Looking Into Somali Access to Care in Etobicoke

History 

The removal of Canada’s discriminatory and racist immigration policies in the 1970s lead the Somalis to be one of Canada’s largest East African descendant immigrant populations. The 2016 Census also highlights how the majority of Somali immigrants or individuals who identify as Somali speaking live in four central Etobicoke neighbourhoods mainly Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown, Elms-Old Rexdale, Islington-City Centre West and Willowridge-Martingrove-Richview. Dixon, located in Elms-Old Rexdale, has become a major home for Somalis so much so that it is often also referred to as Little Mogadishu. The federal government supported them with financial assistance, providing food and shelter until eventually withdrawing that support in the 1990s. 

Many arrived as refugees, fleeing unstable conditions and settled in neighbourhoods where housing was affordable but often overcrowded and under resourced. An ongoing issue for these populations is the inaccessibility to healthy built neighbourhood environments that would provide safety, security, and supportive housing management. The current housing situation is often unkempt, poorly maintained and at higher risk of neighbourhood violence. 

Kipling Ave Dixon Rd intersection [Photo: CBC News]

Key Settlement Challenges

Housing 320-340 Dixon Apartments [Photo: Condos.ca]

According to a research study done in Etobicoke, tenants in highrise buildings in low income neighbourhoods frequently deal with inadequate housing conditions, including pest infestation, frequent instances of insecurity, high rates of deterioration, and malfunctioning facilities. Since many cannot afford better housing conditions, landlords of such property are aware that their residents will remain even if they do nothing. One of the tenants requested that the landlords make repairs to the bathroom two years ago, but nothing had been done. In a different investigation a participant reported that the three generations residing in the home suffer from allergies and asthma. One participant said that dealing with their housing situation made them depressed because a last resort would be to return to their former hometown, which is the absolute worst case scenario. As a result, in addition to physical strain, dealing with housing stress here is causing serious mental health problems.

On a positive note, many Somali newcomers shared happiness in finding comfort living close to other Somali families because of their strong, supportive community ties and shared cultural background. Writer Fatuma Adar recalled a memory of living in Dixon: “If somebody on the 11th floor needed sugar and you were on the 9th floor, they would put sugar in the elevator and hit 11 and then have it sent up.” This simple act reflects the deep sense of connection and mutual care within Somali communities.

Neighbourhood 

The media is seen to always portray such neighbourhoods as perpetrators of violence even when people from these neighbourhoods were actually victims, giving these areas a very bad reputation leading people to believe everyone in those neighbourhoods are involved in crime therefore adding to the high unemployment rates. A mother said “No child thinks I want to join a gang today, they do it because there are no opportunities,” It’s not a choice, it’s out of desperation. Greater rates of life threatening crimes and medical emergencies from break-ins, thefts, and assaults have been linked to neighbourhoods with higher percentages of poverty and social support deprivation. Plenty of horrifying incidents have been reported about break-ins in Etobicoke apartments. The residents have also talked about how scared they are that they’re unable to get sleep from the fear of the same. Always in survival mode. 

My investigation also highlighted the neighbourhood's scarcity of green areas. Only one participant expressed a positive review about green space availability and Humber River Hospital accessibility. While everyone else from multiple research studies stated there aren’t enough green spaces and the spaces that are there are tiny and overcrowded. Another individual mentioned that they are psychologically and emotionally ill from daily stressors and that the lack of green parks in their area makes it difficult for them to recharge. They also called for the need for Martingrove Gardens Park revitalisation which is seen to have gotten some updates recently.

Health

In recent years, the physical and mental health of immigrants in North America is deteriorating. Health is significantly impacted by neighbourhood stressors such as housing conditions, persistent unemployment, unreliable transit access, a lack of green areas, inadequate financing and youth support programs, and neighbourhood violence. Another study found that housing complexes located in inner suburban areas that aren’t concentrated in low income areas share similar challenges such as lack of services and public transportation. Additional difficulties faced by Somali immigrants and refugees residing in the city include prejudice or landlords unwilling to rent these individuals a home, as well as the insufficient use of official programs for assistance because of constant dismissal and unfamiliarity of legal rights. The Urban Alliance on Race Relations reported that Somalis are immigrant, Muslim and Black and in Canada face triple threat because all three identities are a threat within society. 

Culturally safe care requires community engagement, provider competence, and systems designed for super-diverse populations.[Photo: BMJ Open]

Many Somalis in Canada explained that, in their culture, emotional struggles like depression are often kept private and managed through faith in Allah. For many, spirituality acts as a main coping mechanism. Immigrants shared that it wasn’t until years after moving to Canada that they began to understand and accept the idea of mental health support. One person who was more formally educated about mental health expressed hesitation toward seeking help, because culturally men are less open to discussing emotions than women which is a contributor to the male mental health epidemic. Many expressed that the mental health system in Canada lacks cultural, religious, and language sensitivity. Many newcomers settle in communities where their language is spoken, yet few local mental health services are tailored to them. As a result, racialized immigrants often avoid care due to fear of being misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or discriminated against. Women also described distrust toward medical professionals, worrying about overmedicalization, child removal, or institutionalization. The participants agreed that these barriers make it difficult to access safe, appropriate mental health care.

