Renovate Your Neighbourhood by iwbTO

World House Project Year 3

Renovate Your Neighbourhood A catalogue of inspirations

Prepared by the Institute without Boundaries in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Canada and Evergreen 1

Sometime in the future…

Dear Neighbour, This evening, I look out from my front porch and am so happy that I can call this place my home. The streets are lined with trees, flowerbeds, beautiful houses and bicycle paths. From here, I can see children volunteering with their grandparents in the park’s greenhouse, and I realize that when I first started planning our community gardening program, I could never have imagined the gratification that it would bring. Earlier today, we enjoyed a delicious feast of homemade bread, tomato soup and fresh strawberries, all grown and prepared by local school children. I swear my taste buds started to sing! What a wonderful pleasure it is to share a meal with neighbours. We were the first in our area to start this gardening program, and I’m so glad to see that the idea has spread. The city gardens now form a ring that can be followed by a path, which I bike on regularly.

Today I also spent some time in the fashion studio at the plaza, fitting a woman for a jacket. This is another part of the neighbourhood that I was involved in planning, which was truly a unique experience. The plaza had been a paved wasteland at the time, so we connected the owner with Habitat for Humanity, and they soon decided to replace the convenience and department stores with new, prefabricated townhouses. Most of the neighbourhood came to the ‘house raising,’ which was how we started to get to know each other. I wasn’t aware that my neighbour two doors down was a bike mechanic, but now he helps me change my tires and I help him keep his old piano tuned! Once the townhouses were up, more small shops began to move into the plaza – which was great for the owner and for us. Now we find ourselves living within walking distance from a great mall that has everything that we need – including a dentist office and a library. Plus, I can walk to work, so I have enough spare time to read in the park on evenings.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention: we added a patio and benches in the plaza parking lot, where we now host events like lunchtime concerts and Friday movies.

neighbours with whom I could create a beautiful place in which all of us can enjoy our lives. It is amazing how much we have accomplished together over the years.

Of course, we couldn’t have accomplished any of this if the bank hadn’t provided a loan for these start-up projects and programs.

Now it’s getting dark and it’s just about time to head inside for a bedtime story with the grandchildren, and then a sip of our locally brewed wine. I hope this news finds you well.

I feel that we have almost achieved the renowned Cradle to Cradle vision − at least in our own small part of the city, and in our own unique way. Nothing ever goes to waste here. We are always repairing and repurposing old household goods. Just yesterday, the school used my mailbox to make a bird house!

Yours Truly, Agnes Smith

Anyway, I wanted to share this story with you to show that anything is possible, if you can dream it. Looking back, I can confidently say that I have been fortunate in my life. I have had the luck of finding myself surrounded by great 5

You are here.

Together, you and your neighbours form a critical mass with the capacity, resources, decision making power, and people to implement change.

Why not think about your neighbourhood as: An untapped resource A collective responsibility An unlimited possibility A place for positive action

“Neighbourhoods are what makes this city great.” Toronto Mayor David Miller’s Inaugural address, 2003

How do I use this catalogue? What is it?

Why a Catalogue?

The Renovate Your Neighbourhood catalogue is a tool that helps citizens like you partner with established notfor-profit groups like Evergreen and Habitat for Humanity to revitalize your neighbourhood.

There are a number of issues that threaten the stability of suburban environments. These include: the cost of housing, climate change, the need to replace aging infrastructure, rising community apathy, and access to resources like food, energy and services. Through 12 projects that scale from small to large, this catalogue serves as a comprehensive collection of projects that you can do.

get inspired It provides feasible ideas for neighbourhood revitalization.

get started It shows how to evaluate your neighbourhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and priorities.

go do it! It demonstrates how to design and implement your own projects.

1 Evaluate

As an individual or together with your neighbours, evaluate your neighbourhood using the community checklist that is provided in this catalogue.

2 Select a Project

Based on the needs of your neighbourhood, select a project from the options presented in this catalogue (see pages 14–175). You can start anywhere, and if you don’t see something you like, design your own initiative.

Do the Project

Using the considerations, tools and tips provided, implement your project (see pages 176–191).

