Briefing on Toronto—Danforth Federal Electoral District

Toronto—Danforth is a federal electoral district in Canada located in the province of Ontario. The district is located in the east-end of Toronto and is bounded by the Don River to the west and north, Lake Ontario to the south, and Victoria Park Avenue to the east. The district is home to several significant population centres, cultural landmarks, and economic hubs.

Population Centres

Toronto—Danforth consists of several populated areas, including Greektown, Little India, Riverdale, Riverside, and the Danforth Village. These areas are known for their cultural diversity, unique local businesses, and community spirit. Greektown, in particular, is famous for its annual Taste of the Danforth festival celebrating Greek culture, food, and music.

Issues and Events

Between 2019 and 2022, several key events impacted the community, including the recent federal election, which saw a close race between the NDP and Liberal candidates. Other local issues included concerns around the development of the East Harbour project, a massive mixed-use development that would transform the Port Lands. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, but some community members worry about the impact on the local environment and character of the neighbourhood.

Economy

Toronto—Danforth has a thriving economy and is home to many notable employers in industries such as healthcare, education, and technology. The Hospitals of Saint John and Elizabeth, Michael Garron Hospital, and the offices of the Toronto District School Board are all located within the district. The local economy also relies on small businesses and restaurants that contribute to the unique character of the neighbourhood. Recently, the economic impact of COVID-19 has been significant, with many small businesses struggling to stay afloat.

Important Landmarks

The district is home to several important landmarks and cultural attractions, including the historic Danforth Music Hall, which has been a hub for live music and entertainment in the city for over a century. The Evergreen Brick Works, which used to be a brick-making factory, is now a public park and community centre offering a range of programming centered around sustainability and environmental education. Toronto—Danforth is also home to several natural attractions, including the scenic Don Valley trails and the Leslie Street Spit.

Arts and Culture

Toronto—Danforth has a vibrant arts and cultural scene. The annual Taste of the Danforth festival brings together thousands from the community to celebrate Greek culture, music, and food. The Danforth East Arts Fair is a showcase of local art and music that takes place each fall. The area is also home to several institutions promoting the arts and culture, such as the Artisans at Work community arts centre, the Paprika Festival, and the East End Arts.

Electoral Issues

During the 2021 federal election, some of the significant economic and social issues faced by the community included affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure development. The local candidates by and large agreed on policies such as investing in public transit and green infrastructure, but differed on issues such as how to address the lack of affordable housing in the area.

Community Organizations

Several community organizations play a significant role in Toronoto—Danforth, providing essential social support and economic resources to the community. The Danforth Mosaic BIA is a non-profit organization that supports local business with resources like entrepreneurship programming, marketing, and beautification initiatives. The Riverdale Hub is a community-based organization that provides health and wellness programming, food security initiatives and support for seniors. The Greenwood-Coxwell Residents Association and Leslieville Residents Association are two local groups actively engaged in advocating for the community's interests.

Multicultural Groups

Toronto—Danforth is known for its diverse and multicultural community. According to the 2016 Census, over 49% of the community identifies as visible minorities, and the district is home to several cultural enclaves. Greektown, Little India and other notable ethnic neighbourhoods showcase the area's many cultural influences, including Greek, Indian, and Chinese.

Overall, Toronto—Danforth is home to a vibrant and diverse community, with a strong economy and rich cultural offerings. While the community has experienced several challenges in recent years, the community remains resilient and continues to advocate for policies that are reflective of their needs and priorities.