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The Polish Community

 

Just off Lakeshore Boulevard stands a memorial honouring one of Toronto’s most distinguished citizens, Polish patriot Sir Casimir Gzowski. Gzowski helped start the Grand Trunk Railway, and in 1890 he was knighted at Windsor Castle by Queen Victoria. As a civil engineer, he pioneered the construction of the International Bridge at Niagara Falls, the Erie Canal, and the grading and surfacing of Yonge Street. Sir Casimir is an ancestor of former Toronto media personality and author Peter Gzowski.

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Not far from Gzowski’s monument is “Little Poland,” a neighbourhood located along the strip of shops and delis on Roncesvalles Avenue between the Lakeshore and Dundas Street West. A statue of the first Polish Pope, John Paul II, was erected on the corner of Fern and Roncesvalles avenues, and, close by, St. Stanislaus-Casimir Credit Union displays a commemorative plaque in honour of his 1976 visit to the city. The statue of the Pope was funded by Toronto’s 165,000-member Polish community.

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As early as the 1860s, the city directory listed Polish names, but the first wave of immigration began in the 1890s with agricultural workers and artisans. They settled in The Ward in boarding houses on Chestnut, Elm, and Elizabeth streets. The Polish community eventually moved further south to Queen Street West, where the steel and iron industry provided work for some and others found employment as carpenters, piano tuners, and shoemakers.

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The church became the focus of the community—the first religious gatherings were held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on McCaul Street and St. Mary’s on Bathurst Street. In 1911, the church building on Denison Avenue was donated to the Polish Community by Mr. Eugene O’Keefe. Stanislaus Parish was established there, within a large Polish neighbourhood. The parish became a centre for social groups, such as a brass band and a gymnastics association. One of the first religious teaching organizations was the Felician Sisters, first formed in Poland. It started a school on Augusta Street for Polish children and set up a university scholarship fund.

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During the Second World War, Polish engineers and technicians who came to work in Canada’s armament industry formed the Association of Polish Engineers in Toronto. Following the war, a large influx of Polish refugees and ex-military personnel streamed into Canada, consisting of professionals, academics, and artisans. The community established a parish credit union—which today is one of the largest in the world, and the Canadian Polish Congress emerged as an umbrella organization for most groups and associations.

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Most of the post-war settlers were highly educated, reflected by the great number of Polish professors and professional engineers practising in the city. Polish engineers have contributed to projects such as Roy Thomson Hall, the CN Tower, and TD Bank.

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In the 1980s, thousands of refugees fleeing martial law in Poland arrived in the city. Community members often join together to help new immigrants settle or to send food and supplies to Poland. Roncesvalles Avenue, with its churches, financial institutions, delicatessens, and cafes, remains a central meeting and marketplace for the community.

 

 

Places to Go

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The Sir Casimir Gzowski Memorial, found in Gzowski Park, was donated by the Institute of Engineers (Gzowski was a founding member), the Toronto Polish community, and the City of Toronto. The tripodal concrete structure by Polish-born artist and architect Richard R. Dzwonnik contains an 1896 bust of Gzowski by sculptor Frederick A. Turner Dunbar. The three supports of the structure symbolize the facets of Sir Casimir’s career—engineer, statesman, and military man—while the cabinets around the structure hold other Gzowski memorabilia.

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The Katyn Monument at the foot of Queen Street and Roncesvalles Avenue is a 10-foot-high granite monument with a monolithic crack, surrounded by 15 blocks of cement. The monument was created by artist Tadeusz Janowski and sponsored by the Canadian Polish Congress. It was erected in remembrance of the 15,000 Polish prisoners of war who vanished in 1940 from camps in the USSR, and the 4,000 officers, professors, and other professional people who were later discovered in mass graves at Katyn.

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Stately Victorian homes with manicured lawns and gardens adorn the tree-lined avenues of Little Poland. A stroll along Roncesvalles Avenue discloses shops named after Warsaw, Poland’s capital city, and posters advertising Polish films, theatre, and events in the city.

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An old Polish saying, “bread unites the strongest,” reveals the importance of bread in the Polish diet, especially during religious feasts. Poles are connoisseurs of kashas (cereals), and meals are often accompanied by beets, potatoes, cabbage, smoked and cured meats, and kielbasa (Polish sausage). Specialties are kasza (buckwheat groats or barley served with potatoes), pierogi (dumplings filled with meat, potato, or cheese), bigos (hunter’s stew), kupusniak (sour soup), pieczony schab (roast pork loin), and flaczki (tripe). Popular desserts are nalesniki (savoury and sweet pancakes), and paczki (filled doughnuts). Popular drinks include vodka, beers, and excellent meads.

