Regent Park Demonstration Sustainable Community

Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) will redevelop Regent Park over the next 15 years as a sustainablecity neighbourhood. One of the oldest public housing neighbourhoods in Canada, it houses 7,500 residents in 2,087 unitson a 69-acre site in the core of the City of Toronto. As an immigration reception, it is one of the most culturally diverseareas in Canada, with some 85 languages spoken. GMF team members participated in a charrette, involving some 50professionals and stakeholders, which identified options for green infrastructure that should be explored in order torecreate this neighbourhood in a sustainable manner. This project consists of eight preparatory studies: a review ofsustainability issues; a transportation study; a report on water and sewer condition and capacity; a report on whatsustainability would look like in Regent Park, including a cost/benefit analysis for particular targets; a synergiesevaluation with other existing municipal services and systems; a City review of sustainability options and development ofa sustainable development business case; and the creation of resident, developer, designer workshops/focus groups tocreate understanding of sustainability. It manifests the essence of what the planning category hopes to encourageacross Canada: a holistic review and regeneration of all aspects of an inner city neighbourhood with the subsequentdevelopment of a better quality of life for citizens through sustainability principles and environmentally beneficialtechnologies and practices.