Scarborough is a diverse and vibrant district in eastern Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Situated atop the Scarborough Bluffs along the shores of Lake Ontario, it has a rich history dating back to the 1790s when Europeans first settled it.

 

Over the decades, Scarborough has transformed from a collection of small rural villages and farms into a fully urbanized and multicultural community. 

 

Incorporated as a township in 1850, Scarborough became part of Metropolitan Toronto in 1953 and was reconstituted as a borough in 1967. 

 

Over the next decade, it rapidly developed as a suburb of Toronto and was granted city status in 1983 before being amalgamated into the current City of Toronto in 1998.

 

Today, Scarborough is known for its natural landmarks, including the iconic Scarborough Bluffs, the Toronto Zoo, and Rouge Park. It is also home to a thriving multicultural community with diverse religious groups, places of worship, and a vibrant food scene. 

 

Scarborough has shed its former "Scarberia" image and is now considered one of the premier living destinations in the Greater Toronto Area. It offers a more affordable cost of living compared to downtown Toronto.

 

Despite being part of the City of Toronto, Scarborough has maintained a distinct character and sense of community. It has a rich cultural heritage and a growing reputation for its green spaces, parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities. 

 

The district continues to evolve and attract new residents, contributing to the diversity and dynamism of the Greater Toronto region.

 

History of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Scarborough, Ontario, was first settled by Europeans in the 1790s with the arrival of David and Mary Thomson, who established one of the first farms in the area. The community was named "Scarborough" in 1793 by Elizabeth Simcoe, wife of the Lieutenant Governor, inspired by the resemblance between the Scarborough Bluffs and the cliffs in Scarborough, England.

 

The area remained primarily an agricultural community until the 20th century. In 1850, Scarborough was incorporated as a township. By 1900, the population had grown to 3,711 people.

 

Rapid Suburban Growth

Following World War II, Scarborough rapidly developed as a suburb of Toronto. In 1953, it became part of Metropolitan Toronto, a new upper-level municipal government. 

 

The arrival of the Toronto and Scarborough Railway in the 1890s and the creation of the Scarborough Town Centre in the 1970s further transformed the area into a bustling urban center.

 

Incorporation as a City and Amalgamation

Scarborough was reconstituted as a borough in 1967 and granted city status in 1983. However, in 1998, the City of Scarborough, along with the borough of East York and the cities of Etobicoke, York, North York, and Toronto, was amalgamated into the current City of Toronto.

 

Diversity and Culture

Since the end of World War II, Scarborough has been a popular destination for new immigrants to Canada. Today, it is one of the most diverse and multicultural areas in the Greater Toronto Area, home to various religious groups and places of worship.

 

Scarborough is known for its natural landmarks, including the iconic Scarborough Bluffs, the Toronto Zoo, and Rouge Park. It is also home to Scarborough College, affiliated with the University of Toronto, and Centennial College.

 

Geography of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Scarborough is situated atop the Scarborough Bluffs in eastern Toronto, Ontario. Its borders are defined by:

• Victoria Park Avenue to the west
• Steeles Avenue and the city of Markham to the north
• Rouge River and the city of Pickering to the east
• Lake Ontario to the south 

 

The district is dominated by two major watersheds - Highland Creek and the Rouge River - both flow into Lake Ontario. The iconic Scarborough Bluffs, a significant natural landmark, stretches about 14 kilometres along the shore of Lake Ontario. 

 

Scarborough has a moderate climate due to its southerly location within Canada and proximity to Lake Ontario. It experiences warm, humid summers and generally cold winters, with fog being more common in the southern areas closer to the lake. 

 

The northeast corner of Scarborough is largely rural, with some of Toronto's last remaining farms, earning the district a reputation for being greener than other parts of the city. 

 

Scarborough's geography is defined by its lakefront location atop the dramatic Scarborough Bluffs, its two major watersheds, and a mix of urban and rural landscapes within the eastern part of the Greater Toronto Area. 