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Krak Restaurant, (Tel. 416-536-6119, 153 Roncesvalles Ave), offers traditional Polish cuisine. Menu selections may include cheese and apple crêpes, breaded pork chops, goulash, and cabbage rolls. Polish drinks that are available are Krakus beer and vodkas such as Wyborowa, Baltic, Zubrowka, and Winiak. Cafe Polonez, (Tel. 416-532-8432, 195 Roncesvalles Ave), serves potato pancakes, pierogies, and beet soup with dumplings. Sketches of Warsaw decorate the walls of Irene and Zygmunt Zychla’s restaurant. The daily specials might include beef tripe soup and veal schnitzel Polonez with fried mushrooms.

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A view of the Polish quarter can be found at Granowska’s, (Tel. 416-533-7755, 175 Roncesvalles Ave), which offers baked goods filled with plum jam and other preserves. Inside, mirrors reflect double rows of bread and puff pastries, and an outdoor cafe is a popular spot to try a Polish royal coffee (vanilla ice cream, espresso, grand marnier, whipped cream, and chocolate topping). Other bakeries carrying Polish pastries include: Roncesvalles Bakery, (Tel. 416-535-7143, 173 Roncesvalles Ave); Pascal’s Baguette & Bagels, (Tel. 416-532-8762, 2904 Dundas St. W); Ontario Bread Co. Ltd., (Tel. 416-532-4929, 178A Ossington Ave); Piegus European Bakery, (Tel. 416-431-6081, 3478 Lawrence Ave. E).

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Other delicatessens carrying Polish products include: Karl’s Butcher, (Tel. 416-531-1622, 105 Roncesvalles Ave); Family Meat & Deli, (Tel. 416-259-1380, 675 The Queensway); Polka European Deli Inc., (Tel. 416-289-0379, 3482 Lawrence Ave. E., Unit 105); Polonez Meat Products and Delicatessen, (Tel. 416-251-0942, 2436 Lakeshore Blvd. W). Named after the fossil resin found along the Baltic and North seas, Amber European Restaurant, (Tel. 416-763-6164, 2372 Bloor St. W), specializes in Polish and Eastern European cuisine. Owners Irena Gerlicz and Jadwiga Hoch greet patrons with “smacznego” (bon appétit). Traditional dishes include nalesniki (pancakes) and kotlety (meat balls).

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Izba (Wooden Cottage), (Tel. 416-251-7177, 648 The Queensway), has a chalet-style decor furnished with dolls in regional costumes and Polish wall ornaments. Owners and chefs Monica and Mark Sarsh wear Polish costumes to serve dishes such as pork roast served with fried cabbage, dumplings, pierogi, and schnitzel. Monica provides the entertainment with violin and piano selections.

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Other places in the city serving Polish cuisine include: Chris’s Diner, (Tel. 416-251-1466, 709 The Queensway); and Zagtoba, (Tel. 416-530-0303, 317 Roncevalles Ave).

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Polish imported foods, meats, and baked goods are available at: Anna’s Bakery and Deli, (Tel. 416-769-8065, 2394 Bloor St. W); Astra Meat Products, (Tel. 416-763-1093, 2238 Bloor St. W); Kingsway Meat Products, (Tel. 416-762-5365, 2342 Bloor St. W); Krakow Delicatessen, (Tel. 905-897-0695, 2560 Sheppard Ave., Mississauga); and Starsky Finest European Foods, (Tel. 905-279-8889, 2040 Dundas St. E, Mississauga).

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Religious Centres, Schools and Other Institutions

 

The Roman Catholic Church unites the Polish community and assists newcomers.

  •   POLISH BAPTIST CHURCH, (Tel. 416-239-3305, 2611 Dundas St. W).

  •   ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL POLISH CATHOLIC CHURCH, (Tel. 416-532-8249, 186 Cowan Ave).

  •   ST. CASIMIR’S, (Tel. 416-532-2822, 156 Roncesvalles Ave). Completed in 1954, it is one of the largest Polish churches in Canada with over 5,000 parishioners from across Toronto. Of the eight services held, seven are in Polish.

  •   ST. STANISLAUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, (Tel. 416-504-4643, 12 Denison Ave). The oldest Polish church, along with St. Casimir’s, it accommodates 350 children for Polish language and cultural classes held twice a week. The parishes also teach traditional Polish dance.

  •   ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, (Tel. 905-848-2420, 4260 Cawthra Rd., Mississauga). The newest Polish church stands on eight acres in Mississauga, close to where many Poles live. It is the largest church to present with over 11,000 registered families.

  •   ST. MARY’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, (Tel. 416-656-3130, 1996 Davenport Rd).

