A century and more of Italians in Toronto: An overview of settlement

Abstract

Through the use of various published and original sources this study outlines the reception and settlement of Italian immigrants in a modern Canadian urban environment. Substantial Italian migration and immigration to Toronto began in the late nineteenth century. The first migrants and immigrants were dispersed across at least four relatively distinct, inner-city neighbourhoods. Overtime, and in particular after World War Two, one of these neighbourhoods grew to become one of the largest settlements of its type outside of Italy. Now in the process of gentrification, the area known as College Street Little Italy served a pivotal role in the accommodation of Italian immigrants in Toronto.