Little Jamaica, also known as “Eg West”, “Eglinton West”, or simply “Eglinton” is a 3-kilometre strip along Eglinton Avenue West, from Keele Street to Marlee Avenue in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The neighborhood has been a home and a place of belonging to Caribbean and African residents in Toronto dating back to 1960’s. The once thriving Caribbean cultural hub is now experiencing major neighborhood changes, including gentrification – a complex process of neighborhood change that involves the displacement of lower-income residents by wealthier people moving in. Today, Little Jamaica is undergoing the early stages of gentrification. ;xNLx;;xNLx;This archive is guided by the Black Archival Practice Methodology - rooted in the intentional collection, organization, and interpretation of materials that document Black life—materials created by, for, or about Black people. More than a process of preservation, it is a practice of storytelling, artistic expression, and memory-making that affirms the complexity and richness of Black existence. While it emerges from the broader tradition of archival work, Black Archival Practice distinguishes itself by actively challenging the limitations of conventional archives, which often marginalize or omit Black histories.;xNLx;;xNLx;The rationale for using Black Archival Practice in this research lies in its deep alignment with the goals of this project: to document, honor, and protect the cultural and political life of Little Jamaica amid the violent pressures of gentrification and cultural erasure. This methodology makes space for forms of knowledge often excluded from institutional archives—oral histories, neighborhood rituals, community organizing, and Black artistic expression—and treats them as central to the historical record;xNLx;;xNLx;This research is deeply rooted in and accountable to the Little Jamaica community—its residents, business owners, community leaders, elders, and youth. These are the people living the realities this work documents and who continue to resist the forces of gentrification and cultural erasure. As such, they are not only the subjects of this research but its primary audience. My commitment throughout has been to ensure that this work is accessible, usable, and reflective of the community it represents.;xNLx;;xNLx;Most importantly, this timeline is not static. It is designed as a living and evolving archive—something the community can return to, contribute to, and draw from. It insists that resistance is not only historical but ongoing; not only reactive but generative. It is happening now, in real time, and deserves to be documented with the same care as any “official” record. By integrating research findings with community-collected ephemera in an accessible, open-source format, this project affirms the knowledge, memory, and cultural labor of Black communities. It aims to serve not only as a scholarly intervention but as a tool of and for the people—evidence that resistance is not only our heritage, but our present and our future.;xNLx;;xNLx;For more on this work, contact me at @ReclaimRebuildEgWest on instagram, or contactprojectrebuild@gmail.com
Liberal government under Premier Dalton McGuinty agreed to fund Transit City through Metrolinx, allocating $8.4 billion to launch the Eglinton Crosstown project with an ambitious expected opening date of 2019.
Construction for the LRT project officially began in November 2011 when Mayor Rob Ford and Premier McGuinty broke ground at Keelesdale Park.
Tunneling machines launched near Black Creek Drive, beginning the excavation of the 10-kilometer underground section, which caused significant traffic disruptions on Eglinton Avenue. Traffic on Eglinton Avenue near Keele Street was reduced to one lane in each direction
By April 2015, business owners along Eglinton Avenue West began experiencing significant financial strain, with some reporting sales dropping by as much as 35 percent. The ongoing LRT construction created challenges such as heavy traffic congestion, fewer parking spaces, reduced pedestrian activity, and dusty sidewalks, all of which deterred customers and disrupted daily operations.
The Reggae Lane mural was unveiled on September 19, 2015. The project development included a collaborative journey with prominent reggae music experts, musicians, and enthusiasts, to source inspiration from the area’s rich musical history. The design was inspired by the musicians that paved the way for Reggae music in Toronto and abroad, depicting legendary Little Jamaica resident artists: Pluggy Satchmo, Bernie Pitters, Leroy Sibbles, Lord Tanamo, Jay Douglas, Stranger Cole, Johnny Osbourne, Jojo Bennett, Nana McLean, Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Brown, Otis Gayle, Joe Isaacs, and Carol Brown as well as key figures such as the Lion of Juda, Haile Selassie, Bob Marley and the Skatalites
In 2016, Metrolinx formally announced that the project’s completion date would be delayed beyond the original 2019 target
Nick Alampi, the chair of the York-Eglinton Business Improvement Area, says out of the 200 or so businesses registered with the BIA, about 50 have closed.
Crosslinx informed Metrolinx that it expected the line not to be completed before May 6, 2022, and that the construction costs would total $12.58 billion, an increase of $330 million over previous estimates
An event to learn more about the Black Futures on Eg West project, share, and participate in a workshop that will inform how Black cultures are supported in Little Jamaica
February 10th to 12th 2020, Black Urbanism TO host their two-part consultation series, A Black Business Conversation: On Planning for the Future of Black Businesses and Residents on Eglinton Ave West. This series of consultations was in response to the rapid gentrification being caused by the Metrolinx construction and BUTO wanted to provide members of the community a space to strategically organized. We discussed the community land trust model, facilitated by the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust, as a solution to the displacement. BUTO also partnered with the BBPA, Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit and Open Architecture Toronto for this series. This event series
By 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated delays, with labor restrictions and supply chain disruptions hindering progress. On March 9, 2020, Ontario Transportation Ministry Caroline Mulroney pledged $3 million in financial assistance to support local businesses struggling due to the impact of Crosstown construction. However, with thousands of businesses affected, this funding amounted to little more than a symbolic gesture—far from adequate to address the financial strain and long-term disruptions these merchants faced.
