Description
"Portugal Village"
Previous negative views of ethnic neighbourhoods as marginalized “ghettos” have largely given way to a more positive perception by city leaders and its residents, who now acknowledge the significant contributions of immigrants to Toronto, and the economic value of having a culturally diverse population. The policy and ideology of multiculturalism also prompted Torontonians to embrace these "enclaves" as marketable tourism destinations, where ethnicity can be consumed in idealized "urban villages" like Little Italy, Chinatown or Little Portugal. Dedicated street signs serve as official markers of these imaginary ethnic boundaries, while Business Improvement Areas (or BIAs) use the ethnic brand to market commercial strips. Signs identifying “Portugal Village” extend along Dundas St. West from Bathurst St. to Trinity-Bellwoods, and “Rua Açores” (or Azorean street) from Ossington Ave. to Lansdowne Ave. As with other Toronto neighbourhoods, the ethnic character of Little Portugal has changed rapidly following the arrival of Vietnamese, Laotian and Cambodian businesses in the late 1990s, and more recently the forces of mainstream gentrification. The future of these ethnic landmarks are uncertain and likely depend on the BIAs desire and ability to preserve their neighbourhood's Portuguese character. Factoring in their decision, is the fact that most commercial buildings on this strip of Dundas and its surrounding houses are still owned by Portuguese, many of whom have become landlords for non-Portuguese shops and residents. Although their number has dwindled, a significant quantity of businesses on Dundas are still owned by Portuguese, including the first Caldense Bakery, which opened in 1968 on 1209 Dundas St. West - just West of Ossington Ave. - from which a chain would spawn with various locations across the Greater Toronto Area. The second chain of Portuguese bakeries to spread across Ontario is Nova Era, whose original location opened across the street from Caldense in 1991. Before they became one of the most recognizable and popular sites of Portuguese culture to Torontonians, who have discovered its delicious desserts and pastries - especially custard tarts orpasteis de nata- these businesses catered almost uniquely to Portuguese patrons; the first of which, Lisbon Bakery, opened in 1958 in Kensington Market. Lisboa À Noite (or Lisbon by night), which opened in 1978, is one of the oldest Portuguese restaurants in the city. As another example of ethnic businesses contributing to while capitalizing on the formation of community bonds, this restaurant, like others, reserved one of its floors to private functions such as baptisms, communions, weddings and anniversaries, and other social events. Its main dining hall sometimes hosts shows by local and international Portuguese musicians, especially fado singers. Little Portugal has also been home to several Portuguese cultural associations, such as the Casa dos Açores (or “Azorean house”), once located on 831 Dundas St. West. Founded in 1985, this cultural centre mobilized Azoreans of all islands in Toronto, building on the distinct identity that comes with centuries of isolation in the middle of the Atlantic, and in the cultural nationalism emerging from the islands' separatist movement following the 1974 Carnation Revolution. Many Azoreans in North America supported the nationalist movement to separate from Lisbon's socialist revolutionary government. The islands were eventually granted governing autonomy in 1976, but no independence. Since then, the Regional Government of the Azores has maintained close ties to its diaspora through a global network of Azorean Houses, including the one here in Toronto. In 2007, this cultural organization moved into his own building on 1136 College St., where it also operates the restaurant Ilhas de Bruma. Cultural associations like the Casa dos Açores serve as social spaces of civic and cultural engagement with regular activities ranging from sports, to concerts, book clubs, folklore dancing lessons, seniors programs, religious celebrations and many others. Although supported by both Canadian and Portuguese governments, their rich programming are possible thanks to the countless hours of volunteer work that make these associations spaces of community gathering and solidarity. For more see: Eric Andrew-Gee, "Reports of Little Portugal's death have been greatly exaggerate,"Toronto Star, July 18, 2014 Music "Canção da Ribeira" (2012) by Alexandre Bateiras
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