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September 21 and 22
2 days, 2 disciplines, 2 ways to participate – defining our professional roles and uniting to build more equitable, accessible and inspired communities.
#2GETHER2022
This session focuses on exploring the importance of social equity in planning and in creating equitable economic opportunities to unlock the potential within marginalized communities. It examines as a case study the current state of the Little Jamaica community (along Eglinton Avenue West from Marlee Avenue to Keele Street) in the City of Toronto. The small businesses in this community have been forced to combat the impacts of ongoing construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project, the layered effect of gentrification, and neighbourhood change as a result of a major infrastructure project. The COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of complexity to the struggle of small businesses in this community. Examining this case study allows participants to discuss the challenges with regard to community engagement and involvement in the planning processes, the varying factors that inhibit or encourage economic growth and sustainability in a marginalized community, and how to ensure existing residents and businesses benefit from land development and infrastructure projects.