Mr. Samuel Bietenholz has lived in Queen's West for around 30 years and has witnessed significant changes in the neighbourhood due to gentrification. Initially, the area was rundown and undesirable, but subsequent waves of gentrification have transformed it. The positives of gentrification include the creation of pleasant public spaces like parks, while the negatives involve the displacement of artist studios and creative jobs. The interviewee became involved with the group Active 18 to guide the neighborhood's development and preserve its heritage. They believe that balancing development and heritage preservation is challenging due to factors such as legislation and the time it takes to implement changes. The interviewee highlights the importance of maintaining employment opportunities and jobs within the area for a thriving community. They also discuss the role of art and creative expression in the neighborhood, mentioning that while some cultural institutions remain, many art galleries and studio spaces have been lost. Preserving heritage buildings requires finding compatible uses while keeping up with modern needs. Mr. Samuel Bietenholz mentions the Theatre Centre as a successful example of a building that preserved both its exterior and interior while adapting to new functions. They emphasize the need for stronger heritage preservation laws and a focus on preserving interior spaces rather than just the facades. The suitability of preserving each building should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the building's quality and its contribution to the overall streetscape.

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Samuel Bietenholz mentioned the potential for new developments, such as a light rail station and programming for the park. They also acknowledged the difficulties faced by art galleries due to rising rents and the changing nature of neighbourhoods. The role of local politicians in protecting against gentrification was also discussed, with the acknowledgement that different politicians have different mandates. The establishment of Lisgar Park was attributed to the efforts of a community group called Active 18, which advocated for more parkland in the area and influenced the development of the park. Sam expressed hope that the public would recognize the value of preserving heritage buildings and become more involved in the park's activities. The challenges of city planning in a redevelopment context were also acknowledged, as well as the varying interests of developers. Overall, the interviewee expressed a desire for the community to mature and for future developments to learn from the neighborhood's history.