1. Osborne Village
2. Downtown
3. St. Vital

I lived in Osborne for a few years (at the Stradavilla, good times) but it was during a time when I couldn’t actually afford to enjoy any of the things the village has to offer. I couldn’t consume delicious foods and beverages, shop at my favourite record store, rent a movie, see a band or get my eyes checked. I generally sat in my apartment (which had a great view on the fifth floor) and tried to make music and films (which is kind of an Osborne thing to do). I was in Osborne but couldn’t really do Osborne, you know? 

I haven’t forgotten about it though, now that I’m 31 and super boring. I don’t go out much, but when I do, it’s to visit Canada’s favourite neighbourhood (which is only five minutes away from my own neighbourhood). I generally grab a bite at the Osborne Village Cafe once a month, where I enjoy the best breakfast experience in town. I poster for shows along River. I smile when Eric sings “Ring of Fire” and when parents drop off their teenagers to do some shopping. I raise an eyebrow at The Cornerstone and Shoppers, but as Guy Maddin once said, I suppose people need shampoo. 

Osborne, you’ll never be what you were, or what people want you to be, but that’s what makes you Osborne. You’re a million things to a million people, even if those people choose to remember The Collective as a good venue (what was with that stage?) and take their pets to the most over-advertised spa in the city.

Part of the series: The Uniter 30

Published in Volume 69, Number 15 of The Uniter (January 7, 2015)