Sustainable Development in Toronto: Regent Park Case - Research Paper Example

Sustainable Development in Toron Study of the Case of Regent Park Introduction: Global migration to Toronto has led to the transforming following urban nationality prototypes that have newly emerged (Siemiatycki and Isin 1997). The issue of sustainable development in cities has come into the forefront over the recent years with the last few years focusing on several innovations in this regard. European and North American cities have been reported to initiate several programs intending to improve their environment, reduce wastages, and sustain the availability of necessary sources. Focusing on issues related to the environment, economy, politics, society, demographics, institutions and culture is considered as part of the process of attaining sustaining development in a city (Satterthwaite 1997). Sustainability development involves continuous development of the human society in a region where the natural ecosystems of the world may be conserved on which living beings, including humans, are highly dependent (Harrison 2000). Sustainable development is however still considered as a field that is growing. Several strategies have already been initiated and developed in this regard. One such example is the political process that was launched at UNCED in the year 1992. This framework that continued even in the present times during the year 2002 at the World Summit focuses on improving the living quality of human beings, and sustaining and managing the resources available in the environment (Purvis and Grainger 2013). Considering the city of Toronto, it can be said that the city has taken the matter of climate change considerably and hence focuses on addressing the challenges of sustaining environmental resources and the quality of life in the city for its citizens. If the history is studied this city has reflected significant leadership in managing changes in climate. The city has acted upon developing the ‘Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan’ that focuses on achieving a materialistic plan for improving the quality of environment in the city. Plans for sustaining the available energy sources in the city have also been effectively considered (Toronto Energy Efficiency Office 2007). Aim and Objectives of the Research: Research Questions: The aim of the present study is to obtain an understanding on the sustainable development in the city of Toronto considering the case of the Regent Park. Considering the case of the Regent Park in the city, although it was built as one of the largest housing projects in the city developed by the government, yet the growing rates of crime in the area has turned it into a region that can be considered as equivalent to slums or a highly sub-standard area within the city. Thus human beings living in the area are encountered with problems of employee insurances, security issues, and assistance from the society, leading to poverty as well as environmental stress for the individuals in the area. Thus the focus of the research is to obtain certain measures that can be developed to improve the living standards of the people in the area and achieve sustainability of the environment and available resources. Sustainable Development in Toronto: Connecting the History: The history of sustainable development can be dated back to 1972 when international organizations like the United Nations started considering the need for sustaining the quality and resources of the living environment. It was noted by the United Nations Conferences that the increasing population across the world has been depleting the available resources. Thus management in the use of such resources became necessary. Several environmental protection agencies started to be established along with the development of World Conservation Strategy. In the year 1987, the Brundtland Commission established a report focusing on the intricacy of sustainable development associated with the increasing change in climate and environment. It was focused in here that it was the human beings whose activities were largely responsible for the deteriorating conditions of the environment that needed improvement for sustenance (Bath Spa University n.d.). Thus gradually different countries and cities realized the need for sustainable development. This reflected on understanding the requirements of the future generations and accordingly takes measures to reduce wastes and save environmental resources. Another major step towards sustainable development was considered in the year 1992 with the Earth Summit being established. Several major events were associated with this summit that focused on bringing in front the need for human beings and their activities to merge with the sustainability of the nature. Thus sustainable methods started being tried for economic and environmental progress of the world, with the production and use of resources being done in sustainable manners. This concept has been followed by different countries across the world with the present day focusing more on sustaining the environment for the enhancement of living conditions for the citizens (Bath Spa University n.d.). The city of Toronto has considered the measure of sustainability significantly with its plans to make the citizens act responsibly and environment friendly ensuring high quality of living in the city. The city has this planned for green actions that the environmental agencies of the city along with the citizens would require to follow. This includes the Live Green Toronto Program that allows individuals, residents, as well as offices, to take necessary steps in case of issues arising from energy efficiencies, production of food at a local level, availability of renewable energy sources, planting of trees, conservation of water, and so on. The city has also focused on renewing the residential buildings built of concrete, by the use of a framework with building partnerships with E.R.A. Architects, the University of Toronto, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (Toronto Energy Efficiency Office 2007). Measures have been considered for the availability of all necessary information in relation to the environmental issues as might be required by any individual or groups, or governmental and environmental protection agencies. New standards are being focused in the city to ensure that the green roofs can be regulated as per requirements. Actions are not only been set to be