The Regent Park Community Benefits Coalition is driven by the community benefits movement which aims to ensure that the main purpose of economic development is to bring measurable, permanent improvements to the lives of affected residents, particularly those in low-income neighborhoods and communities of colour. The Coalition encourages all stakeholders in the public sector to play a more strategic role in land use planning and urban development, and to leverage economic development subsidies toward the creation of good local jobs, affordable housing, community spaces, parks and neighborhood services/programs that improve the quality of life for all community members.
Why the need for a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA)?
In October 2019, the City of Toronto released a staff report highlighting the community benefits outcomes from the first three (3) Phases of revitalization in Regent Park (approx. $1 Billion investment).
The report highlights the amount of jobs and training created through revitalization and direct/indirect investments from TCH and Daniels. The Coalition believes that stronger outcomes can be achieved and that a community benefits approach will prioritize local and TCH residents first for the jobs and opportunities that are created through revitalization.
Community Investment
Table 1: TORONTO COMMUNITY HOUSING and THE DANIELS CORPORATION INVESTMENTS IN REGENT PARK REVITALIZATIONS OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS
|
Partner |
Investments Detailed |
Total Resources Invested |
|
Toronto Community Housing Corporation |
|
$ 864,000 |
|
Daniels Corporation (Development Partner) |
|
Direct Investment: $2,364,000 Indirect Investment: $5,068,000 |
|
Total Investment $8,296,000 |
(Source: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2019/cc/bgrd/backgroundfile-139392.pdf)
Pathways to Affordable Home Ownership
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Daniels Boost Affordable Home Ownership Program suspended after 12 families benefit from initiative
-
TCHC Foundation Home Ownership program suspended after 27 families benefit across City of Toronto (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-regent-park-loan-program-suspended/)
Local Economic Development and Training
Employment and Social Services has only tracked the number of jobs created for Regent Park residents as a result of the revitalization. Toronto Employment and Social Services reports that a total of 582 jobs have been created through opportunities directly related to the Regent Park revitalization. The jobs created were in the Construction Trades, Retail, Hospitality, Finance and Administration sectors. Since 2014, 259 residents have been placed in part-time employment opportunities and 33 residents have been placed into full-time employment opportunities.
TABLE 2: TRAINING PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTED FOR REVITALIZATION AND RESIDENTS TRAINED OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS
|
Program |
Residents trained |
|
Moving Towards Opportunity: A pre-employment & job readiness program for youth 16- 18; followed by paid summer job placement |
128 |
|
Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship: A pre-apprenticeship program in Construction Trades |
34 |
|
Higher Learning Initiative: An academic & credential assessment; learning & employment service plans; and academic upgrading for Internationally Educated Professionals |
52 |
|
Carpentry and Pre-Apprenticeship Program (2013 & 2014) |
21 |
|
Toronto Paramedic Services provided Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation level C certification for youth |
39 |
|
Basic Culinary Skills Certificate & Training Program (2012 & 2013): A Culinary and Food preparation skills training program |
33 |
|
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems & Fall Arrest |
28 |
|
Food Handlers Certification |
13 |
|
Total Residents Trained |
348 |
(Source: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2019/cc/bgrd/backgroundfile-139392.pdf)
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