Toronto

The 519 Community Centre in the heart of Toronto’s Gay Village at Church and Wellesley has initiated a study by the Planning Partnership and a team including Ken Greenberg to set a course for short and long term decision making. The Study will look at how best to prepare for and capitalize on World Pride 2014 and the Pan Am Games in 2015, and help determine what kind of neighbourhood Church-Wellesley can become in the coming decades. The study will respond to questions raised by progress in LGBTQ rights, changes in social norms, and development the Church-Wellesley Village. It will address: Accessibility and Inclusion – what can be done to make sure the Neighbourhood Plan creates a safe place, accommodates all ages, sero status, affordability and services; Development and Built Form – how to deal with pressures for new condos and other development proposals, zoning, property upkeep, heritage and new architecture; Commercial Vitality – the viability of retail, restaurants, shops, bars, clubs, baths, offices, tourism and quality of life; Public Realm -  parks, urban squares, cross walks, streets, sidewalks, laneways, and seating on the street; Arts, Culture and LGTBQ presence - public art, performance spaces, telling our story, reflecting the history and cultural institutions; and Events and Festivals - Toronto Pride, Halloweek, street fairs, festivals and tourism.