Junction Triangle

First, let me say that my family has lived here for three generations – since 1930’s. As such we have witnessed many changes- some good, some mediocre. Right now, Angel’s represents an opportunity for constructive community building- the kind that develop organically as the neighbourhood goes through its current growth cycle.

Angel’s café has brought a distinctive “family” owned and operated presence to the four corners of Wallace and Symington. Angel’s café is now reclaiming and reinvigorating this intersection with its airy, open, storefront window and friendly, clean, inside seating. With Angel’s café colourful flower boxes there is now a new air about the place; a new aesthetic. Family and friends can be seen coming and going from this little hub of activity. Already the corner is taking on a softer, gentler feeling. People using the bus stop now stop to glance in, make a mental note, pick up a pastry or stop for an expresso and say hi to someone they know. People have begun to linger here and meet others from their community.

And as such, people are aware that there is a new, friendly set of “eyes on the street” that standing at the bus stop or shopping at the local variety store is now safer. This adds a feeling of security and helps the neighbourhood police itself. It strengthens those fibers that help make the neighbourhood feel like a place to call home.

Rebuilding the community’s sense of trust and confidence is a tenuous process. One that is definitely being help by Angel’s café presence in many different ways.

Imagine walking by Angel’s café and noticing a group of 20 women happily knitting and chatting together over coffe.

Imagine seeing a family of 16 gathered together inside, over a cake, singing “happy birthday” to their 88 year old father.

Now picture Halloween, with Angels providing treats for the neighbourhood kids. Just as they also supported the fund raising activities of a local grade school.

Speak Spanish? Well, Angel’s café is the place to brush-up or get in touch with other members of our Spanish speaking community.

Do you want to go out for dessert nearby with a senior or someone else with “access challenges? Well, Angel’s café has that one covered too. No stairs, no basement washrooms. Angel’s has a first floor washroom- and that makes a big difference to moms with kids or seniors with canes. In fact, our special “accessible-designed” community bus stops right outside Angel’s café.

Want to study somewhere other than your bedroom? Plug yourself in at Angel’s café where you’ll see other young people with their text books and computers.

How about watching a big sports game, a skating finale or a favourite movie? You can bring your kids to watch it on Angel’s large-scale screen and cheer in a family-friendly environment with the aroma of coffee and cookies.

For all the above our neighbourhood has gain a lot with Angel’s café to stay.

Congratulations ANGEL’S CAFÉ

While I was on the walk with the students from York University on Wednesday morning someone commented that more of these shops should be brought back to help foster the growth of this area. Way to go Angel and Matilda!!! I wish you all the best!

On Saturday I visited Angel’s café and I love their breakfast. The service was wonderful.
On Sunday I tried their porcheta sandwich the best I ate in long time. I am so happy to have a beautiful and relaxing place like this in the neighbourhood.

Last night as we were coming home from the Fringe the guy saw us looking and turned on the lights and took a bow. We all laughed.