The patchwork of Toronto’s neighbourhoods contributes heavily to the vibe of this energetic city, but its the ethnic enclaves that provide additional interest and rich cultural experiences.
In this case, you dont have to hop on a plane to taste authentic cuisine from Asia – but simply step out you front door and walk to the corner of Spadina and Dundas Street West!
One of the city’s most colourful, flavourful, and BUSY enclaves is Chinatown. This bustling hub is actually among the largest Chinatowns in North America. There is something here for everyone – to delectable dishes, fresh produce and cooking ingredients, boutiques, lounges, offices, and a number of historic sites and cultural events.
The active Chinatown BIA works to preserve Asian culture and history, while positioning the area for prosperity for the future. Residents and local proprietors hail from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and other Southeast Asian countries.
The BIA host and promote events to celebrate Asian culture and to share it with visitors from near and far. Check out the Chinatown BIA website for a comprehensive history of the area, and for an up-to-date guide for events. They also have a cool 4D Tour, letting you check out the shops, salons and restaurants, punctuated with historical facts!! Love!
Many of Toronto’s urban neighbourhoods have undergone the process of gentrification- which on the one hand is great for area homeowners and for revitalizing neighbourhoods in decline. However, the history and authentic experience of some neighbourhoods gets lost in the process. As such, there is a push to protect Chinatown from the forces of gentrification by designating it a Heritage site.
There has been a buzz in the press about this lately, with area leaders, saying that a heritage site designation would insulate it from area real estate development and protect area Asian architecture, businesses, and sense of community. Check out this recent CBC article: “Toronto’s Chinatown Needs Heritage Designation, Community Advocates Tell City“.
This piece, entitled, “Chinatown Symbolic Of City’s Failed Efforts To Protect Unique Neighbourhoods“, chronicles the battle between area residents and real estate developers, which saw the developers get permission to build 315-325 Spadina condominium, which will house 219 units.
It’s not the first time that Chinatown has threatened to be displaced by progress, having moved west to make way for the construction of new city hall and Nathan Phillips Square in the 1960s. Local historian Arlene Chan talks about that displacement and how the community faces similar challenges – like skryrocketing real estate prices threatening their ability to stay in the neighbourhood. She has just released a four-part series about Chinese food and history for Toronto History Museums. Check it out on Youtube!
Ryerson Professor Linda Zhang has taken a unique approach to her research working towards heritage preservation. With partner Jimmy Tran, they flew drones over Chinatown, taking photos, which they converted to 3D models to gain better understanding of the history and influence of the artichtirtrue and the buildings of China town.
This article Chinatown exhibition asks community what future heritage could look like and Chinatown: Uncovering the future in the past, and the present in the future provide interesting background to her work.
Just a few more reasons to get out and support and explore Toronto’s vibrant and unique neighbourhoods that reflect the stories of of this great city!
Does living near an area that is both rich with history and poised for future growth? Check out our new listing Big City Beauty At The Phoebe Condo Near Queen West On Beverley Street!
If you love a walking life as much as I do, then you probably value the ease, effortlessness, and convenience that accompanies the privilege of living in the centre of the city, where pretty much everything you need is out your front door and around the corner.
Like when you live at The Phoebe north of Queen west of University. This is a location where you can walk 9 minutes to meet pals at the chic Shangri-La Lobby Lounge for early evening cocktails, then pop home to grab a shower, make pretty, and without any worry of being late stroll one block east to meet your mom to indulge your shared passion for Mozart’s The Magic Flute performed by The Canadian Opera Company.
This sun-drenched 1bed 1bath upgraded suite of approximately 606 square feet is guaranteed to tick a lot of your shelter wishes, wants and needs! Offered for sale at $499,000!
Want to book a private viewing? Contact james@urbaneer.com!
Now more than ever, it is essential to plan a well-researched, data-driven, tactical strategy if you are in the market for a new home. Especially in changing times, when the pandemic has prompted many to shift their focus and objectives. Have yours changed? Please know The Urbaneer team is here to help!
May we be of assistance to you, or someone you love?
The Urbaneer Team
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-8000
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