First Public Housing Project In Canada example essay topic

299 words
Figure 1- The physical boundaries of the community displayed here. Past History In order to properly understand the present environment, the past history must first be explored. Zapparoli (2003) states that Regent Park "is Canada's oldest and largest housing project" (p. 1). He further explains that: By the mid 1930's, 100 years after the incorporation of the City of Toronto, the poor housing conditions that Cabbagetown's residents had to endure could no longer be ignored...

Eventually, The Bruce Report, as it was called, advised that extensive redevelopment of the area's substandard dwellings was essential. This redevelopment would mean tearing down the old houses and erecting large scale housing that would have all the "amenities" of modern living. (p. 1) This proposal was not fulfilled until 1946. On March 30, 1949, the first residents were moved into townhouse complexes that are now known as Regent Park. Zapparoli (2003) further states that "The age of public housing in Canada had begun" (p. 1). So, Regent Park was constructed as the first public housing project in Canada. Present Environment Today, Regent Park is a community facing significant change and redevelopment.

On May 7, 2003, The Toronto Community Housing Association released a Regent Park Action Plan. The City of Toronto has approved this motion. Toronto City Council (2003) describes this initiative as involving: The final Regent Park plan outlines how 2087 rent geared to income units will be rebuilt in phases over 12-15 years. The result will be a mixed income, mixed use neighborhood that is reintegrated with surrounding communities. A total of 4500 housing units are proposed- including 500 units designated for affordable ownership- in addition to shops, community services, and space for economic development activities. (p. 1).