North York North: Arrival City
Ana Khundadze and Eugene Slonimerov
This storytelling and sharing route includes a walk around the block in the community, guided by Ana Khundadze, a Canadian-Georgian artist and researcher and Eugene Slonimerov, Canadian-Belarusian urbanist and writer. Each will reflect on lived experience of two different waves of post-Soviet migration, the 1990s and the 2010s.
Together, we’ll explore a living, layered geography where formal infrastructure is shaped by tensions of informal cultural and social systems.
The walk ends by the flood control pond at G. Ross Lord Park, a serene birdwatching spot near the site of the former Don Lake, with time for meditation at the confluence of two creeks.
Some trails are a bit steep, but the route can be adjusted to be accessible. Participants are encouraged to contribute stories, take photos, and sketch. We'll stop by a Georgian bakery to grab bread and continue walking. The final portion is open-ended for relaxing, mingling, or exploring local spots.
Walk Start:
Food court at Centerpoint Mall, (Young St and Steeles Ave West, 53 or 60 buses from Finch Station are five minutes away)
G. Ross Lord Dam (Bus 125 towards Finch Station, stops at Torresdale Ave, other options on Finch Ave)
Walk End:
Date:
Start Time:
Sunday, May 4
1:00:00 PM & 5:30:00 PM
Duration:
2:30:00
Language:
English
Theme:
Advocacy and Politics, Architecture and Urban Planning, Arts and Culture, Environment and Sustainability, Food and Drinks, History and Places, Lived Experiences, People and Communities Topics Covered: Migration, human trafficking, rental towers in a park, transition, memory of crime, informal infrastructure, park trails and flood zones, holes in fences.
Accessibility:
● Uneven terrain ● Breaks encouraged ● Indoor stops included ● Dog-friendly and family-friendly (with guidance: walk includes stories of crime and trafficking) ● Content warning: Suitable for children accompanied by parents comfortable with sensitive topics
Attendees Identify You:
Food court at Centerpoint Mall.