  •   ST. THERESA’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, (Tel. 416-259-2933, 123 Eleventh St).

  •   COPERNICUS LODGE, (Tel. 416-536-7122, 66 Roncesvalles Ave), is a senior citizens’ residence erected by the Polish community.

  •   ST. STANISLAUS’ & ST. CASIMIR’S POLISH PARISH CREDIT UNION, (Tel. 416-537-2181, 220 Roncesvalles Ave), is one of the community’s chief financial institutions. It is also one of the largest credit unions in the world with 19 branches, 42,000 members, and assets of more than $340 million. The organization also provides educational and recreational facilities for young people.

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Holidays and Celebrations

 

  •   KATYN DAY, in April, commemorates the discovery of mass graves of over 15,000 Polish officers murdered by the Soviet secret police in the Katyn forest in 1940.

  •   POLISH NATIONAL CONSTITUTION DAY, May 3, commemorates the day the constitution of 1791 was proclaimed. Usually a solemn mass is held, followed by a parade to the Katyn Memorial to pay tribute to the 15,000 Polish soldiers killed in 1940 in the Katyn forest.

  •   VISTULA REMEMBRANCE. August 15 commemorates the 1920 Polish victory in the battle called “Miracle on the Vistula River.” An out-of-town picnic is held in Brampton’s Paderewski Park (Highway 27 and 7), named after the world-renowned Polish pianist and politician.

  •   INDEPENDENCE DAY, November 11, was first recognized in 1918 when occupying forces were expelled from Poland. In 1939, Poland was invaded and occupied by both German and Soviet forces; and following the Second World War, a Polish people’s republic was created. On this day the Polish flag is raised at Toronto’s City Hall and an evening performance is held.

  •   ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION OF MARTIAL LAW, December 13. Laying wreaths at the Katyn Monument. On that day in 1981 the Solidarity Movement was crushed by the communist government by declaring martial law.

  •   CHRISTMAS EVE begins with the traditional meatless dinner, a 12-course meal beginning at dusk with the appearance of the first star in the sky. Grace is followed by the sharing of oplatek (thin unleavened wafers stamped with the figures of Jesus, the Blessed Mary, and the Holy Angels). Wafers, tied with a ribbon and a sprig of evergreen, are set on an embroidered cloth on a plate after being blessed in the church. The meal often includes barszcz (beet soup), uszka (dumplings with mushrooms), galabkl (cabbage rolls with rice or buckwheat), fish, sauerkraut with mushrooms, pasta with poppy seed, and a compôte made with dried fruits.
     

See Holidays and Celebrations in Glossary.



Media

 

  •   GAZETA, (Tel. 416-531-3230, www.gazetagazeta.com, 215 Roncesvalles Ave). The only Polish daily in Canada. Editor: Zbigniew Belz.

  •   GLOS POLSKI (POLISH VOICE), (Tel. 416-201-9601, 71 Judson St). A weekly tabloid. Contact: Michal Donda.

  •   ZWIAZKOWIEC (THE ALLIANCER), weekly. (Tel. 416-531-2491, 22 Roncesvalles Ave). Editor: Stanislaw Stolarczyk.

  •   PRZEGLAD TYGODNIOWY (POLISH WEEKLY), (Tel. 905-502-1984, 5346 Cosentino Gardens, Mississauga). Contact: Lidia Ambroziak.

  •   RADIO POLONIA, CHIN FM 100.7, (Tel. 416-531-9991, 622 College St). Monday-Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Producers: Krystyna & Ryszard Piotrowski.

  •   POLISH STUDIO, Channel 57, Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Tel. 416-503-9465, c/o CHIN Radio/TV International, 622 College St). Contact: Ted Lis.

  •   NA LUZIE, OMNI TV. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Producer: Wojciech Sniegowski.

  •   Z UKOSA, OMNI TV. Saturday, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Producer: Wojciech Sniegowski.

  •   POLONEZ NEWS, (Tel. 416-516-0144, mgoldyn@poloneznews.com) Editor: Marek Goldyn.

 

 

Organizations

 

  •   CANADIAN POLISH CONGRESS, NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, (Tel. 416-532-2876, 288 Roncesvalles Ave). The umbrella organization representing the Polish community in Canada, with over 200 member organizations. President: Wladyslaw Lizon.

  •   THE TORONTO DISTRICT OFFICE, (Tel. 416-971-9848, located at 206 Beverley St). President: Jan Cytowski.

  •   THE MILLENIUM FOUNDATION, (Tel. 416-532-2876, 288 Roncesvalles Avenue). Established in 1966 in recognition of 1,000 years of Christianity in Poland.

