From Urban Enclave to Immigrant Suburb

The 1980s saw many Chinese residents and businesses settling around malls like Cathay Plaza. These concentrations soon became known as ‘satellite Chinatowns,’ a term often used in the media. But compared to traditional Chinatowns, they didn’t have crowded sidewalks, street vendors or the busy streets typically seen in downtown Chinatowns.

Tai Cheong Supermarket Inside the Dragon Centre on Glen Watford Drive.

In addition to their different buildings and special designs, suburban Chinese communities are very different from inner-city Chinatowns. They have different levels of wealth, different ways of presenting the culture, and different relationships in their community. They played an important role in growing the local economy by creating businesses and services that served the cultural needs of their communities. This led to the forming of Chinese associations, clubs, religious institutions, and celebrations, making the cultural identity of Agincourt stronger.

Our job is to promote all of the businesses. The second task is to find people who would want to come here, either as customers, or as people who would provide the kinds of goods and services that those customers want. And third, and certainly just as important, is to beautify the area.

– Ernie McCullough from the Sheppard East Village Business Improvement Area (BIA)

These immigrant concentrations offer essential services for newcomers, like language training, culturally relevant foods and a sense of togetherness. These elements help both newcomers and long-time residents feel connected and engaged.

The presence of ethnic institutions and services play a key role in keeping these immigrant suburbs  vibrant. They serve as important centres for cultural identity, offering a space for community gatherings and activities, contributing to the enriching diversity of Agincourt.

[Business owners] choose the Agincourt location because of the large Chinese consumer base. We hope that the Chinese and Asian customers can help promote the business. We are hoping they will understand the culture and accept the hotpot idea similar to [the popularity of] sushi.

– John from Liuyishou Hotpot on how ethnic enclaves form because of food.

The entrance of SkyCity Shopping Centre, an expansive plaza featuring delicious treats from all over Asia.

Immigrant concentrations in Agincourt are viewed more positively by surrounding communities. They’re seen as spaces that offer benefits to their residents, unlike the negative associations often tied to ghettos. Agincourt displays a vibrant Chinese influence, but it is not a Chinatown. Instead, it is an example of a growing and culturally rich community, as Katrina from Core Sales Inc. has observed.

Katrina Ramdath from Core Sales Inc. discusses the cultural significance of restaurants and food spots in malls in Scarborough. Enjoy this audio clip with an English transcript.