Third Thursdays

What are Third Thursdays and Why Should You Show Up?

Have you heard of third spaces? They are spaces where you can go freely that are neither home nor work. As public spaces are disappearing in the city and not considered in the suburbs it is harder and harder to find third places. In Canada’s suburban communities they are overwhelmingly accessible only by car and limited public transit. If you live close enough to walk to a public park or library you are fortunate.

We are also spending more and more time inside and online engaging with others. While this is not all bad, we are starting to feel some fallout in terms of our ability to communicate in person and growing feelings of loneliness.

We propose Third Thursdays as a chance to meet new people, practice conversational skills, and maybe make a new friend or two.

These are electronic free events please do not take pictures, video or make recordings. If you must bring your phone please turn it off and keep it out of sight.

By designating certain locations at a specific time each week, you create places where you can participate in this exercise. The Third Space exists in that moment in space and time. We propose every Thursday from 4-5 pm in two locations in the Junction and one location in High Park. Please go to the location closest to your home. if you live outside the immediate neighborhood and cannot walk to any of these locations go the High Park location.

How to Talk to Someone New

Please respect peoples boundaries, if someone does not wish to talk to you please move on to another person. If you are not sure what to talk about here are some ideas:

The weather is always an interesting topic, this is Canada after all.

Think of a seasonal subject like a holiday, gardening or a sport.

If you are a reader of Junction Spin talk about one of our stories.

Popular news items, avoiding polarising topics like politics and religion until you get to know someone better.

Books, movies and tv may also help you start a conversation with someone new.

If you are unable to think of a topic or are too afraid to engage someone in conversation call it a miss and try again next week. It may take several attempts but don’t give up.

Join us every Thursday from 4-5pm

Get to know the Junction by walking to one of the 3 locations below:

1.) The Gazebo – Dundas and St. Johns Rd.

2.) Dominion Public Building – northwest corner at Keele and Annette St.

3.) High Park across the street from High Park Subway station behind the Chess House a small building near two rows of long green tables

Rules, Regulations and Important Considerations

Leave the location immediately at 5:00pm. If you wish to continue your conversation please do so in either the nearby park or in one of the many cafes, restaurants or bars in the Junction or across the street from High Park on Bloor Street West.

Obey any city bylaws, do no not block pedestrian sidewalks leaving at least 6′ for 2 way wheelchair or stroller traffic. Do not block motor vehicle roadways. If unavoidable at the Gazebo location please spillover into the nearby Malta Park and at the Dominion Building Location, spillover into Baird Park, High Park should be able to accommodate it’s own spill. Stay off the children’s play structures.

These events are not yet monetized but are likely to be in the future if you are interested in learning more please contact us at advertiseatjunctionspin.com

These events are unstructured and unsupervised staff of Junction Spin may attend one or more locations from time to time.

These are electronic free events please do not take pictures, video or make recordings. If you must bring your phone please turn it off and keep it out of sight.

If you have ideas or questions about Third Thursdays please contact us at info at junctionspin.com and use Third Thursdays in the subject line.

Be respectful. Be Kind. Have Fun!