East York, Ontario - Definition and Overview

East York is an inner-city suburb of Toronto, which was a borough of Metropolitan Toronto before it was amalgamated into the "megacity" of Toronto in 1998. Its main claim to fame is that, before the amalgamation, it was Canada's only borough. Its population is 115,185 (2001). After amalgamation, East York's popular last mayor Michael Prue, went on to become Toronto city councillor for East York then Member of Provincial Parliament for Beaches-East York in 2001.

East York, established in 1967 through the amalgamation of the former township of East York and the former town of Leaside, was a planned industrial and residential community. It has historically been a residential enclave for senior citizens, primarily because of the affordability of housing in this area and its relative proximity to downtown. Over the last thirty years East York has become a major arrival point for immigrants, many of whom establish their first Canadian residence in Thorncliffe Park.

Actually, in the late 40's, after the war, East York became home to returning veterans and their families. Many inexpensive homes were built by the government to house this infux and the baby boom.

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