THE HISTORY OF ONTARIO'S
JEWISH STOREFRONTS

From bakeries to bookstores to butcher shops, Jewish-owned storefronts have long animated Ontario’s cityscapes and main streets. These businesses tell a larger story of migration, adaptation, and community-building across generations. Although each wave brought different experiences and aspirations, they all shared a common goal: to earn a livelihood while supporting community life. Whether carrying on a family trade or adapting to new markets, these entrepreneurs helped shape Ontario’s streetscapes and main streets, played a vital role in the development of Jewish life across the province, and made lasting contributions to the wider community.

 

Use the map to explore Jewish-owned storefronts. Along the way, you’ll discover inspiring stories of entrepreneurship, family, and a lasting commitment to community.