In case you missed this column by Samuel Getachew in today’s Toronto Sun…
Does Little Ethiopia Belong On The Danforth?
I don’t usually like big mega cities, like New York. However Toronto is an exception.
Toronto, a city I admire, has always been full of characters, or much like the way former prime minister Joe Clark envisioned Canada in his successful 1979 election — a community of communities.
The Greektown on Danforth, Chinatown around Dundas West and Spadina Avenue, Korea town on Bloor in the Annex are some of the areas that attract thousands of tourists on a yearly basis.
On top of all of these, festivals such as Caribana, Taste of the Danforth, the Toronto Film Festival and Luminato helps us attract lots of people and resources to the city. Greektown alone claims to have more than 1 million visitors yearly.
These areas help us showcase the rich diversity of our city, not just in words but in deeds.
That is why a few friends and myself are asking the City of Toronto to name a section of Danforth Ave. around Greenwood Ave. as Little Ethiopia.
The history of Ethiopian Canadians, especially in the Toronto Danforth area, is new.
Ethiopians are one of the many groups of new immigrants to have fled successive broken governments and settled in Toronto. But what makes Canada different than most countries is we can be passionate citizens without losing sight of our heritage.
Earlier this year, a few of us met with the Toronto Danforth Mosaic BIA for about 30 minutes about our idea for Little Ethiopia. We spoke about our hope and dream for our city. They spoke of a multicultural mosaic they wanted to create in the area, one that is not a ghettoized neighbourhood, and rejected the idea.
Along the Danforth from around Greenwood to Monarch Park, there are about 16 Ethiopian Canadian businesses and their contribution is very visible. We are owners and tenants of the many buildings found in the area.
However, we lack visibility in our area BIAs, activities and at City Hall.
Governments can do much to help connect us to the area and have us take ownership of the areas we frequent. To clean it more, make it lovely like Greektown, and above all take ownership of it.
To have us believe in our BIA’s enough for us to join its boards and volunteer at the different activities in the community. The idea of Little Ethiopia is of celebration and not of ghettoization.
Greektown, Chinatown and the many areas named after a certain country or countries are not ghettos but a celebration of global citizenship.
As a Torontonian and as a black person, I get my hair cut in the heart of Greektown, buy the best and the cheapest Italian beef in Chinatown and go for the best coffee in Little Italy at College and Clinton.
Almost always the people I see are diverse in their representation from every country on the planet.
That is the wish for our aspiring Little Ethiopia on Danforth project — that of many cultures and a recognition of the Ethiopian Canadian experience.
We are not tourists to Canada but citizens of an awesome country.
I believe Little Ethiopia can be a start.
We are a very small group pushing forward this idea with the hope of thousands.
Our effort is no longer an Ethiopian story but that of a Canadian: Passion, youthful vigour and hard work — the hallmark of what makes me a proud Canadian.
— Getachew is a member of the Ethiopian community in Toronto and is running for council in Scarborough
This is a great idea, and one that our BIAs should get behind. As a resident of the Danforth/Greenwood neighbourhood, I’ve enjoyed the easy access to the various ethnic restaurants and businesses that make up the area. And while the Danforth Mosaic’s goal of nurturing a multicultural image for the area is commendable, I hardly think that recognizing a small stretch of Danforth as Little Ethiopia risks ghettoizing the area.
The west end of Danforth was recognized years ago as Greektown, as recognition for the hard work Toronto Greeks had put into creating a vibrant, sustainable and successful community. This drew people from all parts of Toronto to enjoy a bit of Greek culture, and drew residents who sought to live in a vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood. It didn’t ghettoize the area. On the contrary, non-Greeks came in and set up non-Greek businesses and restaurants next to the already strong Greek establishments. What we have today is an exciting, diverse west Danforth area. Making reference to the Danforth-Greenwood area as Little Ethiopia, thereby recognizing the strong, vibrant community Ethiopians have formed there, can only serve to achieve similar results in an area desperate for wider recognition among Torontonians.
Little India is more Pakistani. Little Italy is more Portuguese. Chinatown is more Vietnamese. Neighbourhood labels based on nations quickly lose their meaning, and worse still, they glorify a time capsule version of the mother country as the emigrants experience becomes rooted in their new country. People who’ve met old Germans in Kitchener-Waterloo will understand what I’m talking about.
