Scarborough, Ontario, a district of Toronto, Canada, is a vibrant community that has grown from a collection of small rural villages and farms in the 1790s to a fully urbanized district with a diverse cultural community. This article explores the rich history, geography, demographics, and cultural aspects of Scarborough, Ontario.
The district of Scarborough, Ontario, was named after the English town of Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The inspiration came from the cliffs of the English town that resembled the Scarborough Bluffs in Ontario. The area was initially named Glasgow, after the Scottish city, but was later renamed Scarborough. The district has acquired several nicknames over the years, with "Scarberia" being a popular one, a portmanteau of Scarborough and Siberia, referring to its seemingly distant eastern location from downtown Toronto.
The history of Scarborough, Ontario, dates back to 8000 BCE, with evidence of nomadic hunters and foragers in the district. The area was later inhabited by the Seneca and the Mississaugas before the arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century. Scarborough was incorporated as a township in 1850 and became part of Metropolitan Toronto in 1953. It was reconstituted as a borough in 1967 and became a city in 1983. In 1998, the city was amalgamated into the present city of Toronto.
Scarborough, Ontario, is situated atop the Scarborough Bluffs in the eastern part of Toronto. Its borders are Victoria Park Avenue to the west, Steeles Avenue and the city of Markham to the north, Rouge River and the city of Pickering to the east, and Lake Ontario to the south. The district is dominated by two watersheds, Highland Creek and the Rouge River, both of which flow into Lake Ontario. The Scarborough Bluffs, a significant natural landmark, stretch about 14 kilometers along the shore of Lake Ontario.
Scarborough, Ontario, enjoys a moderate climate due to its southerly location within Canada and its proximity to Lake Ontario. It has a humid continental climate, with warm, humid summers and generally cold winters. The district's climate conditions vary based on proximity to the lake, with fog more common in the south and areas close to the lake noticeably cooler on hot summer days.
According to the 2021 Census, Scarborough, Ontario, had a population of 629,941. The majority of the district's population is between 25 and 64 years old. The district is also home to a large number of retirement communities, attracting more seniors to the area.
Scarborough, Ontario, is one of the most diverse and multicultural areas in the Greater Toronto Area. The district is a popular destination for new immigrants in Canada, resulting in a vibrant multicultural locale. The district also has a heavy concentration of Chinese businesses and restaurants, particularly in the Agincourt neighborhood.
Scarborough, Ontario, has a rich cultural scene, with several notable personalities hailing from the district, including Mike Myers, Lilly Singh, Eric McCormack, John Candy, and The Weeknd. The Scarborough Town Centre, the fifth-largest shopping mall in Canada, is a significant attraction in the district. The district is also home to the Toronto Zoo, which was moved from its original downtown location to its current location in the Rouge River valley in 1974.
Scarborough, Ontario, is well-served by public transit, with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operating bus and rapid transit routes in the district. The district is also home to seven rail stations providing access to two commuter rail lines operated by GO Transit. The district's arterial roads are laid out on a grid system of north–south and east–west, corresponding to the concession roads of the original township. The district's drinking water is supplied by the R.C. Harris Filtration Plant and the F. J. Horgan Filtration Plant, while wastewater is treated at the Highland Creek Treatment Plant.
