Toronto - Community Overview

Metropolitan Toronto originated in 1793. John Graves Simcoe selected the site and Fort York was constructed to protect the colonial seat of British Government in Upper Canada. Earlier, in 1749, French settlers from Quebec had built Fort Rouille on land, which is now Exhibition Park. They destroyed it a few years later due to the frequent raids by both Indians and British.

York grew slowly around its military and political functions. Loyalists from the United States and immigrants from Great Britain and Europe came to York. Lumber and meat were shipped out through the port and financial and commercial institutions were established in the town and contributed to its expansion.

By 1843, York and the area to the north, “The Liberties”, had grown to 9,000 people and 

as a result of an act passed by the provincial legislature, the City of Toronto was incorporated. The name Toronto is derived from the Huron word for “meeting place”. In 1850, the Townships of York, Scarborough and Etobicoke were incorporated to the north, east and west respectively of the City of Toronto, determining the outer boundaries of what is now the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto.

Toronto is one of Canada’s busiest and diverse cities. It is Canada’s corporate capital, with the most national and international top-ranked companies in the country. Toronto is also one of the most important financial and transportation centres in Canada and home of the Provincial Parliament.

The city draws over 16 million tourists a year, with 88,000 jobs related to the tourist industry. Toronto is home to an exciting cultural and recreational life. Within the boundaries of the GTA, it is possible to visit over 100 museums and public archives including the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario. View performances in ballets, operas, symphonies and plays at the Sony Center, Roy Thomson Hall, Royal Alexandra and the Princess of Wales Theatres. Shop in the Eaton Centre, Kensington Market or the St. Lawrence Market.

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Over 100 languages and dialects are spoken here. 49% of the population was born outside of Canada. The city celebrates its ethnic background in festivals saluting different cultures including the Taste of the Danforth Festival and Caribana.

Toronto is home to the CN Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world at 533 m tall. Toronto is home to Yonge Street, the longest street in the world at 1896 km. The City of Toronto is the capital of Ontario. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) includes Metropolitan Toronto, York, North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough and East York.

Toronto is situated on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Highways #2, #401 and the Queen Elizabeth Way service the city.

The Greater Toronto Area has a population of approximately 2, 503,281.

For other information about Toronto:

City of Toronto

100 Queen St. W. 

Toronto, ON

M5H 2N2

416-392-2489

https://www.toronto.ca/