This video was produced by a youth journalist who participated in The Green Line’s Alexandra Park Youth Journalism program in partnership with Scadding Court Community Centre. It’s part of the series “Know Your Neighbour,” which profiles the people and places important to community members in Alexandra Park, Kensington Market and Chinatown.

Walking through Chinatown is a full sensory experience, according to community worker Martha Nguyen who was born and raised in the neighbourhood.

Initially established in the late 1800s, Chinatown at Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West is currently known as one Toronto’s the busiest and most popular areas. It’s a bustling hub of activity jam-packed with a variety of restaurants spanning diverse East Asian cuisines, markets displaying fresh produce and meats, and shops selling everything from Canada souvenirs and knickknacks to board games and electronics.

Having spent most of her life in Chinatown, Nguyen sees the neighbourhood continue to grow. Even though it’s serviced by three community centres — University Settlement, Scadding Court Community Centre and Cecil Community Centre — she says Chinatown has a growing need for more spaces to gather, communicate about local issues and hold useful workshops for residents.

When she was younger, Nguyen says she was unaware of the many resources available at local community centres just down the street from her. That’s why she’s passionate about sharing information about programs and services offered to the community, especially youth.

“If you have community spaces like this, then it opens up opportunities for youth, or just for everyone in general, to be able to gain employment at these places and support the community that they are in and that they are from,” Nguyen explains.