On June 20, 2020, Reclaim Rebuild Eg West launched their first initiative, the Black Business Grant program , successfully raising $45,103 to support local Black-owned businesses. These funds were used to provide financial relief, cover operational costs, and help sustain businesses struggling under the economic pressures of gentrification and prolonged LRT construction.
Black Urbanism Toronto released their report, A Black Business Conversation: On Planning For the Future of Black Businesses and Residents on Eglinton Ave West. This report not only highlighted the history of Little Jamaica but also outlined the ongoing challenges facing the community. Moreover, it offered recommendations to the City of Toronto, Metrolinx, local business approvement associations, and other intergovernmental partners aimed at shifting the trajectory in support of Black businesses and residents who maintained a vested interest in the neighborhood.
On August 9th, 2020 Reclaim Rebuild Eg West released our “Toronto’s Little Jamaica” digital infographic highlighting the history of the neighborhood, current challenges, and ways to support.
On August 29th, local youth community group “Reclaim Rebuild Eg West” staged a protest that blocked Eglinton Avenue West between Marlee Avenue and Oakwood Avenue, expressing their opposition to Metrolinx’s mismanagement of the LRT construction and its adverse effects on the Little Jamaica community. The demonstrators called for rental assistance and a temporary moratorium on evictions throughout the construction period, as well the official rebranding of the neighborhood from “International Market” to “Little Jamaica”. The protest ended in police harassment , intimidation , and violence against protesters
Statement from John Tory, RE:Bana on the Block: “I am always saddened by events where the actions of one or two take away from what is otherwise a peaceful event. That appears to be the case here. A peaceful protest trying to draw attention to the struggles of businesses in Little Jamaica on Eglinton West was overshadowed by someone choosing violence. I want to be clear that violence is always unacceptable anywhere in our city. Members of the Toronto Police Service were responding to that violence, which resulted in injuries to a number of officers which fortunately turned out to be minor. Two people were arrested and that case is now before the courts. I have been working with the community and local businesses to try to bring new life to Little Jamaica after years of struggles with transit construction and now COVID-19. I will be continuing with those efforts and I regret the fact an intended expression of solidarity was marred by this incident.”
MM24.36 - Supporting Black-Owned and Operated Businesses and Preserving the Cultural Heritage of Eglinton Avenue West's "Little Jamaica"- by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Michael Thompson. City Council Decision City Council on September 30,
MM24.36 - Supporting Black-Owned and Operated Businesses and Preserving the Cultural Heritage of Eglinton Avenue West's "Little Jamaica"- by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Michael Thompson
December 14, New Democratic Party Member of Provincial Parliament, Jill Andrews filed a motion to support businesses along Eglinton West that have been impacted by LRT construction and COVID-19. The motion called for the government, and Metrolinx to provide up to $30,000 in compensation, mandated transparent and timely communications between Metrolinx, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Little Jamaica community, and commercial rent relief for the duration of the pandemic, along with a moratorium on commercial evictions.
On January 6, 2021, Reclaim Rebuild Eg West launched the “Eg West Tenant Relief Fund” , a fundraiser aimed at supporting Black and Indigenous residents in the neighborhood with up to $800 in rental assistance. Through this initiative we raised $15,355 and supported 18 residents with their rent.
CP Planning collaborated with local leaders to develop and execute the Black Futures on Eglinton cultural mapping study. This initiative employed innovative methods to recognize, celebrate, and strengthen the cultural resilience of the Eglinton Avenue West area, affectionately known as Little Jamaica. The study brought together residents and allies of diverse ages, backgrounds, and experiences to collectively envision Black futures along Eglinton. The resulting report features a cultural map highlighting key themes such as Stories of Arrival, Presence in Land and Space, and Community Leadership, culminating in vision statements and actionable recommendations for the City of Toronto. These proposals aim to integrate the community's vision into urban planning while advancing the City's Action Plan to combat anti-Black racism. The study itself serves as a counter to conventional anti-Black practices in community planning, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable approach.
The Black Business Emergency Relief Grant was a $150,000 fund that is designed to provide financial relief to small Black businesses in Little Jamaica. The BBERG fund award between $3,000, to $10,000 funds to small businesses with the most pressing financial needs.
The City of Toronto launched a virtual public consultation about the past, present and future of Little Jamaica, including how to sustain and celebrate the vibrant Caribbean culture along Eglinton West
On August 17, 2021 Reclaim Rebuild Eg West released their “Metrolinx & Gentrification in Little Jamaica” digital infographic which provided insight to the impacts of the Metrolinx LRT construction in the neighborhood.
