Starting with the simple proposition that a vision for community building should be based on more than “housing and real estate,” the plan and principles for the vision that drove the revitalization of Regent Park were developed collaboratively and painstakingly over several years: the re‐imagined community should have connected streets and significant park space; there should be diversity in built form; residents should have opportunities for economic development and be able to pursue their education without travelling outside of the community; the redevelopment scheme should be predicated on a defensible financial plan; the strategy for tenant relocation should follow agreed upon principles of fairness and efficiency; oversight of the redevelopment should be entrepreneurial in nature and involve the private sector.

While progress has not been problem‐free, the vision for Regent Park as a mixed income community is gearing up to enter its third phase, led by Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), the Daniels Corporation and many community partners. The revitalized neighbourhood boasts commercial facilities, parks, an arts and cultural centre, an aquatic centre, and the Daniels Centre of Learning which, in collaboration with George Brown, provides learning, training and employment opportunities for residents. At the end of phase two, there will be upwards of 12,000 residents living in a blend of rent‐geared‐to‐income apartments, affordable rental and home ownership units as well market housing. What are the lessons that can be learned after a decade of rebuilding and are they transferable to other parts of the city and region?

Moderator: John Fox, Partner, Robins Appleby Taub LLP

Developing the Vision

John Gladki, FCIP, RPP, Principal, Gladki Planning Inc

Implementing the Plan

Remo Agostino, M.Sc.Pl., MCIP, RPP, Director of Development, The Daniels Corporation

Fulfilling the Social Contract

Tim Jones, President and CEO, Artscape and Adonis Huggins, Executive Director, Regent Park Focus

Transferring the Knowledge

Greg Spearn, Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Toronto Community Housing Corporation

CUI's Urban Leadership Series

The Canadian Urban Institute's Urban Leadership Series (ULS) provides a forum for a diverse group of urban practitioners to learn from and debate with individuals making their mark as outstanding urban leaders. Held at least once a month as a morning seminar, the series covers a broad range of emerging and critical issues facing urban decision‐makers. Each session involves an expert panel of discussants providing insights into trends and best practices and offers an opportunity for engagement with session participants. Each session attracts a diverse group from the urban planning, design, development and infrastructure, municipal, provincial and community sectors.

Photo by Garrison Mc Arthur Photographers, Courtesy of Artscape