Changing Chinatown

From its Jewish roots to the growth of Toronto’s Chinatown, see how community activism continues to shape the neighbourhood today.
Discover the past and present along Spadina Avenue through stories of migration, resistance, and change.
On this walk, we explore Toronto’s Chinatown West, an area with a rich history of both cultural intersections and fierce advocacy. Engage with the mythology and symbolism of Chinese traditions, seen in public art and murals. Learn how a modern community centre was the former home of a gay advocacy group, a synogogue, and a Chinese Catholic Church. We’ll also hear about community battles against historic racist laws, and past and ongoing development pressures which threaten key neighbourhood organizations, businesses, restaurants.