Located at the intersection of Dundas Street West and Beaconsfield Avenue, a new urban park commemorates the history and contributions of Azorean immigrants to Canada.
“This is a day of great emotion. We are permanently marking our Azorean identity in this city,” said Matthew Correia, Counselor of the Azorean Diaspora and one of the project’s main promoters.
“It is the first public space dedicated to the Azores, to our immigration history, a tribute to our pioneers,” he emphasized.
The park features symbolic elements such as hydrangeas, reflection benches, and two artworks by Azorean artist Andreia Sousa, originally from Vila Franca do Campo in São Miguel.
The artist reimagined Domingos Rebelo’s painting “The Emigrants,” creating an installation that represents the journey between Ponta Delgada and Canada.
“We have not lost our origins, but we adapt to the new location. This is what we wanted to convey in these works,” she explained.
Anabela Taborda, president of the Little Portugal Business Association in Toronto (BIA), commented that the project serves as both a cultural and economic catalyst: “We are convinced that this space will attract visitors and help promote local businesses, both Portuguese and non-Portuguese.”
She also revealed plans for future artistic projects focused on Portuguese heritage, including a mural dedicated to Aristides de Sousa Mendes.
The ceremony was attended by community representatives, politicians, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Provincial deputy Marit Stiles, leader of the opposition in the Canadian province of Ontario, emphasized that the park “is an important way to acknowledge the contribution of Azorean immigrants to the city and to the economic and cultural fabric of Toronto.”
Ana Luísa Riquito, Consul General of Portugal in Toronto, described the space as “an important landmark for the memorialization of the Azorean diaspora in Canada.”
She highlighted the park’s symbolism as a “hybrid between art, memory, and public space,” reflecting the cross-cultural identities of emigration.
Speaking to Lusa, José Andrade, Regional Director of the Azorean Communities, deemed the inauguration a “historic moment,” recalling that Toronto is the city with the largest number of Azoreans outside the Azores.
“This park honors not only the pioneers but also their descendants, who continue to honor Portugal’s name in this city,” he noted.
Professor Maria João Maciel Jorge from York University highlighted the project’s educational and intergenerational potential.
“I hope this will be a space for reflection, not just for young people of Azorean origin, but for all descendants of immigrants,” she stated.
“It is a place that recognizes the sacrifice of those who came before and inspires new generations,” she emphasized.
Suzanne da Cunha, president of the Casa dos Açores of Ontario, reinforced that “having a physical space that marks the Azorean presence is of immense value for the preservation of identity and for the public recognition of this community’s contribution.”
The event concluded with a reception at the Casa dos Açores of Ontario, featuring institutional speeches and a performance by the Luso-Can Tuna.
With this new space, Little Portugal — on the west of Dundas Street, also known as “Rua Açores” — strengthens its role as the center of Luso-Canadian, particularly Azorean, culture in Toronto.
There are approximately 450,000 Portuguese and Portuguese descendants in Canada, 300,000 in the province of Ontario, 85,000 in the city of Toronto, with an estimated 55,000 of Azorean origin.
