It was during the 1920's that College Street's 'Little Italy', became recognized as the residential and commercial centre of Toronto's Italian community. However, by the 1960's, many of Little Italy's residents began to move north to the Corso Italia district on St. Clair Avenue West. The Italian families that moved out of Little Italy were replaced by Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Spanish families. This mix of cultures gives Little Italy the international flavour that it enjoys today. In 1985, the local business association on College Street officially adopted the Little Italy name in recognition of the role this neighbourhood has played as the starting point for Italians in Toronto.
Overview
Today, Little Italy's Italian and Portuguese residents are welcoming new neighbours from around the world to what is now considered one of Toronto's most multi-cultural neighbourhoods.
Shopping
The Little Italy shopping district on College Street, between Shaw Street and Euclid Avenue, features authentic Italian restaurants and European fashions. The Portugal Village shopping district on Dundas Street includes fresh fruit and vegetable markets, mouth-watering bakeries, as well as seafood restaurants, and cafes that feature an authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Recreation
The West End YMCA at 931 College Street, includes a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and community meeting rooms. The First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre at 722 College Street, has recently undergone a major renovation/expansion. The centre's facilities include lecture halls, a games room, a bar, meeting rooms, and a restaurant. Evening programs range from performances of Fado music to dances. The College/Shaw Public Library serves as a community meeting place and offers reading material in a number of languages that reflect the general population of the area.
Schools
Please note that the schools listed below have very definite enrollment boundaries.
(P) Charles G. Fraser Jr, 79 Manning Ave.,
(416) 393-1830
(P) Givins/Shaw Jr. & Sr., 180 Shaw St.,
(416) 393-1240
(P) Grace St., Jr., 65 Grace St.,
(416) 393-1820
(PH) Central High School of Commerce, 570 Shaw St.,
(416) 393-0030
(PH) Harbord Collegiate Institute, 28 Harbord St.,
(416) 393-1650
(CA) St. David, 486 Shaw St.,
(416) 393-5238
(CA) St. Lucy, 60 Clinton St.,
(416) 393-5304
Legend:
(P) Public School
(PH) Public High School
(CA) Catholic School
(PR) Private School
(PC) Private Catholic School
(PJ) Private Jewish School
(C) College
(U) University
Source: David Dunkleman, TorontoNeighbourhoodGuide.com
