Palmerston-Little Italy

Despite its name, Little Italy is a diverse neighborhood with a rich cultural tapestry. While there is a strong Italian presence, the area also has a significant Portuguese community centered around the First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre on College Street and the Portugal Village shopping district on Dundas Street West. Today, Little Italy's residents include people from around the world, making it one of Toronto's most multicultural neighborhoods.

History

In the 1920s, College Street's Little Italy became recognized as the heart of Toronto's Italian community. By the 1960s, many Italian residents moved north to the Corso Italia district on St. Clair Avenue West. Their departure made way for Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Spanish families, contributing to the international flavor of Little Italy. In 1985, the local business association on College Street officially adopted the Little Italy name to honor the neighborhood's significance as the starting point for Italians in Toronto.

    • North: College Street

    • East: Bathurst Street

    • South: Dundas Street W

    • West: Ossington Avenue

  • Most of Little Italy's row houses and Victorian homes were built between 1880 and 1910. These charming residences are set on narrow, tree-lined streets, with parking typically located at the back of the properties, accessible via rear laneways. As a result, many of the lots are quite deep. You can find a blend of detached, semi-detached, and attached homes throughout the area.

    • K-6

      • Clinton Street Junior Public School

      • Montrose Junior Public School

      • ÉÉ Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau

    • K-8

      • King Edward Junior and Senior Public School

      • St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School

    • Grade 9-12

      • Harbord Collegiate Institute

      • Bloor Collegiate Institute

  • Every June, the Taste of Little Italy takes over College Street. The festival is one of Toronto’s most popular celebrations of food and culture.

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