 

Demographics of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Scarborough, Ontario, is a highly diverse and multicultural district in Toronto. According to the 2021 Census:

• Scarborough had a population of 629,941, making it one of the most populated areas in the Greater Toronto region.
• The population is relatively young, with 21% under 14 years old and 15% between 15-24 years old. However, the population is also aging, with projections that nearly 30% will be seniors over 55 by 2041.
• Scarborough is an immigrant-rich community, with 56.6% of residents being foreign-born as of 2016. The largest immigrant groups are from Asia, including Chinese and South Asian communities, making up over 41% of the population.
• Other major ethnic groups in Scarborough include Black (10%) and Hispanic (6%) communities.
• Scarborough has one of the largest concentrations of Sri Lankan Tamils outside of Sri Lanka.
• The district is relatively affluent, with an average household income of around CAD$40,000 and home prices around CAD$340,000.
• Scarborough has a lower crime rate than other parts of Toronto, with violent crimes making up less than 20% of reported crimes.

 

Scarborough is a highly diverse, multicultural, and relatively prosperous district within the Greater Toronto Area.

 

Economy of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Scarborough's economy has undergone significant transformation over the past few decades:

 

A shift from Manufacturing to Retail

• Historically, Scarborough had a strong manufacturing base, but this sector has declined in recent years.
• Post-amalgamation and with the rise of free trade, Scarborough has shifted from a manufacturing economy to a more retail-oriented one.
• From 2002 to 2012, Scarborough lost over 14,000 manufacturing jobs, while the city of Toronto as a whole gained 68,000 well-paying jobs.

 

Focus on Job Creation and Growth

• Scarborough is now focused on job creation and economic development, potentially welcoming 40,000 new residents and 23,000 new jobs.
• The area around Kennedy Station has seen an 8.8% job growth rate since 2012, with 61,450 jobs and 10 million square feet of office space.
• Major companies like Toyota Canada, Telus, and Bell Media have chosen to locate their headquarters in Scarborough.

 

Public Sector Investments

• Significant public investments are being made in Scarborough, including $0.5 billion for the University of Toronto Scarborough campus expansion, plans for a new "super-hospital," and LRT expansions.
• The government is working to embed Community Benefits Agreements in these public infrastructure projects to ensure residents can access the resulting job opportunities.

 

Challenges and Disparities

• Despite these investments, Scarborough is home to some of Toronto's most marginalized communities, with unemployment as high as 15-16% and 30% living below the low-income cut-off.
• Local residents need to be better connected to the jobs and training opportunities created by public sector investments in the area.

 

Scarborough's economy is evolving, focusing on job creation, public sector investments, and efforts to ensure residents can benefit. However, challenges around income inequality and access to employment opportunities remain.

 

Education in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Scarborough has a rich history of public education, dating back to the establishment of its first schools in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

 

Scarborough Board of Education

• The Scarborough Board of Education (SBE), also known as School District 16, was the former public-secular school district serving Scarborough from 1954 until its merger into the Toronto District School Board in 1998. 
• At its peak in 1996, the SBE served over 81,000 students and employed 8,300 staff, making it the largest school board in the former Metro Toronto area. 

 

School Development

• Scarborough's early schools were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s to serve the growing rural community. The first secondary school, Scarboro High School, opened in 1922. 
• Scarborough rapidly urbanized in the post-war period, and the SBE built many new schools from the 1940s to 1960s to accommodate the growing population. 
• As the district continued to expand, more schools were built in the northern parts of Scarborough in the 1960s-1980s. 

 

French-Language Education

• The SBE previously operated educational programs for Francophone students, but these were later taken over by the Conseil des écoles françaises de la communauté urbaine de Toronto (CEFCUT) in 1988. 
• The Ontario government is investing $20.1 million to build a new French-language elementary school in Scarborough, École élémentaire publique Toronto Beaches-Cliffside. 

 

Current Developments

• Scarborough is home to the University of Toronto Scarborough campus and Centennial College's Scarborough campus. 
• The Ontario government is investing significantly in new school construction and expansions in Scarborough, including a $20.1 million project for a new French-language elementary school. 

