08/28/2026
Feature Friday: Kensington Market.
Perhaps one of the most well known shots on film of Kensington, the opening credits to King of Kensington starring Al Waxman.
Interesting to note that Al Waxman was the son of Jewish immigrants and grew up in Kensington Market. It makes his statue even more at home.
King of Kensington had a broader social message beyond being a neighbourhood sitcom. It often presented multiculturalism, acceptance, and racial tolerance through ordinary interactions among the residents of the neighbourhood.
The important point is that it generally didn't preach the message directly. Instead, it showed people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds living, working, arguing, helping each other, and becoming part of the same community.
A good way to describe its message would be:
Toronto's strength comes from people of different backgrounds living together as neighbours. Racism and prejudice are shown as barriers to community, while acceptance, friendship, and understanding bring people together.
This was particularly meaningful for a Toronto audience in the 1970s, when the city was becoming increasingly diverse. The show reflected the idea that being Canadian and being part of Toronto did not require everyone to have the same background.
