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Massage parlors have become a common sight in Toronto in recent years. Massage parlors, commonly known as body rub parlors in Canadian by-laws, mean the places where nonmedical massage services are offered by individuals other than registered massage practitioners. They are legal outlets providing reactional massage services that are distinct from what one would expect from a registered therapist. Although it is an old business in the city, demographic change has introduced a new angle to the industry in downtown Toronto.

Perhaps the main reason for the exponential growth of body rub parlors in downtown Toronto is the recent increase of Asian migration into the city over the last few decades. These groups often come to the country seeking better lives, or some even find themselves in the city through human trafficking. As it is almost the predicted outcome, those in Canada struggle to settle due to a lack of skill or proficiency in the language. As a result, establishing these parlors or working in these businesses provides them with the opportunity to make a living while navigating the difficult period of settling in the new culture. Some end up owning and operating the businesses to sustain their families.      

The other reason for the growing number of Asian massage parlors in downtown Toronto is the skill sets, that members of this community introduce to the trade-in Toronto and Canada as a whole. Massage is an integral part of Asian culture, and many of the Asian players have perfected this tradition and invested in the trade as a source of livelihood. Although it is not traditionally practiced in Asian culture, primarily as it is used for commercial gain in Toronto and other Canadian cities, the opportunity to commercialize allows the Asian community to exploit their tradition and skill to make a living. The result is that such moves have led to a substantial rise in commercialized businesses in downtown Toronto.

Bibliography

City of Toronto. "Body Rub Parlor." City of Toronto. Last modified November 20, 2017. https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/body-rub-parlour-and-body-rubber/body-rub-parlour/.

Hyslop, Katie. "Five Things to Know About Massage ParlorWorkers in Canada and Their Rights." The Tyee. Last modified March 19, 2021. https://thetyee.ca/News/2021/03/19/Five-Things-Massage-Parlour-Workers-Canada/.

Kuitenbrouwer, Peter, and Natalie Alcoba. "Behind the Sign: Investigating the Growing Number of Erotic Massage Centres in Toronto." Nationalpost. Last modified May 7, 2011. https://nationalpost.com/posted-toronto/behind-the-sign-investigating-the-growing-number-of-erotic-massage-centres-in-toronto.