Scarborough was incorporated as a township in 1850 and then included as part of Metropolitan Toronto when it was formed in 1953. It was named after Scarborough, England by Elizabeth Simcoe, the wife of John Graves Simcoe, the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada. Much of the area of Scarborough was settled by suburban housing developments in the last third of the 20th century. Scarborough residents have developed their own unique culture and sense of humor as evidenced by such native "Scarberians" as Mike Myers, and The Barenaked Ladies.
Scarborough is a major city center and is part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Downtown Toronto is only 30 minutes away, and is easily accessible through the area's transit system. Scarborough is the home of Ontario's only elevated rapid transit line; the Scarborough RT is a light rail public transit system that uses linear induction technology.
It is home to the University of Toronto at Scarborough, it is the only UofT campus to offer a Bachelor of Business Administration. The campus has also begun to offer joint programs with Centennial College in journalism, new media, and paramedicine. All co-op programs for the university are run out of the Scarborough campus. Scarborough also boats numerous public, private, and Catholic schools.
There is no lack of specialty stores, and shopping outlets; The Scarborough Town Center is the areas premier shopping center, with over 220 stores, that has something for everyone. For those who enjoy the arts, the Scarborough musical theatre offers up performances of classical musicals, and new productions that are enjoyable for the whole family. Being so close to downtown Toronto, residents are able to take advantage of all of the events, arts, and fine dining that the downtown core has to offer. Scarborough is home to The Metro Toronto Zoo, where there is always much to see and do.
Housing in Scarborough is par with the Toronto market, and there are many options for those who would prefer apartment or condominium living.
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