Toronto finds unity and diversity thriving in its integrated neighborhoods.
In the heart of Toronto, a city known for its motto "Diversity Our Strength," lies Regent Park, an example of a complete community that has undergone a transformative journey. Once made up entirely of social housing, Regent Park was plagued by issues such as social exclusion, high crime rates, and disrepair.
Enter the Regent Park revitalization project, a complex and effective strategy that improved the area without gentrifying it and displacing its residents. The key to this success lies in the strategies implemented by Toronto, which focus on integrating affordable housing with socially and environmentally sustainable development, community investment, and a phased approach to revitalization.
Firstly, the project prioritised mixed-income and affordable housing development. Regent Park revitalization phases, such as Phase 4, include the construction of significant numbers of Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) and affordable rental units. For instance, a 272-unit RGI and affordable rental project in Phase 4 ensures long-term housing affordability for current and future residents.
Secondly, the city invested substantial funds directly into the community as part of broader social and environmental strategies. This investment helps improve local infrastructure and services without displacing current residents. In Regent Park's case, $26.8 million was allocated.
Thirdly, the final phases (4 and 5) of Regent Park are designed to be Toronto’s most ambitious low-carbon urbanism projects, promoting sustainability and improved quality of life for residents, linking environmental improvements with community revitalization.
Fourthly, Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) manages a multi-year, multi-site revitalization program, with continuous construction and upgrades to existing and new buildings, striking a balance between renewal and affordable tenant retention.
Lastly, the strategies emphasise social sustainability, helping vulnerable populations, and environmental sustainability to maintain inclusive and livable neighborhood conditions that support diversity and prevent displacement.
The transformation of Regent Park involved a public-private partnership between the City of Toronto, Toronto Community Housing Corporation, private development partners, and community partners. This partnership ensured that the revitalization project was not just about bricks and mortar, but about creating a community that truly reflects Toronto's diverse population.
Jennifer Keesmaat, former Chief Planner of Toronto, created the Planning Review Panel to ensure that Toronto's planning initiatives are reflective of the city's diversity. The Panel, a 32-member advisory body assisting the city council in developing planning initiatives in Toronto, is chosen through a Civic Lottery.
The HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan, another initiative by the city, includes actions such as the adoption of a revised "Toronto Housing Charter - Opportunity for All," maintenance and increased access to affordable rents, continued revitalization of neighborhoods, creation of new rental housing, and improvement of accountability and transparency in the delivery of housing services to residents.
Providing a range of different housing options is crucial for the creation of affordable housing in a community. Regent Park now offers a wide range of different housing options, catering to Toronto's diverse population. Making public and private housing indistinguishable from one another is important for community animation.
Engaging the community actively and giving people the chance to participate in the planning process leads to better outcomes. Displacing residents should be avoided during community transformations. The HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan aims to create a range of housing opportunities across the full housing spectrum for the next ten years in Toronto.
Approximately 51% of Toronto's population is foreign-born, making the city a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. Toronto's housing vision is to create diverse, safe, well-maintained, and affordable housing for all residents. The Regent Park revitalization project is a testament to this vision, demonstrating that it is possible to create affordable, inclusive, and sustainable communities that truly reflect the city's diversity.
References:
[1] Toronto Community Housing Corporation. (n.d.). Regent Park Revitalization. Retrieved from https://www.torontohousing.ca/housing/community-development/regent-park-revitalization/
[2] City of Toronto. (2019). Regent Park Aquatic Centre. Retrieved from https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/recreation-culture/aquatics/aquatic-centres/regent-park/
[3] City of Toronto. (2019). Regent Park Community Centre. Retrieved from https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/recreation-culture/community-centres/centre-for-community/regent-park/
[4] City of Toronto. (2019). Regent Park Supermarket. Retrieved from https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/recreation-culture/community-centres/centre-for-community/regent-park/supermarket/
- The Regent Park revitalization project, a model for diversity and sustainability, includes development in lifestyle sectors like fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and shopping, catering to the diverse needs of its residents.
- In addition to physical infrastructure, the project emphasizes education-and-self-development, including personal-growth programs, leveraging the power of learning to uplift local communities.
- Travel opportunities within Regent Park are improved with community facilities like the Regent Park Aquatic Centre and Community Centre, promoting active lifestyles and social interaction among residents.
- Home-and-garden improvements are integrated into the revitalization plan, creating eco-friendly, harmonious living spaces for Regent Park's residents.
- As pets play a significant role in the lives of many residents, pet-friendly policies and facilities are incorporated into the Regent Park revitalization project.
- Career-development is encouraged through job creation and training programs, ensuring that residents have the means to support themselves while contributing to the growth of their community.
