History     Diversity By the 1970s, the face of Kensington had changed, as a wave of new immigrants from China, Hong Kong and Vietnam started to settle in the area. They continued the old “Kensington” tradition of using the first floor of their homes as stores. The Chinese community grew rapidly and today makes up over 40% of the Kensington population. Local businesses have changed accordingly to keep up with the demand. The fruit and vegetable stands that sprawl out to the sidewalks along Spadina Avenue are an exciting addition to the already colourful Kensington Market. In the 1980s refugees from Southeast Asia started to arrive, primarily from China, Vietnam, and Laos. In the late 1980s refugees from Latin America also found their way into Kensington Market. << previous next >>