Tell Me All About Toronto

Why Toronto is ranked the #3 city in the world, for the largest cosmopolitan cities. No#1 is Dubai (UAE) and No#2 is Brussels Belgium. Exactly what does cosmopolitan mean?

Cosmopolitanism is quite different from metropolitanism and it refers to a sense of harmony between a large population of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Whereas metropolitan

refers to a densely populated ​area that is economically and socially linked to its suburban areas. Therefore, Toronto is both a cosmopolitan city and a metropolitan area.

With a flourishing population of 50.2% being made up of people from other countries.

  As the capital city of Ontario with a recorded pop of 2,794,365 (2021). It is the 4th most populated city in North America. It is an anchor to the Golden Horseshoe, an urban agglomeration of (9,765, 188 people (2021), surrounding the Western End of Lake Ontario. While the Greater Toronto area proper (GTA) had a 2021 population of 6,7123,341. 

  Toronto is an international center of business, finance, arts, and culture, and is recognized as one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the world. It is ranked #2 in North America just behind New York City as the most multicultural city in North America, with over 160 languages spoken and over 200 distinct ethnic origins represented that call Toronto "home".

   It is a strong breed of people, regardless of the circumstance that migrates to a new country. It remains evident, that the growing foreign population often settle into distinct neighborhoods, creating in a sense, "mini countries". The fear of starting life in a new country remains minimalized by the vast opportunities such as employment and established ethnic neighborhoods. Such people have often demonstrated that they find comfort in these neighborhoods.

   Many immigrants bring with them their skills creating their opportunities. These established ethnic communities make their presence felt and can express and share their cultural backgrounds with the wider community, who also share in an exchange of ideas. Through the availability of vast programs such as education, sports, and the arts, these diverse groups are given the chance to pursue their goals and dreams. Similar opportunities also exist in many other venues, such as business, languages, and finance. This continues to attract foreign-born individuals and is expected to continue in the future. As important industrial financial and employment opportunities are seen to be the driving force behind immigration, Its benefits are truly shared by the broader community as a whole. Such immigrants truly offer and share their skills and knowledge in many fields that lift a growing society. They are indeed woven into the very fabric that makes such a city cosmopolitan.

   As we migrate closer and closer to a global economy, one has but to observe the international products and services introduced and offered by many ethnicities. By the promotion and introduction of unsurmountable products, through an ever-growing number of cultural events, many cultures and their cuisines are experienced throughout these well-rooted neighborhoods. An example of said established and well-known neighborhoods just to name a few are Little Italy, Koreatown, Little Jamaica, Greektown, Little India, Chinatown, Rounsevilles(Polish), and Ukrainian neighborhoods throughout the city. Cuisines and events are and have always been widely celebrated in this city. Other than English is the predominant spoken language, it is notable that second to English, Chinese is the most spoken language in the homes of the GTA. There are six distinct Chinatowns with a combined



population of approx. half a million. The Caribbean Carnival formerly known as Caribana is billed as North America's largest street festival and has an overall attendance of 2 million people.

If you're into Greek cuisine, there is Taste of the Danforth that commemorates Greek food culture attracting 1.6 million people annually. One of Canadas largest food festivals. Toronto's Little Italy is a hot spot for cafe culture and nightlife. Toronto has approximately 8,000 restaurants of all ethnicities that celebrate its food and cultures. Expectedly these neighborhoods bustle with restaurants, bars, shops & businesses. So, if you find yourself craving a Polish dish of cabbage rolls or Ukrainian chicken Kyiv and authentic perogies, one just needs to google it or ask a Torontonian. This is just a small taste of what this city has to offer and experience.  

  It is also notable to mention that Toronto was once considered to be known as "Northern Hollywood" a title it now shares with Vancouver B.C. The list of famous people and celebrities who also call this city home is far too lengthy to mention here.  Some to name a few, particularly in comedy sketch and improv, who have left their mark at Toronto's well-known Second City. names like Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Belushi, John Candy Howie Mandel, Radner, and Jim Carrie. This comradery in the theatre alone, continues to grow as seen by the Bob Currie Fellowship. For example. Giving access to, and making inroads in quite a thriving environment for BIPOC, LATINX, LGBTQIA, and other minorities and persons with disabilities. This is again merely one example of inclusivity, expressing their life's experiences and points of view in all honesty and openness. An important part of personal growth and opportunity for all who may be marginalized or underrepresented in the community.

 Not to mention the plethora of museums, theatres, and historic sites and buildings, as well as sports and entertainment venues, that make up this wonderful city. It remains to be a potpourri of ethnic diversity, a real and ever-growing melting pot of cultures. This is just a bird's eye view of what a multicultural city has to offer, with a bit of color woven into the fabric of this large cosmopolitan and remarkable city we call Toronto.