This workshop is part of the Active Neighbourhoods Canada project taking place in Toronto's Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park. The project uses participatory planning to help communities across Canada create green, active and healthy neighbourhoods. These neighbourhoods celebrate the active use of shared public space; they support walking and cycling for everyone through safe and welcoming urban design based on the community's vision.

The first phase of the project involved documenting the current situation and engaging residents in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park to imagine potential futures. As part of the second phase, this workshop invites professionals working in the fields of urban planning, architecture, transportation or public works to contribute their expertise and propose site-specific design solutions that address the community’s concerns and their vision for the future. 

The day will consist of two parts: A morning talk with Q&A featuring Paul Hess and Graeme Stewart, followed by breakout design charrettes in the afternoon. Come prepared to contribute ideas for improving pedestrian environments, cycling infrastructure and the accessibility of public spaces. 

Schedule:

Coffee and Registration: 9:00am-10:00am

Presentations: 10:00am-12:00pm

Lunch: 12:00pm-1:00pm provided

Design Workshops: 1:00pm-4:00pm

Wrap-up: 4:00pm-4:45pm

Speakers:

Paul Hess, Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Program in Planning, University of Toronto; Associate Chair and Director, Graduate Programs in Planning, University of Toronto. Paul’s teaching and research focuses on urban design, pedestrian environments, streets as public space, and local mobility as a social justice issue.

Graeme Stewart, Associate at ERA Architects and a founding director of the Centre for Urban Growth and Renewal (CUG+R). Graeme was a key initiator of the Tower Renewal Project. This initiative in modern heritage and community revitalization examines the future of Toronto’s remarkable stock of modern tower neighbourhoods.

Workshop Leaders:

Car Martin and Mikey Bennington, Active Neighbourhoods Canada Project Managers from the Toronto Centre for Active Transportation