Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Canada Places

Scarborough

Scarborough is a district in the eastern part of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and was formerly a separate municipality.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Scarborough is a district in eastern Toronto, Ontario, formerly a separate city. It is known for the Scarborough Bluffs, the Toronto Zoo, and its cultural diversity.

History

Scarborough was incorporated as a township in 1850, later becoming a borough in 1967 and a city in 1983. In 1998, it was amalgamated with five other municipalities to form the modern City of Toronto. Its name was chosen in 1793 after the coastal bluffs of Scarborough, England.

Geography and landmarks

Scarborough occupies the eastern part of Toronto along Lake Ontario. Its landscape features the Scarborough Bluffs, extensive ravines, and parkland including the Rouge River system. Notable attractions are the Toronto Zoo, Bluffs parks, and major shopping centres.

Identity and development

Originally a farming community, Scarborough grew rapidly after the Second World War into a suburban and industrial hub. It is now known for its highly multicultural population, strong residential communities, and commercial centres.

In short

  • Former city now part of Toronto
  • Home to Scarborough Bluffs and Toronto Zoo
  • Amalgamated in 1998
  • Multicultural population
Canadian angle

Scarborough is a major part of Toronto, Canada’s largest city, and is significant in Ontario’s municipal history and urban development.

Quick questions

Is Scarborough a city today?
No. Scarborough was a city from 1983 to 1998, but it is now a district in the City of Toronto.
Where is Scarborough located?
Scarborough is in eastern Toronto, Ontario, on the north shore of Lake Ontario.
Why is Scarborough called Scarborough?
It was renamed in 1793 because its coastal bluffs resembled the cliffs at Scarborough, England.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Scarborough-Ontario
    Supports: Former municipality status, incorporation dates, renaming, and amalgamation into Toronto.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/scarborough
    Supports: Scarborough as a former municipality now part of Toronto, with key incorporation and amalgamation history.
  3. Destination Toronto — https://www.destinationtoronto.com/neighbourhoods/scarborough/
    Supports: Modern location, boundaries, and current neighbourhood identity within Toronto.