Canada is known for its harsh winters, but Colombians living in Toronto have found a way to stay warm.
Many Colombians choose to immigrate to Toronto, a multicultural metropolis known for its colonial architecture, amazing art scene and, for many immigrants, the promise of new opportunities. According to the city’s census, in 2021 there were 10,340 people of Colombian ethnic or cultural origin living in the city. A high population of these Colombians choose to live in the Keele Street and Lawrence Avenue area, according to local news platform Toronto.com.
Jairo Bayona, a Colombian truck driver living in Canada, settled in Toronto for work after traveling to the city on multiple occasions. He believes that one of the reasons the Colombian diaspora gravitates towards Toronto is because of the existing Colombian community in the city — and the resultant opportunity to find and enjoy typical food that reminds them of home.
Colombian businesses flourish in Toronto
Ana Milena Muriel, the owner of Toronto’s Columbus Bakery, says life in the city is fast-paced but also provides people with opportunities to grow. Muriel is gradually taking over the business from her dad, who had many years ago opened up bakeries across the border in the United States.
Even though Muriel arrived in Canada as an infant, she continues to visit Colombia with her own children, and they all enjoy the food and the culture of her home country. These trips to Colombia also allow her to get new ideas and incorporate them into her business back in Canada.
Esto es Colombia is a Colombian restaurant in Toronto that offers a variety of typical Colombian dishes including bandeja paisa, empanadas, and patacones. However, owner Diana Arizala says that the most popular dish is cazuela de mariscos, a popular seafood casserole or stew from the Caribbean region of Colombia.
Arizala arrived in Canada several years ago accompanied by her four children and a strong internal desire to “conquer Canada.” After first living in Winnipeg, Arizala moved the 1,262 miles to Toronto, where in 2016 she opened her restaurant. Today, her business not only attracts Colombian customers, but also people from other backgrounds. It is particularly popular with international students who are introduced to the restaurant and cuisine by Colombian friends.
Canada’s Colombian community continues to grow
According to Muriel of Columbus Bakery, Toronto’s Colombian community continues to grow, providing support to its members and maintaining Colombian cultural traditions. She says that the community always tries to back and encourage new Colombian-runs projects, businesses or initiatives and also meets up to celebrate key dates such as Colombia’s Independence Day.
Mauricio Restrepo, a Colombian who has lived in Toronto for many years, agrees that the city’s Colombian community is developing. He says it is now far more common to hear Spanish being spoken in the streets than it was in the 1990s.
Today, Colombians go to Canada for a multitude of reasons — some go to study before returning home after completion of their degrees while others secure jobs in sectors ranging from construction to banking.
For newcomers in town, Restrepo says that the secret to succeeding in Canada is to “follow the rules.” Bayona, meanwhile, stresses that there is help available for those attempting to start a new life and that the country helps immigrants to move forwards.
For many Colombian immigrants to Canada, a lack of English language skills is a major challenge. While many new arrivals cannot communicate fluently, they say that they feel supported by Canada and are grateful for the opportunity to live in the country.
While Colombians in Canada thrive in their new lives in North America, and appreciate the opportunities that the country provides, their love for their homeland remains. As Restrepo says, “I will never forget Colombia. I will die Colombian.”