beach life. Our neighborhood has a wide selection of sports and recreational facilities, including Ted Reeve Arena, YMCA, Balmy Beach Club, Lation Fitness Studios, and Curves, another gym.

10. Tell us about the new initiatives that are going to take place along Kingston Road.

The committee’s first order of business is to name the area. Our Spring Festival will take place on Saturday, June 2, 2007. The Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2007, and the Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, November 10, 2007.

Thank you Carolyn for taking the time to introduce us to the Kingston Road shopping community. Good luck with your special events.