What about a label that brings us together like: Ommy’s Happy Oriental & Canadia?
How can we express our support for this idea? I think “Little Ethiopia” is a wonderful and well deserved identity for this neighbourhood and for the beautiful community it represents.
I don’t think that labelling the Danforth/Greenwood area as “Little Ethiopia” would do anything to make the area more vibrant or bring more people to that stretch. Maybe it’s because Ethiopia and its culture simply isn’t as well known or famous as the Italian, Greek or Chinese cultures referenced in his article. In addition, the stretch between Greenwood and Main has several dozen Italian businesses (in addition to the thousands of Italians still living in the area), yet no one is asking to have the area labelled as another Little Italy. Nor should it be, because there are also thousands of Greeks living in the Danforth East area as well.
In short, I just don’t think that 16 Ethiopian businesses (a small number relative to the other dominant cultures in the area) warrants labelling that stretch of Danforth as Little Ethiopia. It’s really not reflective of the overall character of Danforth East. A growing part of it? Yes, of course, but hardly the defining one.
I feel that if you want something to work, you have to work at it. The strech from Main to Greenwood is (to me) still looking dirty. The windows and sidewalks need a washing and there still is lots of business store fronts that are empty which creates more dirt from the pigeons and sidewalks are being stained from the markets that have extended there store front area for their produce. Hopefully this will improve before the end of the year. Main square is lookin’ pretty nasty as well.
The stretch of Danforth between Greenwood and Monarch Park has indeed become a great collection of Ethiopian restaurants and businesses and as a resident of the neighbourhood, I heartily thank these business owners for investing in our community and filling many vacant (some for over a decade) storefronts!
I think there are two issues that should be considered before renaming this stretch of Danforth as “Little Ethiopia”.
The first is that many of the restaurants represent the cuisine of other african countries including Tunisia and Morocco to name a couple. There are also several long standing restaurants that serve non-Ethiopian cuisine (Vegetarian, Italian, Greek). Designating a new area as being representative of one particular country could perhaps jeopardize the business of some of these other existing restaurants.
The second is that while there is definitely a critical mass of Ethiopian restaurants on this stretch, the surrounding neighbourhood is largely non-Ethiopian. This stretch of Danforth is finally officially an area in transition and it would be a shame to potentially discourage other types of businesses and restaurants from taking up residence in the vacant shops that remain by making such a specific designation.
Just some food for thought! Rather than just consulting with local Ethiopian businesses, I hope that the views of local residents and existing shop and restaurant owners will also be considered.
All that being said, a large part of the credit goes to the African restaurant and business owners for helping to revitalize this area!
Before the Greeks and the Italians, the east end was the home of the working class Irish (and poorer English) immigrants. Consider streetnames such as Earl Haig and Currie. In fact, members of my grandfathers’ family (both Irish and English) who came to Canada prior to and after WW1 (and served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force) settled and opened busineses in this area.
I support Danforth Mosaic as a true title for this area as it changes and will change in the future.
Brian
I like the conversation so far and thank you for giving us all an opportunity to do so. There are about 16 Ethiopian business owners and many friendly stores who like this idea. Those that have been there a very long time, non Ethiopians, tell me that the streets used to be like ghost town (much like Coxwell to Victoria Park) before Ethiopian Canadians came to the neigbourhood and started investing money and resources.
The way we should look at this opportunity is to take the great example of Peter Munk. As we all know, this great businessman has just invested money to a new Global Institute department at the University of Toronto and they have given him the naming right of the school. He has now taken ownership of the center and he is invisting some $35 million dollars to its well being.
The same goes with Ethiopian Canadians. No one is taking the area and making it an Ethiopian neighbourhood only. If that was the case, I would never have been involved in the effort. What we are doing is to have Ethiopian Canadians take ownership of the area, invest money in it and celebrate their heritage while endorsing the great ideal that makes us to be Canadians.
Just take a walk on Greektown and come to the Ethiopian areas near Greenwood / Danforth and then go to Coxwell and beyond – and you shall be tempted to support us as well.
Samuel
Thank you Neil – please call the BIA and speak to them!
Hi Lisa – please call the BIA and speak to them better yet send me an email and we can go from there – samuel_getachew@hotmail.com
Greektown before it was named Greektown used to be the same. It changed. People took ownership and they made it what it is today. It’s like owning and renting.
