Originally a squatter settlement at the start of the 20th century, Earlscourt's unplanned development was the result of migrant workers from the British Isles. Building shack like homes along the muddy streets, the neighbourhood was annexed by the city of Toronto in 1910 however visible improvements to the neighbourhood were not made until 1913 when a street car line was installed along St. Clair West. Soon after the shacks were either improved or replaced by brick homes, business began developing along the street car line and by the 1950s Earlscourt was an up and coming neighbourhood. Over the next decade Italian immigrants began to populate the neighbourhood, establishing a significant community in Toronto. The homes were renovated to reflect the Italian community, with Romanesque porches, cantinas and blossoming fruit and vegetable gardens. Today Earlscourt has grown to include the business and cultural hub of Italian community, Corso Italia, a vibrant section of St. Clair West known for its quaint Italian bistros and for its frequent appearances in feature films.