In the early 1900s, the Entertainment District was primarily an industrial area of Toronto. It was an area that was home to many large textile and clothing factories and this area was often referred to as the Garment District.

In the 1970s, much of the industry that sustained this neighbourhood for decades began to leave as manufacturing moved overseas. Throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, this area fell into disrepair and many of the old industrial buildings were neglected.

In 1996, the Entertainment District started to turn around. The City of Toronto launched the King-Spadina Plan, which sought to revitalize this area and bring in new investors. Many of the old and abandoned factories were bought and converted into apartments and lofts. Much marketing was done throughout the City of Toronto promoting this area as one of Toronto’s newest, hippest and trendiest areas for young professionals. Many nightclubs also started to pop up in this area bringing more people as well as other services to the Entertainment District. Finally, the Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area (BIA) was established here in 2008.

Today, Toronto’s Entertainment District is a very vibrant neighbourhood of downtown Toronto where one can find many theatres, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and cultural attractions.