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Located in the North-East corner of downtown Toronto, North St. James Town (Statistics Canada census tract 65) is one of Canada’s most densely populated neighbourhoods.  St. James Town, also written St. Jamestown, is bordered by Bloor, Sherbourne, Wellesley and Parliament streets.  Most of the neighbourhood’s 18 high-rise apartment buildings were built in the 60’s as part of a project to attract young, single professionals to the area.  Now, the buildings include both Toronto Community Housing and privately-owned buildings, and are home to couples and families with children, as well as singles.

The 2006 Census reports a neighbourhood population of about over 14, 000; residents estimate the population to be significantly higher, as several families may occupy the same appartment.  Sixty-four percent of St. James Town residents are newcomers to Canada; many of whom arrived within the last five years.  They represent a diversity of cultures from all over the world, and speak 48 different languages.

 St. James Town is close to public transit, and within walking distance of downtown and many services, from shopping to religious institutions, to health practicioners.  However, there are a number of barriers to good health that operate in the neighbourhood.  St. James Town residents experience higher levels of unemployment and lower incomes than City of Toronto averages.  Because housing in St. James Town is almost entirely rented, residents generally do not have a sense of ownership of the neighbourhood.   Many buildings are in need of repaires, and a lack of adequate waste disposal are concerns for many.  Green spaces and recreational facilities are not sufficient to serve the large population.  Safety is also an issue; some residents express fear to go out after dark, and there are reports of violence and drug use.  Nevertheless, St. James Town has many strengths.  The neighbourhood has a strong community and many social networks built around the local public school and the many community organizations that work in the neighbourhood.  These strengths serve as the capacity for St. James Town residents to work together to overcome barriers and improve their health and well-being as a community.

Census 2006 Data on St. James Town

Population: 14,666

Total Number with Immigrant Status: 9,285

In the Labour Force: 7,725