The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Canada›City›Scarborough
Canada • City

Scarborough

Scarborough is a district in the eastern part of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and was formerly a separate municipality.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Scarborough is a district in the eastern part of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and was formerly a separate municipality. It was incorporated as a township in 1850, became a borough in 1967, a city in 1983, and was amalgamated into the City of Toronto in 1998. The area is known for the Scarborough Bluffs, the Toronto Zoo, and its large residential and cultural diversity.

History

Scarborough was incorporated as a township in 1850, became a borough in 1967, and was incorporated as a city in 1983. In 1998, it was amalgamated with five other municipalities to form the City of Toronto.

Geography

Scarborough occupies the eastern part of Toronto and extends along the north shore of Lake Ontario. Its landscape includes shoreline areas, ravines, and the Scarborough Bluffs.

Identity and development

Originally a farming community, Scarborough grew rapidly after the Second World War into a suburban and industrial area. It is also known for its multicultural population and commercial centres.

Landmarks and attractions

Notable sites in Scarborough include the Toronto Zoo, the Scarborough Bluffs, parks along the Rouge River system, and major shopping and recreational areas.

Key facts

  • Scarborough forms the eastern part of Toronto and borders Lake Ontario to the south.
  • It was first named Glasgow, then renamed Scarborough in 1793.
  • The area developed from a farming community into a major residential and industrial urban area after the Second World War.
  • Scarborough was one of six municipalities merged to create the modern City of Toronto in 1998.
  • It is associated with the Scarborough Bluffs, extensive parkland, and the Toronto Zoo.
🍁
Canadian context

Scarborough is a major part of Toronto, Canada’s largest city, and is significant in Ontario’s municipal history and urban development.

Frequently asked questions

Is Scarborough a city today?
No. Scarborough was a city from 1983 to 1998, but it is now a district in the City of Toronto.
Where is Scarborough located?
Scarborough is in eastern Toronto, Ontario, on the north shore of Lake Ontario.
Why is Scarborough called Scarborough?
It was renamed in 1793 because its coastal bluffs resembled the cliffs at Scarborough, England.
When did Scarborough join Toronto?
Scarborough was amalgamated into the City of Toronto in 1998.
What is Scarborough known for?
It is known for the Scarborough Bluffs, the Toronto Zoo, parkland, and as a large multicultural part of Toronto.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Scarborough-Ontario
    Supports: Former municipality status, incorporation dates, renaming, and amalgamation into Toronto.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/scarborough
    Supports: Scarborough as a former municipality now part of Toronto, with key incorporation and amalgamation history.
  3. Destination Toronto — https://www.destinationtoronto.com/neighbourhoods/scarborough/
    Supports: Modern location, boundaries, and current neighbourhood identity within Toronto.