acted upon by the neighborhoods in the city, but certain measures have also been considered for the businesses to consider and achieve. Environmental and working groups are tried to be achieved to ensure more efficient and improved environmental condition of the city. Renewable energy systems are also being developed for the landfills and buildings such that production and consumption of necessary energy sources may be achieved (Toronto Energy Efficiency Office 2007). Sustainable Development in Toronto: The Case of Regent Park: The Regent Park of Toronto has been Canada’s first and the largest housing project developed by the government. However it also proved to be the most infamous in the region. Plans to revitalize the housing have been focused in the recent years with addition of new amenities and condominium units. Several apartments that are rent-geared-to-income are being rebuilt, with additions of retail stores along the main streets in the region. The Daniels Corporation is in charge of revitalization of the Regent Park in the city (Ghetto Be Gone – The Revitalization of Regent Park 2011). The plan for revitalization of the Park was approved in the year 2003 that led to several transitional changes to be occurring in the region. The focus is on establishing a social development plan for the area. The old housings will be replaced with new ones along with market places. Thus newer additions of population to the housing will be achieved (Toronto Community Housing 2007). With the new revitalization plans depending on public and private partnerships, the housing is expected to construct new rental units that would be affordable for its citizens, along with new facilities for the entire community (Regent Park revitalization 2013). Need for Revitalization: The Regent Park was developed during the 1950s and remained highly controversial area considering the city of Toronto (Myths of Regent Park 2007). Although it was the largest housing project of the city, yet several difficulties in regard to the availability of traffic vehicles and the quality of the housing were encountered by the housing individuals. There were around 7500 residents in the Park and they almost felt like isolated from the rest of the city owing to the poor facilities in the housing (About the Regent Park revitalization 2013). Another issue that has become a matter of significant concern for the Park is the growing rate of crime in the area. Several reports of gangs comprising of young individuals aged 12-17 years have been obtained to take part in criminal activities. It was since the year 2008 that the area has been witnessing high levels of such crimes owing to which police forces were also required to reduce such acts (My Regent Park 2013). The major acts of crimes reported in the region include murders, sexual assaults, assaults, robbery, break and enter, auto theft, and theft over. However the police forces along with the participation of the local people and neighborhoods have tried to plan several programs and measures to reduce the levels of crimes and increase safety in the area (Regent Park Life n.d.). Sustainable Development in Toronto: Measures and Recommendations: The plan for revitalization and the different security measures that Toronto Government has already considered implies that the city has realized the difficulties associated with the Park and the need for measures to ensure sustainable development. In regard to the increasing rates of crime in the area, a project has been implemented that is focused on reducing the criminal acts and their effects on the individuals living in the housing. Community organizations, as well as individuals and their families are involved in this project to learn about their experiences, understanding and opinions in this regard such that effective crime reduction measures can be considered. Activities by the criminal gangs are tried to be reduced by the combined actions of the Toronto Police Officers and the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (My Regent Park 2013). Close relationships are tried to be built within the communities in order to closely detect the environmental issues. Variety of people from the society is made to participate to address all issues regarding crimes such that the gangs as well as their families can be approached. Some of the measures that the city focuses include mobilization of the community, intervention of the society, skills of parenting, suppression, provision of opportunities, and organizational change and development. Collection of information on involvement of youth in the city in criminal acts and based on them, considering preventive and protective measures have been considered in the city (My Regent Park 2013). The Plan of Revitalization and Social Mix: The plan for revitalization of the Regent Park in Toronto has been considered by the government as a measure of solving all the problems that housing had been encountered with in all these years in regard to the available facilities, the system of security in the area, and the environmental conditions for quality living. Poverty and marginalization are tried to be reduced with this act of revitalization. The Park had completely failed in providing its housing members any suitable facilities as a result of which the community had become marginalized and fragmented. The housing was started to be treated no better than a slum that needed drastic strategies for improvement and revitalization was considered to be the most effective solution (James 2010). In the present times, the plan is under construction. Several families have shifted to other places giving time for the process of revitalization to complete. It is expected that with the completion of the rebuilding of the housing, and accommodating the housing with market places, housing units, and retails, the Regent Park would be region comprising six acres of land, offering individuals and families with low and high rise buildings, with facilities of streets, corners, parks, and security systems. Market units are more emphasized in the new plan. Also, banks, coffee shops, groceries and other community facilities are also included in the revitalization plan for Regent Park. However, there were significant barriers in engaging the housing members to take part in understanding the present situation and hence provide with their own opinions for the betterment of the housing for quality living (James 2010). The revitalization program in Toronto