Grand River Transit

[panamaniac]

My impression is that there has been a form of gentrification (perhaps not the correct word) taking place.  Younger, artsy, educated/professional people are being drawn to the area because it's central and has good housing stock at affordable prices (some have been beautifully renovated).  To me it's becoming the neighbourhood where you're not surprised to hear about residential street intersections being painted by community members as a traffic-calming measure.  Probably lots of neighbourhood porch parties in its short to mid-term future as well.  With all of this, of course, comes higher expectations - I doubt that "old Mt Hope" would be a source of complaints about bus service.  Am I right?

You are dead right on the last point, and I think pretty accurate in your description of the changes going on. Yes, it’s definitely the newcomers (I’m one) who have those certain expectations, transit included.

As long as higher expectations don't morph into a sense of entitlement (Uptown west of Caroline, come on down!), I think it will become a terrific, urban family neighbourhood.