The History of Canadian Muslims in Toronto Jane’s Walk
Walk Leader : HïMY SYeD
Holding Orange “Walk With Us” Jane’s Walk sign; wearing a Green Square
Date: Sunday May 3 2026
Start Time: 2:30 p.m.
Theme:
• Architecture and Urban Planning
• Arts and Culture
• History and Places
• People and Communities
Accessibility:
Busy sidewalks, Optional/Potential Indoor stops, Uneven terrain.
Walk Description:
Following an Islamophobia incident in North York in late 2015,
HïMY SYeD led “The History of Muslims in Toronto – A Special December Jane’s Walk” a few days before Christmas.
It was well attended; much was learned, much was understood.
That very long walk was intended as a never-to-be-repeated event.
Yet Islamophobia persists… Quebec City Mosque Attack, and then Etobicoke, and then London, Ontario.
This Jane’s Walk explains how 3rd, 4th, & 5th Generation Muslim Torontonians helped build our city.
This Jane’s Walk will visit four locations beginning in Roncesvalles Village then passing through The High Park Neighbourhood until arriving in The Junction to reveal that history.
• Toronto’s FIRST Halal Butcher Shop – Roncesvalles Village
• Jami Mosque – Toronto’s Second Islamic Centre and its national significance
• The little known history of The Albanian Muslim Society of Toronto – The pivotal role of its founder, Reggie Assim, Toronto’s First Imam
• The Dundas Street Mosque – The City’s First Masjid
ALSO on this year’s Jane’s Walk :
• The History of the First Synagogue in the old/former city of West Toronto
Walk Starts at:
Dundas-Roncesvalles Peace Garden ( 2201 Dundas Street West at Roncesvalles Avenue opposite Boustead Avenue )
Walk Ends :
The Albanian Muslim Society of Toronto, 564 Annette Street ( Annette Street at Runnymede Avenue, Sidewalk west of intersection).
