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In the early 1900s, immigrants poured into the central Toronto neighbourhood known as the Ward; they came to escape from eastern Europe's pogroms, Italy's economic difficulties and the hardships they faced in Poland, Germany, Russia and China. The newcomers were immediately met with slum houses, sweatshop factories and unsanitary living conditions.

'The Ward' district was the infamous slum district of its day. Bounded by College, Queen, Yonge and University, it is recognizable today for such landmarks as the Eaton Centre, City Hall and Bay Street. Before the neighbourhood was developed, families crowded into the same room, working men laboured for 60 hours per week, and one in five children died before they reached the age of one.

2

Arrival of immigrants at Toronto's Union Station by Pringle and Booth
1910
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Library and Archives Canada

3

The Ward district photographed from roof of Eaton's factory by William James
1912
The Ward, Toronto

Credits:
City of Toronto Archives 1244-596

4

British immigrants on the "Bridge of Sighs" leaving Union Station by William James
1911
Downtown Toronto

Credits:
City of Toronto Archives, 1244-102

5

Polish immigrant arriving for CNH program
1911
Central Neighbourhood House, Toronto

Credits:
Central Neighbourhood House Records

6

Immigrants George Cane and sons arriving in Toronto by William James
1911
Downtown Toronto

Credits:
City of Toronto Archives 1244-107

7

'The Ward' district was the infamous slum district of its day. Bounded by College, Queen, Yonge and University, it is recognizable today for such landmarks as the Eaton Centre, City Hall and Bay Street. Before the neighbourhood was developed, families crowded into the same room, working men laboured for 60 hours per week, and one in five children died before they reached the age of one.