Thank you Jen – please speak up loud and clear. We do not want this to be an Ethiopian idea only. Either get in touch with me, samuel_getachew@hotmail.com or please call the BIA
I agree with those commenters who feel that it is premature to name this section of Danforth after any one ethnic group. It is still diverse, with as someone wrote – Morroccan restaurants, Italian and Greek, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Carribean neighbours and businesses as well as people of Muslim religion – witness the Mosque just west of the proposed area. Many young families have moved to this part of East York from other parts of Toronto as well since the home prices are relatively less expensive. Again, because of the ongoing demographic changes I believe it is premature to use just one enthnic name for this section of Danforth. Maybe Mosaic is the correct name for now.
Murray – I dont know if I should just ignore your comments but this is a conversation so…… – since when did “muslim” become a country or an ethnic group? There are muslims in all groups Sir!
Samuel,
You state that Ethiopian Canadians are taking ownership of the area, investing money in it and celebrating your heritage. OK, but you’re talking about only 16 businesses out of several dozen others along that stretch. And what about the tens of thousands of other people who have “taken ownership” of the area, namely all of the area’s homeowners, the vast majority of whom are not Ethiopian Canadians?
In your comparisons to Greektown, you fail to acknowledge that in addition to the very large number of Greek businesses that existed when the area was designated as Greektown (significantly more than just 16), there were also tens of thousands of Greeks living in the area. So the term Greektown was a very apt moniker for the area given the residential and business demographic that existed. The same cannot be said for Ethiopian Canadians in Danforth East.
I also agree with Murray that it is premature to name this area after any one ethnic group. Let’s wait another five years or so to see what develops. If there are another 16 Ethiopian businesses along that stretch then perhaps it would be suitable at that time to designate the area as such. Or perhaps we’ll continue to have a very mixed and diverse selection of businesses, in which case the name Danforth Mosaic makes the most sense.
Leo,
I am surprised that you fail to understand the reality. We are not in anyway asking for a large part of Danforth to be named as Little Ethiopia. We are asking for a very small part – between Greenwood and Monarch Park. Yes, in that very small part of Danforth – Ethiopian Canadian businesses make up the majority of the stores and also friendly stores of our cause exist as well. I wonder if you have been to Greektown and also the Coxwell and Victoria Park part of Danforth. Our effort, mine in particular, is to encourage Ethiopian Canadian business owners to invest more and be active in the future of the area and make it as beautiful as Greektown. We do not want the area to be what is was before with crime and abondened stores that have been empty for many many years.
Our effort is much like what Peter Munk is doing. Peter Munk, a very successful immigrant businessman, has just invested $35 million dollars to a Global Affairs Department at the University of Toronto and the naming right has been given to him – the school becoming the Peter Munk School of Global Affairs. Does that mean only the Peter Munk families are allowed to become its students?
I completely agree. The Ethiopian community is a very small one in comparison to the others in this stretch of the Danforth. This is why the Mosaic is named “Mosaic” because it represents the diverse set of cultures in this neighbourhood.
Samuel,
I live a few blocks from Coxwell and Danforth. I frequent the area between Greenwood and Monarch Park very often, and while I agree there is a small concentration of Ethiopian businesses in that stretch, I just don’t feel like I am in “Little Ethiopia” when I’m there. The stores I frequent in that stretch – North Pole Bakery, Jerry’s, and a few others, are examples of the diversity that still exists there. I also spend quite a bit of time in Greektown, and adding the name “Little Ethiopia” to the street signs in the Greenwood-Monarch Park area will not, in my opinion, lead to the kind of success that you see over in Greektown.
Peter Munk and the UofT have nothing to do with whether the stretch of Danforth in question should be called Little Ethiopia. I understand your argument, but perhaps you’re missing mine. Naming this stretch as Little Ethiopia would not accurately reflect the neighbourhood, nor would it be the silver bullet that will magically transform the area into another Greektown. It takes a lot more than some modified streets signs to accomplish this. What it takes is true neighbourhood involvment and participation by both its residents and business owners. For a good example of this, check out the East Lynn Farmers’ market on Thursdays. That does more for the entire stretch of Danforth East that an artificial name on a few street signs would ever accomplish.
I agree with the Danforth Mosaic BIA’s position on this, and at the very least, think we should wait at least another four of five years to see how the neighbourhood continues to develop. It is definately in transition, and it is premature to label it for any one culture or ethnic group.
