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The Maltese Community of Toronto

Photos and transcription by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted June, 2015

On the south side of Dundas Street West between Keele Street and Rummymede Road can be found Malta Park. In front of the park is this 2014 Heritage Toronto plaque. Here's what it says:

Coordinates: 43.665448 -79.475484

A small number of immigrants from Malta first arrived in Toronto in the late 19th century. By 1916, having fled overpopulation and unemployment, some 200 Maltese had established themselves in Toronto in two communities. One was the area of Dundas and McCaul Streets, and the other here in The Junction, near present-day Malta Park. Many worked in this district's meat packing industry that was generated by the nearby Union Stock Yards (since demolished). The Maltese-Canadian Society of Toronto, established in 1922, supported the two growing communities.

Predominantly Roman Catholics, the Maltese living in The Junction first attended nearby St. Cecilia Church. In 1930, with aid from the Maltese-Canadian Society of Toronto, the community built St. Paul the Apostle Church on Dundas Street West. It was one of the first Maltese churches in North America. After the Second World War, more Maltese emigrated to Canada and settled in this neighbourhood. The resulting density of Maltese homes, businesses, and community organizations gave this area the name "Little Malta".

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