On August 28th Reclaim Rebuild Eg West held the second edition of Bana on the Block, a protest and celebration of Little Jamaica's Black Owned Businesses who have impacted by LRT construction and COVID-19.
Black Urbanism TO hosted a virtual public launch event for the Pathways to Community Ownership project on October 28th from 7pm to 9pm, with Eglinton West residents and other community leaders.
In celebration of Black Mental Health Week Reclaim Rebuild Eg West hosted a community discussion to talk about the mental health impacts of gentrification in Little Jamaica.
Hosted in the Reggae Lane parking lot, the weekly summer marker featured affordable, ethical, local and organically grown food of diasporic cultural origin
The Black Business and Professional Association, through its Little Jamaica initiative, presented a community empowerment webinar themed The Recovery Plan. In partnership with the City of Toronto’s Economic Development and Culture Division, the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit, and other collaborators to support the revitalization of the vibrant Eglinton West enclave—one of Toronto’s most culturally rich communities. In light of the unprecedented challenges brought on by the global pandemic, prolonged light rail construction, and other systemic disruptions, businesses in Little Jamaica were hit especially hard. As the city began reopening into a 'new normal', the webinar aimed to equip small businesses with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to adapt and thrive. The session featured seasoned industry professionals and community stakeholders who shared tangible steps for businesses and individuals to develop effective recovery plans for the months ahead.
A walking tour hosted by Heritage Toronto and the Black Business Professionals Association in Little Jamaica
CP Planning hosted a discussion for youth in Little Jamaica to learn about solutions to either gain employment in roles to generate affordable housing for lower income residents who are experiencing displacement due to rising housing prices in Little Jamaica
Keele Eglinton Residents in collaboration with Toronto Black Farmers hosted a food drive to provide healthy food baskets to residents in the neighborhood,
The documentary screening of "Nothing for us, without us", produced by the @uoftcities was hosted at the Nia Centre Through compelling interviews, personal stories, and expert insights, they explored the lasting impacts of anti-Black racism on urban development in Little Jamaica in Toronto. The event included a panel of distinguished Little Jamaica leaders, with the conversation hosted by own Leighana Mais- a long time organizer in the neighbourhood. This was a unique opportunity to hear from local leaders - their experiences, community efforts, and visions for collectively overcoming systemic barriers to ensure Black communities not only survive but thrive.
Saturday April 27th Black Urbanism Toronto launched The Little Jamaica Community Land Trust CLT. It is a Black-led and Black serving land trust that is designed to anchor Black businesses, residents and the cultural heritage as the neighborhood undergoes redevelopments and transit project nears completion
An education session on community land trusts, Black Urbanism TO’s journey to activating the first B3 (Black-led, Black focused and Black serving) land trust in Ontario, defining public space and more.
MM22.20 - Requesting Metrolinx to Provide Transparency and Accountability on the Eglinton Crosstown - by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle. Toronto City Council passed a motion in October 2024 to investigate the causes of persistent delays and cost overruns, signaling continued political scrutiny of the project City Council on October 9 and 10, 2024, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Province of Ontario to launch a public inquiry into the causes of the ongoing delays, the fractious relationship between Metrolinx and their Public-Private Partnerships-contracted consortium, Crosslinx, and increased costs in the construction of the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit. 2. City Council request the Mayor and the City Manager to invite the Provincial Minister of Transportation and the Chief Executive Officer, Metrolinx to the November or December 2024 meeting of the Executive Committee to make a presentation and answer questions regarding the current status of the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit, including: a. the reasons for the continued delays; b. when the project is expected to be complete; c. what is the expected additional cost to the project; and d. the additional supports will they provide to affected residents and businesses
BUTO, alongside their community partners Studio M and Reclaim Rebuild Eg West hosted a Community Gathering to discuss where the new developments are, what a coordinated community benefits strategy could look like and allow us to collect important insight on how the Little Jamaica Community Land Trust can begin to navigate this space on behalf of the community.
Reclaim Rebuild Eg West hosted an event at Studio M in Litle Jamaica to launch their Little Jamaica Heritage Zine Project. The zines were designed to help educate others about the cultural significance of Little Jamaica in Toronto - and resistance efforts to preserve that culture. The zines are available for free online at: https://www.reclaimrebuildegwest.com/little-jamaica-heritage-zine-project
CP Planning collaborated with community and industry partners to develop a Community Development Action Plan for Little Jamaica, They spoke about: Celebrating and supporting collaboration between local leaders and movements Protecting and enhancing access to community spaces Boosting support and investment into affordable housing Local Inclusive economic development and wealth building
Black Urbanism Toronto in collaboration with Jane Walks led a walking tour to give Torontonians a chance to hear powerful stories of migration, music, resistance, and revival in Eglinton West’s Little Jamaica
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