 

Education has been a key part of Scarborough's development, with the former Scarborough Board of Education playing a major role in establishing and expanding the district's public school system over the decades.

 

Transport System in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, has a diverse and evolving transport system with a mix of public and private transportation options. Here are some key aspects:

 

Public Transportation

1. Scarborough Centre Station: This station is a major hub for public transportation in Scarborough, connecting various routes and providing access to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) services.
2. TTC Kennedy Station: Another significant station, Kennedy Station, connects to Line 2 Bloor–Danforth and provides access to various TTC routes.
3. Line 3 Scarborough: Originally known as the Scarborough RT (SRT), this light rapid transit line was part of the Toronto subway system. It had six stations and ran 6.4 kilometres, connecting Kennedy Station to McCowan Station. The line was closed in July 2023 and is being replaced by a bus service.

 

Private Transportation Services

1. FIRST TRANSPORT SYSTEM: Located at 151 Nashdene Rd, this company offers various transportation services.
2. King Transit MVA Services Ltd.: Based at 31 McMillan Ave, this company provides transportation services.
3. Fast Vehicle Rail Transportation: Located at 80 Nashdene Rd, this company offers vehicle rail transportation services.
4. Trailways Transportation Group Inc: Located at 170 Milner Ave Unit 2, this company provides transportation services.
5. Mike's Transport Inc: Located at 3595 St Clair Av E, this company offers transportation services.
6. SIS MOVERS INC: Located at 3750 Lawrence Ave E UNIT -2, this company provides moving services.
7. 24-Hour Transport Company Scarborough: Located at 4545a Kingston Rd, this company offers 24-hour transportation services.

 

Future Developments

1. Scarborough Subway Extension: The TTC has planned a three-stop extension of Line 2 Bloor–Danforth to replace Line 3 Scarborough. However, the project is still in the planning stages.
2. Bus Replacement Options: The TTC has recommended replacing Line 3 Scarborough with a bus service. Two options are being considered: purchasing 60 hybrid buses or reducing the number of spare buses for maintenance.
3. Busway Conversion: The TTC has proposed converting the Line 3 right-of-way into a 4-kilometre dedicated busway, which would operate until the opening of the Scarborough Subway Extension.

 

Scarborough's transport system combines public and private services, and significant changes and developments are planned to improve connectivity and efficiency.

 

Living in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Scarborough is a diverse and affordable suburb in eastern Toronto that offers residents a high quality of life. As one of the most multicultural areas in the Greater Toronto Area, Scarborough has a vibrant community with a wide range of ethnic restaurants, places of worship, and cultural events.

 

The district is known for its natural landmarks, such as the iconic Scarborough Bluffs, the Toronto Zoo, and Rouge Park, which provide ample green spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities. 

 

Housing options in Scarborough are diverse, ranging from apartments and condos to detached homes, and they are often more affordable than in other parts of the GTA.

 

While the area has a relatively low crime rate, some challenges include traffic congestion and an aging public transit system that is currently changing. 

 

However, the district is well-located near major highways and has good access to downtown Toronto, making it a popular choice for families and commuters.

 

Scarborough offers an attractive blend of affordability, diversity, and natural amenities that appeal to many residents looking to put down roots in the Greater Toronto region.

 

Healthcare in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Scarborough, Ontario, has a robust healthcare system that serves the diverse needs of its community. Here are some key aspects of healthcare in Scarborough:

 

Scarborough Health Network (SHN)

• SHN is the main hospital network in Scarborough, operating three major community hospitals: Scarborough General, Centenary, and Birchmount.
• SHN provides various services, including emergency care, diagnostic imaging, surgery, rehabilitation, geriatric care, and advanced birthing centers.
• In 2023, SHN began constructing the new Bridletowne Neighbourhood Centre, which will feature dialysis and chronic disease clinics.

 

Mental Health Services

• SHN offers inpatient and outpatient mental health services, as well as a Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic for those with alcohol, opioid or other drug-related addictions.
• Pathways is a social, recreational program for adults with serious mental illness, offering groups, work activities, health and wellness education, leisure activities and a medication clinic.

