Toronto’s Ukrainian Community
Toronto’s Ukrainian community is a vital part of the city’s cultural and social fabric. With a history dating back over a century, Ukrainians have made significant contributions to Toronto’s growth and development. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress estimates that there are around 300,000 Ukrainians and people of Ukrainian descent in the Greater Toronto Area, making it one of the largest Ukrainian communities outside of Ukraine.
Early Ukrainian Immigration to Toronto
Ukrainian immigrants first began arriving in Toronto in significant numbers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these early immigrants were peasants fleeing poverty and oppression in their homeland, seeking a better life in North America. They settled in Toronto’s inner city neighbourhoods, particularly in the area around Queen and Bathurst Streets, which became known as the “First Ward”. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, the early Ukrainian settlers established a vibrant community, with their own churches, social clubs, and businesses.
Ukrainian Settlers in Toronto in the 1910s
The years leading up to World War I saw a significant increase in Ukrainian immigration to Toronto. Many of the new arrivals were young men who came to Canada to work in the booming industrial sector, particularly in the west end of the city. Despite facing hostility from some segments of the population, Ukrainians continued to establish themselves in Toronto, forming their own neighbourhoods and organizations. By the end of the 1910s, there were an estimated 10,000 Ukrainians living in the city.
Growth of the Ukrainian Community in the 1920s
The 1920s saw the Ukrainian community in Toronto grow and flourish. Ukrainians established numerous cultural and social organizations, including the Ukrainian National Federation, the Ukrainian Women’s Association, and the Ukrainian Labour Temple. These organizations provided a sense of community and belonging for Ukrainians in Toronto, as well as promoting Ukrainian culture and language. The 1920s also saw the establishment of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg, which had jurisdiction over Ukrainian Catholic parishes in Toronto.
Ukrainian Churches and Organizations Established
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Ukrainian churches and organizations continued to be established in Toronto. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada was founded in 1918, with its Toronto parish established in 1930. The Ukrainian Catholic Church also continued to expand in the city, with the establishment of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in 1937. Ukrainian social organizations such as the Ukrainian Canadian Youth Association and the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association also continued to thrive.
Impact of World War II on Toronto’s Ukrainians
World War II had a significant impact on Toronto’s Ukrainian community. Many Ukrainian Canadians volunteered to fight for Canada, while others were interned as “enemy aliens”. The war also saw a renewed sense of Ukrainian nationalism, with many Ukrainians supporting the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) in its fight against Soviet forces. After the war, many Ukrainian refugees came to Canada, including Toronto, as displaced persons.
Post-War Immigration and Expansion of the Community
The post-war period saw a significant increase in Ukrainian immigration to Toronto. Between 1947 and 1951 alone, over 34,000 Ukrainians came to Canada as part of the federal government’s Displaced Persons program. Many of these new arrivals settled in Toronto, which was already home to a thriving Ukrainian community. By the 1960s, the Ukrainian community in Toronto had grown to over 100,000 people.
Ukrainian Cultural Renaissance in the 1970s and 80s
The 1970s and 80s saw a cultural renaissance among Toronto’s Ukrainians. Ukrainian dance groups, choirs, and theatre companies emerged, as well as a new generation of Ukrainian Canadian writers and artists. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) was established in 1940, providing a national voice for Ukrainians in Canada. In 1983, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Toronto Branch opened the Ukrainian Canadian Art Foundation, which houses one of the largest collections of Ukrainian Canadian art in the world.
Contemporary Ukrainian Community in Toronto
Today, Toronto’s Ukrainian community continues to thrive. Ukrainians have made significant contributions to all aspects of Canadian society, from politics and business to the arts and sports. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress continues to be a strong advocate for Ukrainian Canadians, promoting their interests and concerns at the national level. Toronto is home to numerous Ukrainian churches, schools, cultural organizations, and businesses, as well as a vibrant Ukrainian community in the city’s west end.
Conclusion: Significance of Toronto’s Ukrainians
The Ukrainian community has played a vital role in shaping Toronto’s history and identity. Ukrainians have made significant contributions to the city’s cultural, social, and economic fabric, and have helped to create a more diverse and inclusive society. The Ukrainian community in Toronto continues to be a vibrant and active part of the city’s multicultural landscape, and will undoubtedly continue to make important contributions to the city’s future.