I support the name Mosaic for this section of the Danforth because it truly represents the diversity of both the businesses as well as the residents.
Samuel’s reference to Peter Munk does NOT accurately reflect the “Ethiopian” cause he is presenting. If someone wants to buy a building and name it – fine, however Peter never had the right to rename a section of the city, just a private building because he essentially bought it for the school.
The “Ethiopian” cause seems a little self serving for the limited number of businesses in the neighbourhood. It completely ignores the true demographics of the residents and other businesses in the community.
Anyone who wants to invest in and improve the neighbourhood is more than welcome to do so. A name will not change that reality. If we called it “Billionaireland” do you think more billionaires would invest here? Let’s get real people.
Leo,
I disagree – as your described it “it is a modified street sign” so why not take a risk? You can not deny the contributions of Ethiopian Canadians to that area. I do not know if you lived in that area a few years back – it was a very empty place.
There I agree with you. I am not denying their contribution to those few blocks. It is much more vibrant today than when I first moved to the area. However, we are talking about a mere 16 businesses. How many other non Ethiopian businesses are there in those few blocks? 30? 40? Bottom line, they are outnumbered, and significantly so when you also take into account the residential demographic of the surrounding streets. That’s why your comparison with Greektown is not valid. Greektown was, and to a certain extent still is, a truly Greek area with first, second and third generation Canadians of Greek heritage living and/or operating businesses there. The Danforth area between Greenwood and Monarch Park is decidedly non-Ethiopian, and labelling it as such would not be an accurate reflection of this diverse area. In fact, people of both Greek and Italian heritage, not to mention British and plain-old Canadian, far outnumber the extremely small Ethiopian contingent there. Putting a label on this area that doesn’t account for the vast majority of homeowners and businesses makes no sense whatsoever.
The answer to “why not take the risk?” is simply because the risk is too high.
I agree with other comments in that by prematurely designating the area as Little Ethiopia you may very well discourage other businesses from setting up shop here. I also feel that a designation as specific as this may do injustice to the many non-Ethiopian businesses that have worked hard to establish themselves and improve our neighbourhood.
Personally I love the term “Mosaic” as I feel it truly represents the diversity found on our stretch of the Danforth. Rather than try and designate specific sections as ethnic towns/villages (how many will we have? where does it stop?) I feel we should get behind Mosaic and run with it.
Just look at the Beach(es). It doesn’t have any specific cultural or ethnic designation and has a very wide variety of businesses. We could be the same (sans the waterfront and boardwalk of course). All it takes is a name and folks to rally behind it.
16 out of 30 or 40 is not that bad at all. 16 are Ethiopian Candians but the rest are Italians, Chinese and many others. The majority are Ethiopian Canadians as as you point out as well too.
If there was to be a compromise – find a way to complement the Ethiopian Canadians without actually naming it Little Ethiopia – what would it be for you?
In reply to Samuel I used the term “Muslim” for the people who come to the Mosque for worship and the “Muslim” businesses nearby because I am not sure of the original nationalities of the people. I am not sure if they are of middle east origin or are south asian or both. My point is that there are far more than just Ethiopian origin people along this part of Danforth and naming for one group may indeed be disrespectful of the other ethnic groups. Most of the Ethiopian restaurants that have emerged in this neighbourhood have opened in the last two years. My wife, son and his famiuly have actually eaten at the Renaissance. I still maintain that it is premature to name the area after one ethnic group.
Well, Danforth Mosaic seems to be the best fit. It doesn’t roll off the tongue like Greektown or Little Italy, but it’s the name that best fits the area at the moment. But I think your focus needs to be shifted elsewhere. For example, think about organizing some kind of weekend street or sidewalk festival that showcases Ethiopian cuisine, culture and heritage. That would do more to attract people and educate them regarding your culture than simply designating the area as Little Ethiopia. Done successfully, it could grow into a successful yearly event.
The Taste of the Danforth festival today is many times larger than what it was in its first few years in terms of attendance and vendors. In fact, it has grown into one of the most successful street fests in the city. Similarly, in Danforth East, the farmers’ market at East Lynn Park on Thursdays has grown into a highly successful weekly event, which includes children’s activities, music, food festivals, and various other entertainment events, not to mention the actual farmers themselves selling their goods. In short, it is these kinds of neighbourhood events that bring people out (both locally and from other areas in the city), and is a model that could very well be quite successful for your cause.
