Little Italy

OVERVIEW: Little Italy is not an exclusively Italian neighbourhood, as its name might suggest. While there is still a strong Italian community in this neighbourhood, there is also a large Portuguese population centred around the First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre on College Street, and the Portugal Village shopping district on Dundas Street West. Today, Little Italy's Italian and Portuguese residents are welcoming new neighbours from -around the world to what is now considered one of Toronto's most multi-cultural neighbourhoods.

HOMES: The majority of Little Italy's row‑houses and attached Victorian homes were built between 1880 and 1910. These houses are set on narrow tree-lined streets with parking facilities located at the back of the property, off a rear laneway. A handful of new townhome and condominium developments have attracted many new residents to this vibrant downtown neighbourhood.

SHOPPING: The Little Italy shopping district on College Street, between Shaw Street and Euclid Avenue, features authentic Italian restaurants and European fashions. The Portugal Village shopping district on Dundas Street includes fresh fruit and vegetable markets, Mouth-watering bakeries, as well as seafood restaurants, and cafes that feature an authentic Portuguese cuisine.

RECREATION: The West End YMCA at 931 College Street, includes a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and community meeting rooms. The First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre at 722 College Street, has recently undergone a major renovation /expansion. The centre's facilities include lecture halls, a games room, a bar, meeting rooms, and a restaurant. Evening programs range from performances of Fado music to dances. The College/Shaw Public Library serves as a community meeting place and offers reading material in a number of languages, that reflect the general population of the area.

SCHOOLS:

(P) Charles G. Fraser Jr, 79 Manning Ave. (416) 393-1830

(P) Givins/Shaw Jr. & Sr., 18o Shaw St., (416) 393-1240

(PH) Central High School of Commerce, 570 Shaw St., (416) 393-0030

(PH) Harbord Collegiate Institute, 28 Harbord St., (416) 393-1650

TRANSPORTATION: Little Italy is well served by regular bus routes on Ossington Avenue, and streetcar service on College Street, Dundas Street, and Bathurst Street. Motorists are within ten minutes of the Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard.