Toronto’s newest cultural hub was officially launched on Saturday in North York, sparking enthusiasm and delight within the Iranian community in the city. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, along with Coun. Lily Cheng (Willowdale) and Member of Parliament for Willowdale Ali Ehsassi, joined Persian-Canadians at Centre Park to reveal the signage for Little Iran.
Expressing gratitude to the Iranian community for coming together and celebrating on Thanksgiving weekend, Mayor Chow described the day as truly historic. The event at Centre Park featured live music, dancing, Persian cuisine, artistic displays, and the promise of a forthcoming Persian garden.
Afkham Mardukhi, president of the Intercultural Iranian Canadian Resource Centre, emphasized the significance of the recognition, stating, “We feel like we have two homes—a deeper sense of belonging and acknowledgment by Canadians.”
Volunteer Maral Esmaeili from the Iranian Women’s Organization of Ontario shared her sentiment of feeling at home in Little Iran, highlighting the familiar language and culture. She extended an invitation to people of all backgrounds to join in the celebrations.
Attendee Mahsa Mortazavi, present at the park on Yonge Street and Centre Avenue, reflected on the thriving Iranian community’s growth over the years in Canada. Sam Fayaz, whose family has operated a Persian grocery store for 35 years, welcomed the official designation of Little Iran, noting the area had been informally recognized by Farsi speakers.
Fayaz expressed optimism that the cultural district would bring the community closer together and enhance awareness of Persian culture among the wider population.