We should never declare an area after a certain culture or country just because they are “big and famous” – leadership and decision by leaders should not be taken based on popularity but principle. Canada’s great history and we are at our best when we protect the intrest of minority rights as much as that of the majority!
Samuel this is not your personal blog where you need to respond to each and every comment. I think you made your position perfectly clear. Instead of ranting at the people who live in this community and have a right to an opinion on such a big decision, why not take the time to really listen and digest what we are saying.
The neighbourhood wants to embrace and support the diversity of ALL cultures in our unique community verses just one. It is an overwhelming and extremely Canadian response to your request. Let’s celebrate everyone verses only you and your group.
Samuel,
Though you are clearly passionate about acquiring naming rights, I think it would be completely in appropriate to move in this direction. Like many homeowners between Monarch & Greenwood, I too am grateful for the recent Ethiopian business investment… and for any new retail investment. We need it. I am not comfortable with the idea of purchasing public naming rights. Greek town, Little Italy etc. were formed based on sustained historical contributions to their neighbourhoods (commercial & residential). That footprint is barely in infancy with respect to Ethiopian representation on the Danforth. There is a legacy issue with respect to naming certain streets after ethnicities. This legacy represents old Toronto. New Toronto relishes in its ethnic diversity, but no longer has a need to identify it on a sign post.
If the Ethiopian business community, along with other Danforth East businesses wish to have a wider appeal on the Danforth, then they should reach out to the residents through special events, festivals showcasing foods, products etc.. Anything that brings good & positive pedestrian traffic. Even then…. No Ethnic/Cultural Street Signage. In my opinion, the neighbourhood is being redefined by the massive amount of investment in residential real estate transactions and renovations. This is a diverse group who I believe would welcome an opportunity to spend hard earned money within a diverse local business community. We welcome the Ethiopian businesses, and we also welcome everyone else.
Hi,
With all due respect, I don’t think naming that area ‘Little Ethiopia’ is going to inspire a lot of people to flock to the area to shop and open businesses. I don’t even think ‘Mosaic’ will either. I think the term is lame.
I agree with Colin’s statement also about claiming naming rights. It’s also about history in the area. Just because there are restaurants in the area, that doesn’t meant the area has named ‘Little So and So’ and doing so isn’t going to bring people in automatically.
I agree that having festivals or special events will bring people in and introduce them to what’s on offer.
The problem with the area is not that it lacks a sexy name. It’s that it lacks basic things that attract people – good shops, restaurants, bars, etc.
I am not saying that these things do exist entirely, but the area is not exactly teeming with them. There are some good restaurants (including some of the Ethiopian shops) but for every good one, I can show you ten terrible ones that you would not step foot into on your own let alone with a family.
The stretch of the Danforth from Jones to Coxwell is also very dirty. There is a stereotype about East Danforth, and this is it. And it is a big part of the problem with attracting new businesses and foot traffic.
There are tons of people moving into the area. Young people who go out, spend money and would love to do it in their own neighbourhood but unfortunately there is little for them to offer.
I am not saying I want a bunch of chains when I say this, but when there is not a single Tim Horton’s on that stretch, that says something (although Esso is bringing one in, but I think that’s more Esso). Tim Horton’s open shops anywhere! Why isn’t there a single one here? Or Starbucks, or Subway (until you reach Coxwell).
Don’t get be wrong, I prefer independents and mom & pop shops any day but they have to be good. You can’t have a bunch of places like ‘Taco King’ that open up, serve crap food and close in two weeks. And you also can’t have all these old, run down, dreary places that do not cater to the new population of the area (of any race).
I appreciate your enthusiasm, Samuel but I just do not agree that slapping a name on something will fix anything.
If we want people and businesses here, we have to give them a reason to come.
Believe me, I do. I know it’s hard to be the first, but we need some people to take a chance and open up shop here. People are here, money in hand ready to spend and more are flocking in every week.
Steve,
Learn from the Greektown experience. Once they named it Greektown – it became a great ambassador of good and lively area. It is about business people taking ownership of the area. It is about the difference between renting and owning. We have tried it as a “mosiac” and it is not as nice as the Greektown – now why don’t we try naming it as Little Ethiopia?
