Lost in Toronto? Forget the CN Tower. Find yourself in Kensington Market.
This vibrant multicultural neighbourhood in downtown Toronto pulses with a history as rich as its diverse community. Picture this. In 1815 George Taylor Denison a veteran of the War of 1812 purchased land. This land roughly stretches from Queen Street West to Bloor Street. He used Bellevue Square Park as a parade ground. His volunteer cavalry later became the Governor General’s Horse Guards. A brewery even opened in the 1830s.
The 1850s saw the Denison estate subdivided. Irish and Scottish immigrants built Victorian row houses. Many still stand along Wales Avenue. These homes became havens for waves of immigrants. The early 1900s brought Eastern European Jews and Italians. They moved from the overcrowded Ward. Kensington offered better housing and business opportunities.
The 1920s saw Kensington known as “the Jewish Market”. Tailors furriers and bakers flourished. Around 60000 Jews lived there. They worshipped in over 30 synagogues. The market sold goods imported from their homelands. After World War II many Jews moved to the suburbs. Azores immigrants fleeing Salazar’s regime arrived. Caribbean and East Asian immigrants followed. The Vietnam War brought American refugees. Today Chinese people form the largest ethnic group. Immigrants from Central America Somalia Ethiopia Sudan Iran and Chile enriched the area.
The 1960s saw plans to demolish homes. These plans were stopped by Mayor David Crombie. He opposed large-scale urban restructuring. The 1980s recession was weathered thanks to George Brown College students. Their presence supported businesses. After the college moved many shops closed. Old Portuguese owners retired. This created opportunity.
Latin American immigrants opened businesses like La Perla El Emporio Latino and El Buen Precio. Jumbo Empanadas started as a cart. It moved to a basement then to its present location. Pupusas and tacos followed. Augusta Avenue saw a rebirth. But seedy spots remained. The community fiercely rejected a Nike store. They protested Nike’s labor practices. The Nike store failed.
Today Kensington Market is a tourist attraction. Artists and writers live there. Land prices are high. But Kensington remains working-class and immigrant-focused. A Community Land Trust bought a building in 2021. They preserved affordable housing. City policies protect Kensington’s unique character. Narrow streets make driving difficult. Pedestrian Sundays close streets to cars. Live music street theatre and games fill the space.
So explore. Wander the eclectic shops. Discover the century-old Victorian homes. Savor the diverse cuisines. Experience the unique blend of cultures. Kensington Market isn’t just a place. It’s a living vibrant testament to Toronto’s spirit.