The process of planning to revitalize a park in Toronto

What is it about?

This paper looks at the early stages of public consultation for a project to revitalize a park and community centre in one of the poorest neighbourhoods in downtown Toronto. Specifically, it traces the use of a private anonymous donor, a framing of the neighbourhood, park and city as in crisis, and a social justice framework within the planning process. We try to think through the implications of these elements both for this project and for future planning of community infrastructure.

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Why is it important?

This project has been heralded by some as a model for future social infrastructure projects, which begs for additional scrutiny. Moreover, the use of a social justice framework for a project that may not have socially just outcomes is concerning.