Toronto is home to in-migrants from all over Canada

[frandroid]

Most of the people I have met in Toronto come from outside Toronto. Even the people that live and work in the downtown area, if they were born in the GTA, usually come from anywhere BUT downtown.* It is quite special to know someone who's spent their entire lives here, and usually they are quite special people indeed. I know two, perhaps three of such people. I wish I knew more of them, because I find that most in-migrants (like me, born elsewhere in Canada and having emigrated to Toronto) are rather boring, scared little people, scared of "the big city". Toronto-born people usually don't make a big deal of living here, and are much more secure in these surroundings.**

* There are a few reasons for this: unless you're rich or have family that has been established for a long time, it's hard to buy a home big enough to raise children downtown; furthermore, a lot of the jobs downtown are the cream of jobs available in Canada (or so is the perception, anyway), and therefore attract a national pool of potential workers.

** This entry based on a line of though originated by my partner, as she's had longer to observe Torontonians than I have.

Comments

[konami.livejournal.com]

I grew up in Yonge and Eglington, which I think counts as downtownish (central Toronto).

I don't know it's a matter of finance level, it's not as if my family has ever been above the working class level. I THINK it's more a matter of; Most people would rather raise a family in a suburban setting, where they feel that their children will be safe. There's also the matter that you can get a affordable home, but only on RENT. Most people raising family like to own a home.

[frandroid.livejournal.com]

Yup, you were counted as part of the two. =)

[konami.livejournal.com]

Probably muchly due to my mother; having grown up in London, which is like a giant downtown anyway. It's likely rare for people to feel comfortable teaching their children to be "street smart" and think they can get away with it. For instance, I knew a migant family from Poland who raised him here, their Son (who was my best friend at the time) Wasn't allowed to go on the subway or walk very far without them until he was SIXTEEN... He hardly ever visited my place, I always had to go there. XD