Scarborough Speed Dating

Scarborough Ontario forms the Eastern area of the city of Toronto. Its own city for more than 200 years, Scarborough officially became part of Toronto in 1998 but the name is still recognized by the Canadian Postal System and used by residents today. The 2001 census had the population at almost 600,000 which was up 6% from the previous census in 1996, making Scarborough the highest growth area in Toronto.

Scarborough's history dates way back to 8,000 BCE, where an archaeological site in Fenwood Height found evidence of a camp of nomadic foragers and hunters. The area was largely inhabited by the Seneca Indians and later the Mississaugas, who were moved out by British settlers in the end of the 18th century. Officially the city was first settled in 1796, and named after Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England, by Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe's wife Elizabeth. She was reminded of England's limestone cliffs when looking at Scarborough's bluffs along Lake Ontario. Previous to this, the area was named after the Scottish community of Glasgow.

Scarborough is a popular destination for many of Ontario's immigrants, with 54% of its residents being born in a foreign territory. The city has large Chinese, South Asian, Black, and Filipino populations, which lends a vibrant multicultural atmosphere. Scarborough is considered the greenest part of Toronto, because of its topography. Residents enjoy the Scarborough Bluffs along the Lake Ontario shore, which reach heights of more than 60 metres and stretch around 14 kilometres long. They also have the Rouge River Valley, filled with various species of wildlife, with much of it still in its wooded, natural state. There have also been many unconfirmed cougar sightings there.

Scarborough seems to have bred its own sense of humour, with many famous comedic residents including Mike Myers (his Wayne's World character was based on someone having lived there), Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) and John Candy (SCTV/Second City). Other famous Scarborough alumni include Marilyn Denis (television host), David Furnish (filmmaker and partner to Elton John), George Kottaras (Boston Red Sox catcher), Jamaal Magloire (NBA player), Mike Ricci (NHL player), and band Barenaked Ladies.

There are many entertaining things to do in Scarborough; 1974 saw the Toronto Zoo move from its previous downtown site to Rouge River Valley, its present location. This allowed the zoo to grow from 3 hectares to over 300, transforming the zoo from 19th century style to a zoo which now replicates animals' natural habitats. If you like to shop, Scarborough Town Centre is the place to be - east of Yonge St. it's the largest commercial and entertainment site in Toronto. Scarborough has a very large singles population. Because it's in such close proximity to the downtown core of Toronto, Scarborough residents often attend 25dates.com singles speed dating events. These events allow singles to meet other eligible singles whom they might never otherwise meet, in a no-stress, no pressure environment. Participants sign up online and decide which event they'd like to choose, based on their age and sexual preference. The speed dating events are held at lounges and restaurants and attendees meet each member of the opposite sex for three minutes each. After each date, they choose whom they'd like to see again and hand in their card. 25dates.com determines who said "yes" to each other (otherwise known as a "match"), and it's then up to them to explore their connection.