Roadmap for Redevelopment: Building Resilience and Equity in the Future of Affordable Housing

The Roadmap for Redevelopment event held at Urban Economy Forum on Now 14, 2024, addressed the multifaceted challenges of affordable housing, with an emphasis on community-centered development, equitable urban planning, and the complexities of transitioning housing from private to nonprofit ownership.

Dimitrije Martinovic – Local Journalism Initiative

The project was launched in 2022 via Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Supply Challenge. The event is of civic importance as it addresses the critical issues of affordable housing, community resilience, and equitable urban development, which are central to the well-being of Toronto residents. In Regent Park, a neighbourhood undergoing significant transformation, these discussions are crucial for ensuring that development prioritizes inclusivity, affordability, and social cohesion, preserving the area's legacy as a diverse, mixed-income community.

In her introduction, event facilitator Cheryll Case, founder of CP Planning (which runs the Roadmap for Redevelopment), emphasized the importance of social capital, community resilience, and housing security. She highlighted the role of art and storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and advocates for equitable housing policies to break cycles of poverty and rebuild community strength, particularly for Black communities affected by systemic discrimination.

Cheryll Case introduced two other key speakers Walied Khoglai Ali and Sundus Balata followed Cheryll Case, who both had bring unique perspectives on community-driven development—Walied focusing on Regent Park's achievements in social cohesion and equitable housing, and Sundus highlighting the role of participatory planning and inclusive engagement in urban revitalization.

Walied Khoglai Ali, Co-Chair of the Regent Park Social Development Plan, celebrates Regent Park's achievements, including significant investments, reduced gun-related deaths, and the approval of 637 new affordable units. He critiques a $325 million developer bailout and calls for redirecting these funds to public amenities and sustainable development to maintain a balanced mix of social and market housing.

Sundus Balata, Project Manager at the City of Toronto, draws on her international experience to advocate for participatory planning and community engagement in urban development. She stresses the need for significant investment and infrastructure to support growing communities like Downsview, with an emphasis on accessible events and collaboration with private sector partners to ensure stability and effective development.

The next part of the event consisted of panel discussion moderated by Natasha Harper-Michon, the panel explored the coma plexities of affordable housing, emphasizing community-centered development and equitable urban planning. Key issues included the high cost of housing, regulatory barriers, and the insufficient production of affordable units. The panelists advocated for a multifaceted approach involving government, private developers, and community leaders to address the affordable housing crisis.

The Roadmap for Redevelopment event explored the balance between heritage preservation and modern housing solutions, alongside the personal and transformative impact of tackling homelessness. It highlighted the barriers posed by high housing costs, restrictive regulations, and the insufficient production of affordable units. The panel underscored the need for a collaborative approach involving government, private developers, and community leaders to preserve existing affordable housing and create sustainable, non-market options to address the ongoing housing crisis.