Community History & Cultural Landmarks in Little Jamaica
About this Event
After 15 years of anticipation and construction, the Eglinton LRT opened its doors to riders in Toronto in February 2026. This walk-and-ride community tour, co-led by Little Jamaica CLT (LJCLT)'s Managing Director Anyika Mark and the Infrastructure Institute, invites you to join us for a two-part guided tour.
We’ll begin by riding the LRT together from Eglinton Station, talking about the transit-oriented development in the area and the impact of construction on the community.
After arriving at Cedarvale Station, Anyika Mark from LJCLT will lead a guided walking tour along Eglinton West through Little Jamaica. Anyika will share stories about local leaders, migration histories, organizing efforts, legacy businesses, and the vibrant music scene, sites, and spaces that make up Little Jamaica.
We will end the tour at Kingston12 Patty at Dufferin & Eglinton West.
This event is open to people of all ages and professions who are interested in learning about the history and ongoing cultural preservation work in one of Toronto’s most treasured neighbourhoods.
➡️ This portion of Eglinton West is stroller and mobility device-friendly.
☀️Please dress for the weather.
🥟This event is free to attend.
🎟️ RSVP is required.
Schedule:
- 12 PM: 📍Meet outside the Eglinton LRT Station at the Southwest corner of Yonge and Eglinton, just west of Canada Square (Link). The guided ride portion of the tour begins.
- 12:10 PM: Ride the LRT to Cedarvale Station
- 12:20 PM: 📍Arrive at Cedarvale Station
- 12:25 PM: Walking tour begins, heading west down Eglinton. Stops may include the Jamaican National Bank Head Office, Reggae Laneway and the Mural, Little Jamaica’s Black business corridor, The Black, African and Caribbean Collection by Rita Cox located in Maria A. Shchuka, and various sites related to the neighbourhood’s vibrant music and community organizing history between Oakwood and Dufferin
- 2:10 PM: Stop at Kingston 12 Patty Shop
- 2:30 PM: 📍Walking tour ends at British Methodist Episcopal Church, 1828 Eglinton Ave W, York, ON M6E 2H6, near Fairbank Station
*Please note the schedule may slightly vary depending on walking and mobility needs and speed of attendees.
About
Little Jamaica Community Land Trust
Little Jamaica Community Land Trust (LJCLT) is a Black-led, Black-serving and Black-focused ownership model, operating within Toronto’s Little Jamaica community. The operationalization of the CLT is a critical first step for mitigating further displacement and cultural erasure of the historic Afri-Caribbean enclave. The LJCLT mission is to acquire property and steward resources to drive the heritage preservation and self-determination of diverse Black diasporic peoples sustainably for residents and businesses. Learn more .
Infrastructure Institute
The Infrastructure Institute is a training, advisory and interdisciplinary research hub at the University of Toronto’s School of Cities. Their vision is to build local and global expertise in planning for civil and social infrastructure, decision-making, and delivery. Learn more about the Institute .
*Please note the event may be rescheduled if the forecast notes heavy rain. Registrants will be notified by 10 AM the day of the event if it is being rescheduled.
Agenda
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:10 PM
Meet outside Eglinton West LRT station
Info: Meet outside the Eglinton LRT Station at the Southwest corner of Yonge and Eglinton, just west of Canada Square. The guided ride portion of the tour begins.
🕑: 12:10 PM - 12:20 PM
Ride to Cedarvale Station
Info: Ride the LRT to Cedarvale Station. We'll chat about the transit-oriented development in the area and the impact of construction on the community.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Walk along Eglinton West
Info: Walking portion of the event begins. LJCLT will us along Eglinton West. Stops may include the Jamaican Gleaner head office, Reggae Lane, Little Jamaica’s business corridor and the sites and sounds of the neighbourhood’s vibrant music scene between Oakwood and Glenholme
🕑: 02:10 PM - 02:25 PM
Jamaican Patty Pit Stop @ Kingston 12 Patty Shop
Info: Stop for complimentary patties at Kingston 12 Patty Shop
🕑: 02:25 PM - 02:30 PM
Walk End
Info: Walking tour ends at British Methodist Episcopal Church, 1828 Eglinton Ave W, York, ON M6E 2H6, near Fairbank Station.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
