Toronto’s Little Jamaica Amid Gentrification and COVID-19
written by Alya
Gentrification. It’s the recent threat plaguing urban ethnic enclaves across North America. Dictionary.com defines gentrification as “the process whereby the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses, typically displacing current inhabitants in the process.” One of the biggest criticisms of gentrification is the sudden surge of property values in these neighborhoods. The result? Many residents are unable to afford new rental pricing which in turn forces business owners and residents to move; residents who are part of a community that made neighborhoods desirable in the first place.
Many of these neighborhoods are home to large minority populations who now find themselves in a housing crisis followed by an increase in poverty levels and lowered quality of life. Minorities often pay the price as wealthier groups initiate control of money and housing in these areas. A prime example of this is Toronto's Eglinton West neighbourhood, affectionately known as Little Jamaica.
Read: How to Start Your West Indian Family Tree From Abroad
COVID-19 has put a financial strain on small businesses across Toronto, and Little Jamaica is no exception. Financial strain paired with the construction of the Crosstown LRT line has made it increasingly difficult in recent years for small businesses to be profitable. As small businesses struggle to stay afloat, large chain stores have adapted more efficiently to the changes around them. As a result, they have become formidable competition to the smaller surrounding businesses.
While, there has been COVID-19 government assistance for small businesses within the neighbourhood, some critics say it is not sufficient or efficient in supporting Black-owned businesses.
Aside from government assistance, community organizers are asking for compensation from Metrolinx, the provincial government division that is handling the construction of the LRT. They would like Metrolinx to be accountable and respond to the financial difficulties faced by local businesses. In the past, the city of Toronto has also been reluctant in officially recognizing Little Jamaica as the cultural district that it is. According to Black Urbanism TO’s Business Conversation report:
“ ...unofficially called ‘Little Jamaica,’ many articles have been written, many accounts have been given, and in most recent years, many documentaries have been filmed to capture the story of this neighbourhood before it disappears. The construction of the Crosstown LRT and the repercussions of COVID-19 have dramatically impacted Little Jamaica. These damages, in combination with the implications of the Eglinton Connects Planning Study, have raised many concerns about what the neighbourhood will look like in the future…”
Historically, Little Jamaica is a place where immigrants from the Caribbean would frequent. Many opened businesses and created a community that has a unique identity. One where thriving art and West Indian culture made up a picturesque scene. Local performers, Caribbean-centric book stores and restaurants were all part of the fabric that made the neighborhood’s identity.
Without Canadian-Caribbean influence, Little Jamaica would have never risen to the popularity it has accumulated. Its identity was birthed by West Indians residing and working there. Residents across Toronto visit and have come to appreciate the unique culture of the area. In fact, the buzz worthiness of the neighborhood is a main factor in Metrolinx constructing the LRT line —construction that ironically enough is decimating local businesses. While a sense of community and unity created Little Jamaica, it will continue to exist only if the area receives needed financial support.
So what does support look like? Funding from the provincial government for Black-owned businesses is a start. This funding can go directly to owners in efforts to sustain businesses. Compensation from Metrolinx is a must. The neighborhood that became a prime target for construction should also be a place where they can confidently invest in with financial compensation. Such support of a community disrupted would be seen as an act of good faith and most importantly improve the relationship between locals and the transportation giant.
In 2018 both Metrolinx and the city of Toronto pledged to financially support local businesses, nonetheless, the closing of local businesses continues. In October 2020, the city council officially recognized Little Jamaica as a “Jamaica-Caribbean Cultural District.” Two years after pledging financial aid to Little Jamaica’s business owners, the council deemed the area to be of cultural significance to not only the Caribbean community but to the city of Toronto. The city simultaneously announced that they will collaborate with various Black-led community organizations, such as Black Urbanism TO and Reclaim, Rebuild Eglinton Avenue West to develop plans to help the sustained success of Little Jamaica.
While announcing official recognition and collaborating with community organizations are steps in the right direction in preserving Little Jamaica, there is still much work to be done. In an effort to sustain the cultural hub, organizations such as Black UrbanismTO and Reclaim, Rebuild Eglinton Avenue West have organized a GoFundMe page. The fund has raised over $26,000. Donations received go toward planning, sustaining, and to the actual businesses. While it’s a process, the future of Little Jamaica remains to be seen. Many West Indians and Toronto residents hope to see the neighbourhood thrive and continue on as cultural district people from all walks of life can experience.
To learn more about Black Urbanism TO’s work in Little Jamaica and its work with Black-owned businesses click here.