Community News
Toronto has put a spotlight on Little Jamaica; it is time to re-build
BY PAUL JUNOR
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was attention focused on the potential impact of businesses along the Eglinton strip, east of Keele Street, and west of Marlee with respect to how they were affected by the construction of the Eglinton Crosstown.
The closure of many of the longstanding businesses has caught the gaze of local politicians, city planners, and bureaucrats who have expressed concerns about the impact on many businesses that are still present. According to the website: thelittlejamaica.com, it is considered one of Toronto’s ethnic enclaves. The recent naming of a city lane as “ Reggae Lane,” is a testament to this. Little Jamaica is home to the highest concentration of diverse and dynamic Black and Caribbean-owned businesses in the City of Toronto.
Mike Colle, former MPP and Councillor in Ward 8 has been very active in bringing awareness to this vibrant community. One of the businesses that closed was Randy’s Take Out, home of Randy’s Patties, which was located at 1801 Eglinton Ave. He wrote on his Facebook page on February 24th, 2022, that, “Randy has been a beloved pillar of the Caribbean community across the GTA for over 40 years, serving some of the best patties in the country.” He continues, “The Randy’s team were hurt by a number of issues facing far too many of our local businesses, including years of endless Metrolinx construction on the Eglinton Crosstown, COVID-19 closures, and no direct financial assistance from the Ford’s government to help weather these storms.”
There has been some assistance offered through the Black Business Emergency Relief Grant (BBERG), which is part of the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA). Through the initiative of the BBPA, Toronto’s Economic Development and Culture Division, and the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit, a $150,000 fund was made available to affected businesses that were able to access either $3,000, $5,000, or $10,000 to alleviate their financial challenges during the second phase of COVID-19.
The Business Improvement Association (BIA) York Eglinton has been active over the years bringing much-needed attention to the diversity and richness of Little Jamaica. On Monday, May 23rd, 2022, a community clean up on Eglinton Avenue West was held. The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) initiated it in conjunction with the BIA York Eglinton. The clean up was a kick-off event for the start of “Summer Stinting”, Nadine Spencer, CEO of the BBPA states, “We are delighted to be part of this much-needed initiative to welcome Toronto back to Little Jamaica. It’s going to be a great summer for the businesses in the neighbourhood.”
The kick-off event involved: the City of Toronto, FedDev Ontario. Black Urbanism Toronto, Urban Arts, and Councillors Mike Colle and Josh Matlow. Paints were supplied by the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades.
To learn about other summer events check: www.thelittleJamaica.com