CULTURAL DEAD ZONES?

With a new community cultural hub set to open in a desolate corner of Toronto’s Weston neighbourhood, we look at the most culturally underserved parts of our city. This information was taken from a 2014 city report.

1) Ward 2, Etobicoke North

Despite having a high percentage of youth, Etobicoke North is lacking in cultural organizations and services that provide cultural programming.

2) Ward 3, Etobicoke Centre

Etobicoke Centre has virtually no dedicated facilities for live music or theatre. Local musicians and theatre groups must rely on public schools to rehearse and perform.

3) Ward 7, York West

The few cultural activities available in York West primarily occur in religious buildings and a lone library. Poor access to public transportation is a major impediment to participating in community activities.

4) Ward 12, York South—Weston

The limited cultural activities in York South—Weston almost always take place in libraries, community centres

or through social services agencies.

5) Ward 31, Beaches—East York

It might be demographically diverse, but Beaches—East York lacks purpose-built cultural spaces, with a handful of libraries and community centres struggling to fill this void.

6) Ward 38, Scarborough Centre

Most of the limited cultural programs available in Scarborough Centre are delivered through social service agencies. Venues are desperately needed for community events and cultural programs for youths.

7) Ward 39, Scarborough-Agincourt

Cultural activity is extremely limited in Scarborough-Agincourt. Because of its large population of newcomers, any future cultural facilities should be accessible to an array of people.

8) Ward 44, Scarborough East

Little cultural programming is available in Scarborough East. Residents often travel to Pickering for such services. Limited public transportation makes it difficult, especially for youth, to seek cultural activities outside the area.