Toronto Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / November 18, 2024
Toronto Then
Toronto, the capital city of Ontario in southeastern Canada, derives its name from the word “tkaronto” in the Mohawk language, which means “where there are trees standing in the water.”
This term originally referred to a specific location, a narrow water channel where Lake Simcoe flows into Lake Couchiching, where the Huron people planted trees to trap fish.
The name “Toronto” has been recorded with various spellings over time, such as Tarento, Tarontha, and Toranto.
Early French explorers, including Samuel de Champlain in 1615, documented the name and its connection to the area.
Additionally, the word “Toronto” appeared in a 1632 French lexicon of the Huron language, which is part of the Iroquoian language family.
French maps from this period also used the name to refer to several regions, including Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe, and various rivers.
The Toronto Carrying-Place Trail, an important portage route between Lake Ontario and Lake Huron, further contributed to the widespread use of the name, eventually becoming associated with the growing city that we know today.
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Toronto History
Before European settlers arrived, the Toronto region was inhabited by various First Nations peoples who lived in seminomadic communities and used the area as a key trade route.
The Toronto Passage, a portage from the Humber River to Georgian Bay, was an important route for trade and cultural exchange.
While conflicts existed between different Indigenous groups, these dynamics were significantly altered with the arrival of Europeans, who brought firearms, diseases like smallpox, and new economic systems.
The French, who initially claimed the region, allied with the Huron First Nations against the Iroquois and sided with the British in their competition for control of the fur trade.
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The impact of European colonization was devastating for many Indigenous communities, as diseases decimated entire tribes.
In the 17th century, French explorers like Étienne Brûlé visited the Toronto area, though it is unclear whether he traveled directly to the present-day city.
By the 1660s, the Seneca occupied two sites near Toronto but later abandoned them, with the Mississauga, a branch of the Ojibwa, settling the area by the end of the century.
The fur trade continued to grow throughout the 18th century, and competition between the French and British intensified, with British forces eventually capturing French forts, including Fort Rouillé, in 1759.
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The Treaty of Paris in 1763 ceded French territories in North America to the British, establishing British control over the region.
Following the American Revolution, many United Empire Loyalists resettled in southern Ontario, contributing to the growth of what would become Toronto.
In 1787, negotiations with the Mississauga led to the acquisition of land for what would eventually become Toronto, and in 1793, Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe selected the area as the site for the capital of Upper Canada (later Ontario).
Originally named York, the small settlement grew slowly, and during the War of 1812, it was occupied by U.S. forces.
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However, it was retaken by the British, and by the 1830s, the population began to grow rapidly, spurred by immigration and economic growth.
By the mid-19th century, improvements in transportation, like the Erie Canal and the Welland Canal, helped connect Toronto to major trade routes, further boosting its economic position.
The construction of railways in the 1850s linked Toronto to other important cities, including Montreal, New York, and Chicago, facilitating trade and further economic development.
The steam engine revolutionized transportation and industry, allowing Toronto to become a major industrial center.
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However, the city also faced challenges, including a devastating fire in 1849, which destroyed much of the downtown area.
Despite setbacks, Toronto continued to grow, and by the late 19th century, the city was emerging as a major hub in Canada, with a thriving economy and expanding infrastructure.
Toronto’s growth continued into the 20th century, with the city diversifying its economy and experiencing a population boom after World War II.
Suburbanization and the development of new road networks led to the spread of the city’s population, and by the 1970s, Toronto had surpassed Montreal as Canada’s largest city.
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In the 1990s, the city’s governance structure was reformed, consolidating smaller communities into the present-day City of Toronto.
Today, Toronto is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world, with a significant immigrant population. Its skyline has transformed dramatically in the 21st century, with a growing number of skyscrapers.
However, challenges such as the rising cost of housing continue to shape the city’s development, posing challenges for both the provincial and federal governments.
Despite these challenges, Toronto remains a beacon of diversity, welcoming immigrants and celebrating its multicultural identity in a globalized world.
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Toronto Now
Toronto, the capital of Ontario and the most populous city in Canada, is a dynamic and diverse metropolis with a population of approximately 2.8 million people as of 2021.
Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto serves as a central hub for business, finance, culture, and entertainment.
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to over 6.7 million people, making it one of the largest urban regions in North America.
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The city has become a global center of commerce, with the Toronto Stock Exchange and the headquarters of major financial institutions, contributing to its status as an economic powerhouse.
Toronto’s cultural fabric is shaped by its significant immigrant population.
Over half of the city’s residents were born outside of Canada, and more than 200 ethnic origins are represented, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
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The city’s diversity is reflected in the more than 160 languages spoken by its inhabitants.
This cultural richness contributes to Toronto’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene, which includes a wide array of music, theatre, film, and television productions.
The city is home to Canada’s national media outlets and a host of cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, and festivals that draw millions of visitors each year.
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Geographically, Toronto spans 630 square kilometers (243 square miles) and boasts a long waterfront along Lake Ontario.
Its iconic skyline features towering skyscrapers, including the CN Tower, one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world.
The city’s diverse neighborhoods, parks, and urban spaces offer a mix of both natural beauty and modern infrastructure.
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Toronto’s economy is one of the most diversified in the world, with strengths in finance, technology, health sciences, education, fashion, and aerospace.
As the third-largest tech hub in North America, Toronto’s technology sector continues to expand rapidly, positioning the city as a leading player in global innovation.
Toronto is also an important player in the global sports scene. It hosts a number of professional sports teams, including the Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), and Toronto FC (MLS).
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The city is set to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further solidifying its reputation as a key sports destination.
Over 43 million tourists visit Toronto annually, attracted by its diverse cultural offerings, world-class attractions, and economic opportunities.
Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto remains a thriving and resilient city, continually growing and attracting new residents and businesses from around the world.
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FAQs
Yes, Toronto is known for its high cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing.
Rent and home prices are among the highest in Canada, and everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and utilities are also costly.
Toronto is famous for its diverse culture, iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, and its role as a major financial, cultural, and technological hub.
It is also known for its multiculturalism, thriving arts scene, and as the home of many international events, including the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Toronto is a city, specifically the capital of the Canadian province of Ontario. It is the largest city in Canada by population.
Toronto is generally less expensive than New York City, especially when it comes to housing and overall living costs.
However, both cities are among the most expensive in North America. New York City tends to be pricier in terms of rent, dining, and entertainment.