Opening remarks: Walied Khogali - Community Leader (Regent Park)
Panels
- Fireside: Equitable Land Use Planning – the Case for Community Development Plans: Sundus Balata, Project Manager, Project Manager - Tower and Neighbourhood Revitalization, Social Development Finance and Administration, City of Toronto
- Panel: Catalysts to Unlock Social and Financial Capital: Zack Bradley Co-Director, Kensington Market Community Land Trust (Toronto) Michelle Executive Director, Women in Urbanism Canada (Canada) Daniel Byrne President, Main+Main (Toronto and Ottawa) Robert Walter-Joseph Principal, Gladki Planning Associates (Various)
During the party, we asked attendees how we can support organizing and infrastructure development efforts in their neighbourhoods, and here's what we heard:
- Racial Equity: Feedback emphasized the need for inclusive consultations, early education on community building, and engaging Black cultural networks (such as faith groups, community art programs, professional associations, etc.) to address displacement risks and support sustainable generational access in racialized communities. (this conversation hosted in partnership with the Black Planners and Urbanists Association)
- Neighbourhood Investment or Targeted Yield of Affordable Housing – Assessment Tool (NIFTY): Feedback on the NIFTY Tool called for it to be accessible, and publicly available, with data presented in simple language as to reduce barriers limiting the capacity of communities to organize for the address of investment gaps.
- Community Organizing Guide: Feedback highlighted the importance of providing clear guidance on zoning and funding strategies, along with practical tools for rural communities to enhance grassroots organizing efforts.
- Equitable Land Use Planning: Feedback urged replacing inaccessible engagement methods with inclusive strategies, advancing zoning policies for deeply affordable housing, and nurturing greater participation with marginalized and multi-generational groups.
We're looking forward to utilizing your feedback to create tools and programs to support efforts toward equitable land use!
