When the sun goes down over Canada’s Financial District (Simcoe Street to Yonge, Queen to the edge of Southcore, 15 square blocks), there’s a mass exodus. The population diminishes rapidly from over 200,000 during the day to about 2,239 – the folks who actually live there.A Census data survey from Environics Analytics for the Toronto Financial District BIA has put the neighbourhood under a microscope and come up with some other facts and figures.  Within the District – there are only 3 residential towers; 2 hotel-condominiums and another under construction. 70% of those surveyed use public transit as their primary commuting mode; 14% either drive or carpool; a significant number who live in surrounding apartment neighbourhoods walk to work, and bicycle use is increasing with the opening of Richmond and Adelaide Street bike paths.

A surprising number – 35% – come from outside TORONTO. 64% live in TORONTO, 57% of those polled work in the financial, insurance or real estate sectors, 24% spend $100-$200 weekly on fast food and restaurants in the area. 18% spend $200-$500 weekly on restaurants.  70% have a bachelor’s degree or higher education. 28% speak a language other than French or English.73% use the PATH underground tunnel system daily. “It’s a huge economic driver. It’s a significant piece of the vitality here in terms of how the area works,” said BIA executive director Grant Humes.