 

Home and Community Care

• The Central East branch of the Home and Community Care Support Services, located in Scarborough, coordinates home care services, including nursing, personal support, therapy, social work, nutrition counselling, palliative care, and more.
• They also provide access to long-term care homes, adult day programs, supportive housing, retirement homes and assisted living.

 

Community Health Organizations

• The Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC) is an accredited comprehensive community health organization delivering holistic health and wellness services.
• SCHC addresses health's physical, mental, social, financial and environmental aspects through 42 integrated programs.

 

Partnerships

• The Scarborough Ontario Health Team (SOHT) is a network of over 30 partner organizations working together to provide health and community services across the continuum of care.
• Partners include hospitals, rehabilitation providers, long-term care, community health centers, and family health teams.

 

Scarborough has a well-developed healthcare system anchored by the Scarborough Health Network hospitals and supported by various community health services and partnerships. However, challenges remain in meeting the needs of Scarborough's diverse and growing population.

 

Tourist Places in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Scarborough, Ontario, offers a variety of exciting tourist attractions and natural wonders:

 

Scarborough Bluffs

The iconic Scarborough Bluffs are a must-see for visitors. This 15-kilometer stretch of cliffs along Lake Ontario features beautiful parks, beaches, and hiking trails with stunning views of the lake and Toronto skyline.

 

Toronto Zoo

One of Canada's top attractions, the Toronto Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals representing over 500 species. Visitors can explore themed zones like the Tundra Trek, Gorilla Rainforest, and Indo-Malaya.

 

Rouge National Urban Park

Canada's first national urban park, Rouge Park, offers 79 square kilometres of wilderness just minutes from downtown Toronto. Visitors can hike, bike, camp, and enjoy the natural beauty of forests, meadows, and wetlands.

 

Guild Inn Gardens

The Guild Inn Estate features beautiful gardens, sculptures, and the ruins of the historic Guild of All Arts hotel. It's a popular spot for photography and events.

 

Scarborough Town Centre

One of Canada's largest shopping malls, Scarborough Town Centre has over 200 stores and services, 30 dining options, and a multi-screen movie theatre.

 

Other attractions include the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple, the Scarborough Museum, and the Thomson Memorial Park. With its mix of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and shopping, Scarborough offers plenty for tourists to explore.

 

Local Food of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Scarborough is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene, reflecting the multicultural makeup of the community. Here are some of the local specialties and cuisines you can find in Scarborough:

 

Hakka Cuisine

• Hakka cuisine, originating from the Hakka people of southern China, is very popular in Scarborough. Dishes like Hakka noodles, fried chicken, and Hakka-style chop suey are widely available.
• Restaurants like Hakka Legend and Hakka Chili House are known for their authentic Hakka fare.

 

Caribbean and West Indian Fare

• With a large Caribbean and West Indian population, Scarborough is a hub for these cuisines. You can find jerk chicken, roti, curry goat, and other island-inspired dishes.
• Popular spots include The Avenue Restaurant and Lounge, which blends Caribbean and Chinese flavours, and Patty King for authentic Jamaican patties.

 

Chinese and East Asian Specialties

• As one of the most diverse areas in the GTA, Scarborough has an abundance of Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other East Asian restaurants.
• Dishes like dim sum, pho, Korean BBQ, and bubble tea are readily available across the district.
• Establishments like Honeymoon Dessert and Mabu Generation showcase modern takes on traditional Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine.

 

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Eats

• Scarborough also has a thriving Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food scene, with restaurants serving shawarma, falafel, hummus, and more.
• Establishments like Tabule and Paramount Fine Foods are popular destinations for these flavours.

 

Diverse Dining Options

• Beyond these ethnic specialties, Scarborough offers a wide range of dining options, from classic Canadian fare to international cuisines.
• The district is known for its abundance of family-owned restaurants, food courts, and casual eateries that cater to the diverse tastes of the local community.

 

Scarborough's food scene reflects its multicultural identity, offering visitors a chance to explore various global cuisines in one vibrant district.

 

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