Hey Samuel,
It just won’t. I don’t mean to offend you, but it won’t. Ethiopia simply does not evoke the same kind of romantic imagery as places such as Greece or Italy. It actually evokes thoughts that are quite the opposite.
I am not saying it’s right, but in North America Ethiopia evokes images of poverty and despair. When people think ‘Ethiopia’ they don’t think fine cuisine, shopping, partying, etc. It’s not good marketing.
It’s just not appealing to the masses which is who you are trying to attract. And it does not properly suit the area. A small percentage of the businesses and population are Ethiopian.
What we need is to show businesses that there is a huge mix of people here who would like a bit of everything and would like some quality establishments in the area. We want them to be willing to take a risk and open up shop here. And when they do, people need to get out to them! If people here of businesses being successful here, more will follow.
Steve,
Your reasons are exactly whey we need Little Ethiopia!
Steve,
Your reasons are exactly why we need Little Ethiopia!
Mr. Getachew,
I have read the blog with interest. It appears Mr. Getachew’s intention is not to name only a small section as he stated in the article. His true desire is clear when on 9 July 2010, he stated “We have tried it as a “mosiac” and it is not as nice as the Greektown – now why don’t we try naming it as Little Ethiopia?” He is looking at renaming the entire area.
I have to ask why this is so important to you? Do you live in the area? Do you have a business in the area? Or is this part of your political move to run for council in Scarborough. The area in Scarborough where you plan on running for council is it where many Ethiopians live?
AJ,
Where I am running in Scarborugh – the Ethiopian population is less than 1 %. So this has nothing to do with politics. No I do not own a business or own a house nor live in the area however do you really need to live in an area in Toronto to contribute. Most of the passionate supporters of this intiative are, by the way, non Ethiopians.
No Sir, I am not looking at naming the entire area as Little Ethiopia. Just the small section.
It is important to me when I see new immigrants are empowered enough to contribute. So most it may be a sign but for many new Canadians, like the Italians, the Greeks and so on before – it has been a welcome sign of their existance to their new home.
I never comment on the ethnic background of you or anyone supporting or not supporting the initiative. Your comment is just trying to make this a race issue. Shame on you.
No you don’t need to live in an area to contribute to an issue. But if you are the leading force on an issue and you don’t live in the area one needs to ask why.
Most immigrants have been empowered without having an area named after them.
I think you need to read a little more about the history of those earlier immigrants. Your comments are not correct.
I was sitting on the fence, I have made my decision and you don’t have my support – sorry.
Perhaps in a few years we can look at this again.
In reply to Steve – While I agree that it is premature to name the stretch of Danforth – Little Ethiopia – I disagree that the name Ethiopia evokes some negative image. For me Ethiopia evokes an ancient and deep, complex culture that has certainly been portrayed negatively more recently in the news – but that does not represent Ethiopia. For a bit of a look into Ethiopian culture may I recommend the novel – ‘Sweetness in the Belly’, by Canadian author Camilla Gibb, a book I have read. I don’t mean to imply that it is in any way authoritative but it was certainly sympathetic to Ethiopean culture. My wife and I and our son’s family have dined at ‘The Rennaissance’ and it was a good experience.
Al,
I appologize if it came out that way and I did not intend to suggest that you have made it a race issue nor am I trying to do that. However, you asked me clearly “where you are running for council is it where most Ethiopians live?” and I answered you your questions. So how did I make it a race issue.
My last comment is my response to your question. Your comment “Most of the passionate supporters of this initiative are, by the way, non Ethiopians.” I never questioned anyone’s supporter or non-supporter’s ethnicity. I only asked it the area you are running had a large Ethiopia population and wondering if you were using it for political gains.
Regardless, the name change is not going to happen at this time. Perhaps in a few years.
I don’t know if you can make that statement now (Regardless, the name change is not going to happen…..) – can you? I do not think it will be decided on a single person.
Perhaps I miss understood. I thought the BIA has already rejected your request. If they have then it is not going to happen.
If the BIA hasn’t, good luck in your quest. If you have enough community support great. I will celebrate with everyone else when the name is changed.
“Chinatown is more Vietnamese.”
Wrong. That is an urban legend. There are 10 times as many Chinese in Kensington-Chinatown than Vietnamese.
http://www.toronto.ca/demographics/cns_profiles/cns78.htm