Regent Park is also based on social mix that would increase the social and economic diversity in the region. This is largely focused on eliminating the representation of any particular section of people over the others, for example high income people over low income. Thus the new plan focuses on providing housing units and facilities for different levels of people and different income groups. Thus considering the Regent Park revitalization plan, once the new plan is implemented and ready for the members, it will become open to mix societal people and people having different incomes. Thus it is actually expected to convert into a traditional form of urban locality constituting diverse forms of residential buildings and residents. However the results of such a plan are unknown since there have been mixed results earlier where social mix have been implemented. Thus the popularity of such a plan is not known (August 2008). It can thus be realized that the Regent Park in Toronto, being encountered with several social and environmental problems related with the housing and facilities, have focused on the need for sustainable development and considered the above mentioned measures for improving the states of condition. In order to achieve sustainable development in the region, it is essential that social and cultural processes are maintained. Equity between different generations needs to be achieved. Sustainable development proves essential for both the environment as well as the economy of the region. In other words, measures have been and are necessary to protect the environment, thereby protecting the society and the economy. Since the individuals living in the housing were facing problems due to lack of any necessary facilities thus the plan for revitalization had to be considered (Mazilu and Giurgea 2011). In other words, sustainable development in the form of transformation has been focused in Regent Park in the city of Toronto that can be expected to improve the environmental and living conditions in the area. Conclusion: From the above study, it could be obtained that sustainable development has taken a significant place of importance in different countries and cities across the world, particularly with the increasing need to sustain the conditions of the environment for quality living and the available sources and facilities. While the concept has been into existence since a long time, the focus has been placed more in the recent years where different countries are effectively trying to develop new plans for sustainable development. As the case of Regent Park in Toronto has been considered for the study, it could be obtained that although one of the largest housing projects was developed in the 1950s in Canada, yet the sustainability of the housing could not have been achieved if the plan for revitalization was not considered. As obtained from the study, the reasons for such a situation have been associated with the failure of the housing to provide its residents with the necessary facilities and resources for quality living and a security system that could protect and prevent them from crimes. This being the condition of the housing for a significantly long period of time, the city realized the need for sustainable development and the plan for revitalization has been implemented which can be expected to improve and sustain the living conditions in the area, with all necessary facilities and resources being offered to the public, along with security measures being in place as well. However, the measures need to be considered carefully taking into consideration all negative aspects as well, such as the effectiveness of implementing social mix in the plan, such that the new plan can prove to be successful achieving sustainable development for Regent Park in the city of Toronto. References About the Regent Park revitalization (2013) Torontohousing. [Online]. Available at: http://www.torontohousing.ca/about_regent_park_revitalization#why [Accessed 25 July 2013]. August, M. (2008) Social mix and Canadian public housing redevelopment: experiences in Toronto. Canadian Journal of Urban Research, 17.1, p.82. Bath Spa University (n.d.) A Brief History of Sustainable Development. Ssmbathspa. [Online]. Available at: http://www.ssmbathspa.com/uploads/abriefhistoryofsustainabledevelopment.pdf [Accessed 24 July 2013]. Ghetto Be Gone – The Revitalization of Regent Park (2011) Youtube. [Online]. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2XmzZWlbdU [Accessed 25 July 2013]. Harrison, N.E. (2000) Constructing Sustainable Development (Google eBook). New York: SUNY Press. James, R.K. (2010) From ‘slum clearance’ to ‘revitalisation’: planning, expertise and moral regulation in Toronto’s Regent Park. Planning Perspectives, 25.1, pp.69-86. Mazilu, M. and D. Giurgea (2011) Contradictions Between the Human Development and the Necessity of Implementing the Sustainable Development Principles. Present Environment and Sustainable Development, 5.2, pp.241-254. My Regent Park (2013) Publicsafety. [Online]. Available at: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/prg/cp/ythgng/cpa20-mrp-eng.aspx [Accessed 25 July 2013]. Myths of Regent Park (2007) Youtube. [Online]. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW2mmTJBT3M [Accessed 25 July 2013]. Purvis, M. and A. Grainger (2013) Exploring Sustainable Development: Geographical Perspectives. London: Routledge. Regent Park Life (n.d.) Torontopolice. [Online]. Available at: http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/d51/20130624-d51_community_bulletin.pdf [Accessed 25 July 2013]. Regent Park Revitalization (2013). Torontohousing. [Online]. Available at: http://www.torontohousing.ca/regentpark [Accessed 25 July 2013]. Satterthwaite, D. (1997) Sustainable Cities or Cities that Contribute to Sustainable Development? Urban Studies, 34.10, pp.1667-1691. Siemiatycki, M. and E. Isin (1997) Immigration, Diversity and Urban Citizenship in Toronto. Canadian Journal of Regional Science, 20.12, pp.73-102. Toronto Community Housing (2007) Regent Park Social Development Plan. Toronto. [Online]. Available at: http://www.toronto.ca/revitalization/regent_park/pdf/regentpark_sdp-part1_sept_16.pdf [Accessed 25 July 2013]. Toronto Energy Efficiency Office (2007) Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan: Moving From Framework to Action. Toronto. [Online]. Available at: http://www.toronto.ca/changeisintheair/pdf/clean_air_action_plan.pdf [Accessed 24 July 2013]. Read More