. Who Lives on Weston Rd.?
Felicity (Jingli) Li (Sociology & Ethics, Society and Law // University College)
. Premise
This section of the visual study examines the demographic composition surrounding Weston Rd. and Lawrence Ave. West (Neighborhood No. 113).
This chapter addresses the following questions: Who resides in Weston Neighborhood? What demographic changes have occurred between 2006 and 2021? How do these changes compare to broader trends in the City of Toronto?
Understanding the demographic changes in Weston Neighborhood can provide insights into promoting recognition justice, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and respecting the needs of marginalized demographic groups (Goh et al., 2022).
Kian Goh, Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, Vinit Mukhija. Just urban design: The struggle for a public city [M]. MIT Press, 2022.
This chapter addresses the following questions: Who resides in Weston Neighborhood? What demographic changes have occurred between 2006 and 2021? How do these changes compare to broader trends in the City of Toronto?
Understanding the demographic changes in Weston Neighborhood can provide insights into promoting recognition justice, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and respecting the needs of marginalized demographic groups (Goh et al., 2022).
Kian Goh, Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, Vinit Mukhija. Just urban design: The struggle for a public city [M]. MIT Press, 2022.
. Research Methodology
This research employs spatial analysis and data collection as the primary strategy to examine Weston's demographic composition.
This study references the 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021 Canadian Census and the City of Toronto’s demographic reports to perform statistical comparisons and trend analyses aimed at identifying significant demographic shifts in Weston.
To visualize the socioeconomic distribution and ethnic composition of the Weston demographic, this study utilizes ArcGIS Online to analyze the geographic distribution of visible minorities, immigration status, cultural background, education, income, occupation, and housing.
This study references the 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021 Canadian Census and the City of Toronto’s demographic reports to perform statistical comparisons and trend analyses aimed at identifying significant demographic shifts in Weston.
To visualize the socioeconomic distribution and ethnic composition of the Weston demographic, this study utilizes ArcGIS Online to analyze the geographic distribution of visible minorities, immigration status, cultural background, education, income, occupation, and housing.
. Findings
- As shown in the 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021 Censuses, the percentage of total immigration in Toronto has declined, while the visible minority population has increased by 9%. In contrast, Weston has maintained a relatively stable immigration rate within the total population (47% to 48%), accompanied by a 14% rise in the visible minority population.
- The percentage of the Black population in Weston has increased from 49% to 58%, which is higher than that of other visible minority groups, including Latin American, Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Filipino communities. This sharply contrasts with the overall demographic landscape of Toronto, where the Black population represents less than 20% of the visible minorities between 2006 and 2021.
. Map 1. Immigration by Place of Birth Weston 2021 Census.
Jamaicans and immigrants from other parts of the Americas (excluding Canada and the United States) constitute the largest immigrant communities.
Jamaicans and immigrants from other parts of the Americas (excluding Canada and the United States) constitute the largest immigrant communities.
. Map 2. Visible Minority Population Weston 2021 Census.
The percentage of the Black population (the red section of the pie chart) is the highest among all visible minorities.
The percentage of the Black population (the red section of the pie chart) is the highest among all visible minorities.
. Map 3. Ten Occupation Types Weston 2021 Census.
The three predominant occupation types in Weston are (1) sales and service occupations, (2) trades, transport, and equipment operators and related occupations,
and (3) business, finance, and administration occupations.
The three predominant occupation types in Weston are (1) sales and service occupations, (2) trades, transport, and equipment operators and related occupations,
and (3) business, finance, and administration occupations.
Occupation Codes for Map 3
. Map 4. Income and Education Weston 2021.
Based on the 2021 Census, there is an overlap between individuals with no certificates, diplomas, or degrees and those with lower incomes.
Based on the 2021 Census, there is an overlap between individuals with no certificates, diplomas, or degrees and those with lower incomes.
Dissemination areas with higher population densities predominantly feature apartment housing.
. Observations and Implications
The percentage of the Black population is the highest among all visible minorities. The stable proportion of the immigrant population relative to the total population indicates that Weston remains a significant neighbourhood for newcomers. This suggests a demand for services and support systems tailored to immigrants, such as affordable housing.
Weston’s increase in the visible minority population is notable (14% compared to Toronto’s 9%). This indicates that Weston may experience more rapid demographic changes, resulting in a more diverse community and a greater need for comprehensive services for visible minorities.
A larger Black population in Weston necessitates intentional and multifaceted efforts to ensure that community services, support programs, and inclusivity initiatives effectively address their needs. This involves tackling systemic issues such as racial profiling, economic disparities, and educational support specifically designed for this community. Weston’s growth in the visible minority population is pronounced (14% compared to Toronto’s 9%). This suggests that Weston might be experiencing more rapid demographic shifts, leading to a more diverse community and increased demand for comprehensive services that cater to visible minorities.
A larger Black population in Weston requires deliberate and multidimensional efforts to ensure that community services, support programs, and inclusivity initiatives effectively address their needs. This includes addressing systemic issues such as racial profiling and economic disparities and providing educational support tailored to this community.