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 4 2025
Start Time: 3:00 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.
This Jane’s Walk explains how 3rd, 4th, & 5th Generation Muslim Torontonians helped build our city.
This Jane’s Walk will visit four locations in the High Park neighbourhood and 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).
