The Toronto Residency
Four days. One space. Artisan objects, activations, and community.
Workshops, neighbourhood guide, and more below ↓
This summer, September Collective comes to Toronto.
For four days, we are opening a curated space where you can discover handcrafted objects from African and diaspora artisans, participate in cultural activations, and connect with a community that believes your home should tell a story.
Dundas West and Ossington have quietly become one of Toronto's most design-forward neighbourhoods. Independent, intentional, and home to the kind of shops that attract a certain kind of buyer. It felt like the right place.
"I wanted to create something you could experience in person. Objects you can touch, stories you can hear, and moments you can take home with you."
— Leslie, Founder
Objects to See in Person
Some pieces are simply better understood up close.
Plus a selection of pieces not yet available online, shown exclusively at the residency.
Activations
Experiences designed to be felt, not just seen.
September Collective x Villa Aburi
The Scent Experience — Make your own scented Candle + Room Spray
Blend and pour your own candle into a mouth-blown glass vessel from Morocco, layered with a fragrance you choose. Then take it a step further by creating a matching room spray to carry that same scent through your space. Villa Aburi's founder shares the story behind each choice. You leave with a piece you made by hand, plus a special gift.
September Collective x Villa Aburi
The Scent Experience — Make your own scented Candle + Room Spray
Blend and pour your own candle into a mouth-blown glass vessel from Morocco, layered with a fragrance you choose. Then take it a step further by creating a matching room spray to carry that same scent through your space. Villa Aburi's founder shares the story behind each choice. You leave with a piece you made by hand, plus a special gift.
Make a Day of It
The residency sits in the heart of one of Toronto's most vibrant neighbourhoods. Come for the objects. Stay for the block.
OssFest 2026
On the Saturday of our residency, Ossington Avenue transforms into one of Toronto's favourite annual street festivals. Over 25 extended patios, live music across two stages, local artisans, and a full day of community energy — all a short walk from us. Start your morning at the residency, then wander the strip for the rest of the day.
Patois
Caribbean & Asian Soul Food · Across the StreetChef Craig Wong's celebrated Dundas West institution. Caribbean meets Chinese in a vibrant, sharing-style space. The jerk chicken is the stuff of Toronto legend.
Old School
All-Day Diner · Across the StreetA Dundas West staple for brunch, comfort food, and late nights. Blueberry hill pancakes, mac and cheese, and a laid-back retro energy that has made it a neighbourhood institution.
Rhum Corner
Haitian · 926 Dundas WestA lively Haitian spot with a deep rum collection and flavourful Caribbean cooking. Vibrant murals, oxtail that falls off the bone, and salt cod patties worth every visit.
The Hive by Honey Soul Food
Halal Soul Food · 907 Dundas WestCommunity-rooted, Creole-inspired soul food just steps from the residency. Famous honey-touched cornbread, hot honey wings, and Cajun shrimp pasta served in a warm, mural-lined space built on a mission of belonging.
Azhar Kitchen & Bar
Eastern Mediterranean · OssingtonWood-fired cooking anchored by smoke and spice. Sharing-style plates in an intimate, warm space — ideal for dinner after a full day in the neighbourhood.
The Lunch Lady
Vietnamese · OssingtonBased on the Saigon street stall made famous by Anthony Bourdain. The rotating noodle soups — broth steeped for 24 hours — are the reason people come back.
Trinity Bellwoods Park is a ten-minute walk away.
One of Toronto's most beloved urban parks, Bellwoods is the perfect place to decompress between the residency and the rest of your day. Bring a blanket. Stay a while.
VSP Consignment
Canada's leader in authenticated luxury and contemporary resale fashion. A carefully curated edit of designer pieces from Chanel, Prada, Chloe, and more, hand-selected by their stylists on Dundas West. A natural complement to a day spent discovering intentional objects at the residency.
Ode Hotel
Toronto's first and only Black-owned hotel, right in the neighbourhood. Ten individually designed rooms brought to life by local artists, run by the Ramsubick family with the warmth of a Caribbean guest house. If you are coming in from out of town, this is where you should stay.
Spots for The Scent Experience are limited.
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