In the 1990s, when Somalis arrived in Canada, women often lacked official IDs since Somalia was mostly an oral society and documents were lost after the government collapse. This left many women waiting years for permanent residency, unable to access key services or reunite with family. Even after gaining status, many described feeling disrespected and limited in Canada compared to their independence and leadership back home. Many Somali women in Toronto have reported negative experiences with maternal care as they felt uncomfortable or humiliated as doctors stared at their circumcision and didn’t know how to treat them properly. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a common practice across Africa, Middle East, and Asia that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia. The study revealed that many healthcare providers lacked training on culturally and medically appropriate care for circumcised women, leaving Somali mothers feeling unsafe, misunderstood, and mistrustful of the medical system. Over the years, there has been talk on educating professionals and youngsters about this practice and developing culturally appropriate care. In a more recent study, Somali women shared that little has improved in how doctors handle patients with female genital cutting (FGC). Many said doctors seemed untrained and even surprised when examining them. Women often had to explain their own bodies and the practice of FGM sometimes to four or more healthcare workers in one visit because providers lacked knowledge or failed to read previous notes. This constant need to teach their doctors made the experience emotionally draining and left many feeling unseen and exhausted, highlighting ongoing gaps in culturally competent care.

Transformations and Redevelopments

Neighbourhood Developments 

New condos in Etobicoke neighbourhoods [Photo: Condos.ca]

In the past few years Etobicoke has seen multiple proposed development projects. Despite developments being cancelled after less than minimum sales of condo units. Neighbourhoods like Dixon's long fear of gentrification is slowly wiping out affordable and accessible services and seeing an increased cost of living. For example, The Shoppers Drugmart on Kipling and Dixon used to be Food Basics, a supermarket known for its low prices. This was great for everyone as it was within walking distance but now with that gone residents have to travel further to buy affordable groceries. Additionally, the development of new condos replaced about 4 accessible medical centres. 

Dixon Park and Dixon Basketball Court Redevelopments

Dixon Park basketball courts reopened by Toronto Raptors legend Vince Carter to give back to the community refurbished in 2024 [Photo: To Times]

The Dixon Park basketball courts have long been a symbol of hope in the community. Originally built in 2003 and funded by Raptors superstar Vince Carter, the courts were meant to give local youth a safe and positive space to spend their time. But over the years, the courts fell into poor condition, with a 2022 research study highlighting how residents saw it and other public spaces in a serious need of revitalization. Finally, in 2024 the City of Toronto with the MLSE Foundation and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities refurbished and reopened the courts, with Vince Carter attending the ribbon cutting ceremony. 

Local Support Services

LAMP Community Health Centre (LCHC)

LCHC [Photo: Facebook]

LCHC is working to make healthcare more inclusive and culturally safe for Black and immigrant communities. Developing programs in partnership with other agencies to provide holistic services include culture, faith, and lived experience to be recognised. These programs would make a great difference for newcomers in accessing support or care in a safe space. 

Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation (SCCR)

After several decades of advocacy for a community centre, the SCCR proposed to open in Buttonwood Park, the project faced strong local opposition over concerns of loss of green space delaying progress. Fortunately after negotiations, a new site at 95 Humberline Drive in Rexdale was secured. Earlier this year, the federal government funded $20 million to the SCCR through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, supporting the development of a 100,000 square foot facility with fitness, arts, and social services designed for newcomers and the Somali Canadian community. Advocates view the centre as a long overdue hub for cultural recognition, social support, and community led programs, while additional funding from municipal and provincial sources is being sought to complete the project.

Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Center (WHIWH) 

WHIWH is a Toronto based centre dedicated to the health and wellness of racialized women, newcomers, and refugee women. A collaborative community based project that aims to engage, empower and support women. The staff are trained to respect women’s experiences, avoid judgment, and offer guidance on reproductive and sexual health in a sensitive way. They also provide language support and interpreters, so women can communicate comfortably about their needs. Through advocacy and community outreach, WHIWH helps women navigate the healthcare system and access specialized services without fear or stigma. 

Improvements Suggested by Participants

• Youth Programs and workshops led by the city

• Waste removal in public spaces

• A need for more green parks

• Better housing management and property upkeep audits

• Strong community informed community centre management

• Culturally responsive care

• An education about resources available 

Why This Community’s Story Matters

Housing has a huge impact on people’s wellbeing. Many Somali families in the area have faced poor living conditions with little response from landlords or housing management. As public support faded, local groups like LAMP, WHIWH, and others stepped up to fill the gap, creating spaces for health, belonging, and empowerment. This case reflects the deep connection between housing, health, and identity and how access to safe, culturally sensitive care remains key to newcomer equity in Canada. While gaps still exist, the community’s new investments, like the Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation and park redevelopments, show hopeful steps toward inclusion, healing, and renewal.

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Where We Go Next?

We will look at the recent Ukrainian immigration intake in the GTA and their unique settlement experiences.