A timeline of kensington market
1700's
Today’s Kensington Market sits on the territory of the Haudenosaunee, the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and the Huron-Wendat. However, the land was split among British government officials and military officers in the late 1700’s. Over the next two hundred years, the area changed drastically to suit the needs of new residents.
1800's
In 1815, George Taylor Denison built his Bellevue Estate near Spadina Ave. From 1850 – 1860, he divided the property and sold plots to British and Irish immigrants. Due to a large influx of immigrants moving into the neighbourhood, small cottages were built along the laneways to accommodate the increasing population.
1900's
Many more immigrants moved to the area but were not allowed to trade or sell to the business community. By 1930, over 80% of Toronto’s Jewish immigrants made homes in Kensington Market, which was primarily residential at the time. To make ends meet, families built stalls outside of their homes and an old world marketplace began. To this day, Kensington Market keeps this part of history alive, continuing to integrate housing with locally-owned businesses, from restaurants and boutiques to street food and market stalls of all kinds.
2000 - Now
Kensington Market became a popular area to reside in, and the community became more diverse as immigrants from a variety of cultural backgrounds moved to thee area. It remains one of Toronto’s most diverse neighbourhoods to this day, making it a great spot for a variety of cultural cuisines.
In 2005, Kensington Market was named a Canadian national historic site. It has since become one of Toronto’s top tourist destinations, drawing people in with an eclectic mix of shops, unique multicultural and fusion food options, and all kinds of interesting street art.
