Re: “Vibrant communities need more than cute cafes,” Dec. 17.
I have been to the Le Marché a couple of times and find the place just a wee bit twee for my liking. They also seem to cater to a niche market so I don’t think this establishment nor its various clones in other hoods would qualify as a community builder.
You are absolutely right about a real neighbourhood being a place where everyone belongs and feels included.
I do have to take mild and friendly exception to the suggestion that we should all invite each other over for coffee. Some of us do because we have time and energy to spare and already feel somewhat compatible with the folks next door.
Where I live it isn’t that easy. I live in a social housing building downtown that has 40 per cent mental health consumers for tenants. I work in the mental health field as a support worker. Some of my clients are also my neighbours. When I come home I am tired. I need time to rest, take care of myself and keep myself fit for another day’s work with clients who sometimes can be very needy and challenging.
The other day when a former client of mine, who is also a tenant in my building, started telling me in the elevator all about her toe fungus, I was reminded of just why I don’t like to invite my neighbours for coffee.
This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t look out for one another, and I always try to be on hand if one of my neighbours is in need and I am able to help out.
Thanks for your great article.
Aaron Zacharias, Vancouver