  •   THE POLISH CANADIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE, (Tel. 416-532-2876, 288 Roncesvalles Ave). It compiles histories of Poles throughout Canada and their contributions to Canadian culture and science.

  •   THE COORDINATING COUNCIL OF WORLD POLONIA, (Tel. 416-532-2876, 288 Roncesvelles Ave).

  •   THE POLISH COMBATANTS’ ASSOCIATION, (Tel. 416-979-2017, 206 Beverley St). President: Mr. Marcello Ostrowski.

  •   THE POLISH ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION, (Tel. 416-977-7723, 206 Beverley St).

  •   POLISH IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY SERVICES, (Tel. 416-233-0055, 3363 Bloor St). Director: Jadwiga Gaszynski.

  •   ASSOCIATION OF POLISH SCOUTS, (Tel. 416-499-8545. Contact: Teresa Berezowski.

  •   POLISH ALLIANCE CENTRE (POLISH CULTURAL CENTRE), (Tel. 416-252-9519, 2282 Lakeshore Blvd. W).

  •   POLONIA FOR THE FUTURE, (Tel. 416-531-3230 ext. 30, 215 Roncesvalles Ave). Established in 1997, it has four regional groups and works in the areas of culture, education, sports, etc. President: Zbigniew Belz. Media contact: Margaret Bonikowska.

  •   POLISH CANADIAN SOCIETY OF MUSIC, (Tel. 416-760-9745). Established in 1986, this society organizes music concerts and represents an orchestra and a choir. Manager: C. Maria. President: S. Chorzempa.

  •   POLISH CANADIAN WOMEN’S FEDERATION, (Tel. 416-255-8608, 2 Bradbrook Rd). President: Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowski.

  •   THE POLISH INSTITUTE OF ARTS & SCIENCES IN AMERICA, Canadian Branch, Toronto Chapter, (Tel. 416-535-6233, 288 Roncesvalles Ave). Chair: Ywona Kirejcrk.

  •   POLISH NATIONAL HALL AND POLISH NATIONAL UNION OF CANADA, (Tel. 416-201-9607, c/o Polish Voice, 71 Judson St). President: Bogdan Adamczak.

  •   CANADIAN POLISH TEACHERS ASSOCIATION, (Tel. 416-532-2876, 288 Roncesvalles Ave).

  •   POLISH ALLIANCE CANADA, (Tel. 416-531-2491, 1586A Bloor St, W). President: Robert Zawierucha.

  •   WAWEL VILLA INC., (Tel. 905-823-3650, www.wawel.org, 880 Clarkson Rd. South., Mississauga), seniors retirement residence.

  •   MARIE CURIE SKLODOWSKA ASSOCIATION, (Tel. 416-621-8688, 16 Neilor Cres). A ladies charity organization founded in 1957 in memory of Marie Curie Sklodowska, the Polish scientist who was the first and only woman to be twice awarded the Nobel Prize. Her discovery of radium and radioactivity ultimately led to her death of radiation. President: Danute Warszawska.

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Consulates, Trade Commissions and Tourist Bureaus

 

  •   CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND, (Tel. 416-252-5471, Fax 416-252-0509, 2603 Lakeshore Blvd. W). Consul General: Mr. Marek Ciesielczuk.

  •   POLISH TRADE COMMISSION, (Tel. 416-233-6571, 3300 Bloor St. W., Suite 2250).

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Prominent Torontonians

 

Dr. Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowski, senior program consultant, Ministry of Education; Dr. Stanislaw Dubicki, Professor of Immunology; Lusien Conrad, former President, Canadian Polish Congress; Dr. George Korey Krzeczowski, President and Professor of the Canadian School of Management; Dr. Zdzislaw Krynski, laryngologist; Jesse Flis, former Member of Parliament; Mark Starowicz, writer, CBC journalist, author of History of Canada (OMNI TV); Tamara Jaworska, artist (sculpture); Prof. Ted Jaworski, department of film York University; Prof. Tamara Trojanowska, University of Toronto dept of Slavic studies; Dr. Richard Russ; President and founder of Polish Orphans Charity, Maria Nowotarska, founder of the Polish theatre in Toronto; Jerzy Kolacz, director and actress, painter, Prof of Fine Arts at the Ontario College of Arts; Mathew Jaskiewicz, founder of the Polish Canadian Society of Music and Toronto Simfonietta; Andrew Rozbicki, founder Toronto Celebrity Orchestra; R. Grzymski, curator of The Royal Ontario Museum; Casimir Glaz, painter; Mr. Stan Orlowski, Prof Architect, former President of the Canadian Polish Congress; Mark Malicki, LL.B, former President of the World Polonia, currently president of the Millenium Foundation; Helena Jaczek, MPP; Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, Former Toronto City Concillor.

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