In response to community-based advocacy and efforts to support local culture across several neighbourhoods, the City of Toronto is moving ahead with the creation of a Cultural Districts Program. The City’s overall goal is to co-create a program that brings together resources, policies and new approaches for fostering culture.
Understanding that culture is boundless and complex, Jay Pitter Placemaking has established a co-stewardship model that positions the City of Toronto as a key program administrator and champion for the program, while recognizing the important roles and expertise of other co- stewards such as not-for-profit organizations, philanthropic leaders, corporations and grassroots groups.
The Cultural Districts Program participatory panels are intended to gather a wide range of professional, academic and lived-experience expertise to inform the program. The panels explore a broad range of topics such as housing, intergenerational connections, accessibility, play, 2SLGBTQ+ spaces and more. The invaluable information gleaned from these panels will be integrated into the Cultural Districts Program proposal and a special Cultural Districts Program co-learning toolkit.
See Meetings & Events below and register to participate in a Cultural Districts Program panel.
The creation of a city-wide Cultural Districts Program follows multiple 2020 and 2021 Councillor motions endorsed by City Council calling for recommendations and plans for the City of Toronto to provide ongoing support for multiple cultural communities and their businesses. City Council approved the creation of the program at its November Council session with the following parameters for City staff:
In addition to these parameters, City Council recommended that broad engagement occur with local City Councillors, community members, stakeholders, BIAs and relevant Council Advisory Bodies, prior to providing final recommendations for the program design and implementation in a 2022 staff report.
November 9, 2021 – Staff Report to City Council (At this time, Toronto does not have a formal cultural districts program. This report outlines why Toronto needs to develop a cultural districts program, and the potential benefits it may bring for diverse communities, the city’s culture sector, and for Toronto as a whole.)
Wednesday, April 20, 1 – 2 p.m.
Panel facilitator: Paul Lowes, MCIP, RPP, OPPI President
Panelists:
The panel explored how urban planners can enhance their approaches to better support local culture, especially intangible culture such as unsung histories, informal sacred sites and local rituals.
Thursday, April 21, noon – 1 p.m.
Panel facilitator: Likwa Nkala, Interim Director Programs & Partnerships, TCHC
Panelists:
The panel explored how Toronto Community Housing residents, staff and spaces contribute to local culture. Case studies and stories were presented to help illuminate the conversation.
Thursday, April 28, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Panel facilitator: Bryan Keshen, CEO, Reena
Panelists:
The panel explored how to ensure that Toronto’s new cultural districts accommodate and embrace individuals living with disabilities.
Friday, May 6, 11 a.m. – noon
Virtual event
Panel facilitator: Jay Pitter, Principal Placemaker, Jay Pitter Placemaking
Panelists:
The panel explored principles and approaches for ensuring that cultural districts address the needs, aspirations and connectivity for all generations.
Monday, May 9, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual event
Panel Facilitator: Serena Purdy, Chair, Friends of Kensington Market
Panelists:
The panel explored how mutual aid networks and organizations can contribute to local culture.
Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual event
Panel facilitator: Sherwin Modeste, Executive Director, Pride Toronto
Panelists:
The panel explored what the 2SLGBTQ+ community requires in placemaking to create a safe and enriching neighbourhood where culture can thrive.
Wednesday, May 11, 1 – 2 p.m.
Virtual event
Panel facilitator: Dr. Pamela Robinson, Director School of Urban and Regional Planning, Ryerson University
Panelists:
The panel explored critical research and practice approaches for co-creating equitable and vibrant culture districts.
Sunday, May 15, 12 – 1 p.m.
Outdoor event at Nathan Phillips Square (Toronto City Hall)
Panel Facilitator: Adil Dhalla, Director of Community, Camp Reset
Panelists:
Using an equity-based placemaking lens, the panel explored how cultural districts can foster play and leisure for all.
There are several ways you can provide your feedback in the coming months: