It’s hard to imagine that the Jamestown neighbourhood was originally just a piece of land on a farming community.
Evolving into the residential area it is today, the Etobicoke community has continued to improve for decades and isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
It’s been a long time since the small neighbourhood in Etobicoke was occupied by fields of crops. Jamestown witnessed significant growth and transformation over the years, becoming a vital piece of Etobicoke’s history.
Although in more recent history, Jamestown has collected a poor reputation for concerns of its crime rate, housing and cost of living.
Concerted efforts have been made to revitalize Jamestown, aiming to breathe new life into the neighbourhood and improve the quality of life for its residents.
Jamestown’s revitalization initiatives encompass various aspects, including infrastructure upgrades, community engagement, and the creation of mixed-use spaces to promote economic diversity.
The neighbourhood is now becoming a hub for the surrounding community with its many new and improved buildings, spaces and programs that allow neighbours to interact and come together as one.
Infrastructure upgrades:
A staple of the Jamestown area, The Albion Centre Mall stood as a time-worn shopping haven, its corridors echoing the memories of countless shoppers. The mall’s owners, recognizing the need for a modern touch, decided it was time for a makeover.
Amelia Turner, an architect for RioCan, was enlisted to modernize the Albion Centre Mall. Inspired by a blend of structural aesthetics and sustainable design, she unveiled plans for a renovation that would redefine the Jamestown shopping experience.
Turner said, “The goal above all is to create a welcoming environment that will generate the space for and interest of new coming stores that will attract mall goers and bring back the life this mall used to have.”
With the mall currently being the home of major stores such as Canadian Tire, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart, and the LCBO, the Albion Centre has the potential to become a very popular venue to the surrounding residents after the renovations and additions of new stores.
The Albion Library underwent a complete rebuild, replacing the original building that opened in 1973. Renovations started in 2016 and the library opened a year later. The construction process was quick and successful as it gave the neighbourhood a shiny new place to gather and connect.
The renovation introduced modern architectural elements, giving the Albion Library a fresh and contemporary look. Bright and open spaces were designed to create a welcoming environment for visitors.
The newly rebuilt Albion Library not only improved the library but the surrounding environment as well.
The architectural enhancements and thoughtful design choices have had a ripple effect on the community, contributing to the revitalization of the entire area.
The exterior of the library now serves as a focal point, seamlessly blending modern aesthetics with the surrounding landscape.
Lush green spaces, outdoor seating, and artistic installations have transformed the library’s surroundings into an inviting public space.
This transformation has not only elevated the visual appeal of the neighbourhood but has also created a more inclusive and vibrant atmosphere.
The library’s role as a cultural hub extends beyond its walls, fostering a sense of community pride and encouraging residents to actively engage with the shared spaces around the facility.
The revitalized Albion Library stands as a beacon of positive change, inspiring further urban renewal and community development in Etobicoke.
The renovation introduced modern architectural elements, giving the Albion Library a fresh and contemporary look. Bright and open spaces were designed to create a welcoming environment for visitors.
Affordable Housing Initiatives:
Jamestown, like many urban areas, faces challenges related to affordable housing. The demand for affordable housing often outpaces the available supply, creating a pressing issue for residents seeking economical living options.
Although the housing prices in Jamestown are 13 per cent lower than the Canadian average the average income is 44 per cent lower and forces 69.7 per cent of residents to rent their living space instead of own.
The high demand for housing in the area, coupled with limited affordable options, has created a significant gap between supply and demand. This discrepancy contributes to rising housing costs and makes it difficult for low to moderate-income individuals and families to secure suitable accommodation.
Ryan Santiago, a Housing Development Officer for Etobicoke said,
“The municipal government and various housing agencies have implemented initiatives to address the affordable housing challenge. These initiatives will include financial incentives for developers to include affordable units in their projects, rent control policies, and partnerships with non-profit organizations to create affordable housing solutions.”
Youth Without Shelter (YWS) is a house that helps people aged 16-24 with their individual needs. This includes an emergency residential program, life skills program, employment program, 
housing & after-care program, stay in school program and educational outreach program.
Located on the east side of Jamestown and just down the street from West Humber Collegiate Institute, a local high school, YWS offers practical support, guidance, mental health and wellness support to the youth of Jamestown and the surrounding area.
Lindsay Black, human resources coordinator at YWS said, “Our mission is ensuring that every kid has the support, encouragement, and accessibility to develop and reach their individual potential.”
This organization enables the next generation of Jamestown residents to succeed and grow along with their neighbourhood, the area’s revitalization is not just focused around the neighbourhood itself; it includes the people within it as well.
Cultural and Community Centres:
The revitalization effort extends beyond physical changes, with plans in motion to improve cultural and community centres. These hubs will serve as focal points for events, gatherings, and educational programs that celebrate the diverse heritage of Jamestown.
“Cultural and community centres need to be spaces where residents can connect, learn, and celebrate together,” said Luula Hassan, a Program Standards & Development Officer in Etobicoke. “Preserving and promoting their rich heritage is crucial in creating a sense of identity and belonging in all neighbourhoods.”
The use of the Elmbank Community Centre continues to increase, with brand new programs and recurring events that will both help strengthen the community’s internal bond and provide activities for its residents to get excited about.
The Elmbank Community Centre runs programs that many different kinds of interests, they have programs for art, fitness, cooking, sports and run camps for children throughout the year.
The centre holds events such as their parent and caregiver tea meeting which took place in November and allowed for parents and caregivers to open up about their experiences. Some shared the joys of parenthood, while others spoke of the challenges they faced.
Marie Thompson, the event organizer said, “Yearly events like this give our community members something to look forward to and ultimately bring our neighbourhood closer together.”
Community Response:
The Jamestown revitalization efforts have been met with mixed feelings from the community, with a balance of excitement and skepticism.
Many community members are optimistic about the changes, seeing the revitalization as an opportunity for positive transformation and improvement in their quality of life. They’re beginning to have a renewed sense of pride in their community, especially if the changes contribute to a safer, more aesthetically pleasing, and economically viable neighbourhood.
Although, some residents express concerns about gentrification, where the cost of living rises, and the original community members are displaced. They worry about being pushed out due to rising property values and rents, particularly if the affordable housing efforts are not successful.
There is also skepticism about whether the revitalization efforts will last or if they will come to a halt in the face of adversity.
A survey conducted at the Albion Library that was made available to any resident of the Jamestown area saw 37 community member responses.
The survey should be encouraging to Jamestown residents as the most common response was that they neighbourhood is trending in the right direction.
Voices of the Community:
Voices of Jamestown Audio Clip
The community responses to the revitalization of a previously disadvantaged area hinges on effective communication, inclusivity, and a genuine commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of existing residents. By fostering a sense of ownership and pride within the community, revitalization efforts have a better chance of creating a positive and sustainable impact.