Tell everyone about your project. Add your project to the online catalogue: re_neighbourhood.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.â&#x20AC;? Margaret Mead, Anthropologist 10

1 Evaluate The Community Checklist Go take a walk around your neighbourhood. Pay attention to things that you think seem out of place, or need attention. Take pictures of those places, if you can, and share them with us on the re_neighbourhood.com website. Use the checklist on the following page to determine your neighbourhood’s strengths and weaknesses. The checklist should help you choose one of the projects in this catalogue or inspire you to create your own.

If you’d like to see examples of how we evaluated a neighbourhood, turn to pages 17, 61, 107 and 153. We’ve used the Broadlands area in Don Mills, Toronto, as a case study, but it could be your neighbourhood too! Built in the 1950s, Broadlands was one of the first planned neighbourhoods in Toronto and includes four types of developments which we have selected for our Catalogue of Community Projects: house, mall, school, and park.

Once you’ve evaluated your neighbourhood, you should have a better idea of where to begin renovation.

Community Checklist The following checklist was created by synthesizing 13 different rating systems and criteria1 to evaluate cities and livability. The goal is to create balanced neighbourhoods: places people would be proud to live. The three categories (Social, Green and Diverse) are from the commonly used “triple bottom line” approach1 traditionally applied to business. There are many ways to check off all the boxes in your neighbourhood. We’ve created a dozen projects to help you get started…

Social: Community Gathering & Involvement Does your neighbourhood have: Public spaces that are: Welcoming to people of all ages and abilities Peaceful Active Safe Used at night and on weekends Used for sport and recreation Used for commercial purposes Public spaces that provide: Facilities such as seating and bathrooms Clear signage and wayfinding Access to information and local media Opportunities to express creativity

Green: Healthy Living & Environments

Diverse: Value & Options

Does your neighbourhood have: Clean streets Trees and greenery Older buildings and heritage places Ways to reduce the impact of and reliance on cars Networks of bicycle paths and facilities Access to daily necessities within walking distance Access to food and places to grow food Access to renewable energy sources Architecture and landscaping that respond to environmental conditions Opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle Outlets for environmental education Environmentally responsible industries

Does your community offer: Housing and services that are accessible Affordable rents, land sales and housing Diverse types of houses and buildings Mixed-use buildings (live, work, play) Ways to minimize household costs Free community events and spaces Places of employment Access to schools Access to medical services

2 Select a Project Every Neighbourhood is Made up of Similar Parts Here are 12 projects to help you renovate four spaces you would find in your neighbourhood. Which space in your neighbourhood needs your help?

Re:novate the House p 14

Re:purpose the Mall p 58

Housing improvements for affordability and diversity.

Vibrant, active, mixed-use centres.

ReFresh

p 24

Event Lots

p 68

ReFill

p 32

M Green Lots

p 74

ReFab

p 38

p 80

Mixed Lots

Re:juvenate the School p 104

Re:vitalize the Park p 150

Gardens that educate the whole community about healthy living.

Landscaping and events that encourage more park time for more people.

GrowKit

p.114

Play Time

p 160

GrowShed

p.124

Make Time

p 170

GrowShare

p.136

Munch Time

p 180

16 Re:House

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get together and re:novate our homes! 17

18 Re:House

Community Checklist Does this street have...

Social Spaces that are welcoming to people of all ages and abilities

Green Access to renewable energy sources Architecture and landscaping that respond to environmental conditions Opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle

Diverse Housing and services accessible to all people Affordable rents, land sales and housing Diverse types of houses and buildings Mixed-use buildings (live, work, play) Ways to minimize household costs

Why house? Housing Dominates Urban Space Almost 他 of land in the City of Toronto is dedicated to residential communities and green space.1 Cities can be understood as a dense downtown centre of activity with an outer ring of lowerdensity residential suburbs.

20 Re:House

density

At the end of World War II, there was a dramatic increase in the need for affordable housing, and the result across Canada and the US was the adoption of a suburban model of development that spread from city edges into forest and agricultural lands.

The suburbs are often characterized as a collection of supporting services (shops, schools, parks) and low-density detached houses on large, sprawling lots. This pattern has become ingrained in our modern culture and continues to influence new subdivisions today.

Housing Needs Change with People’s Needs The current suburban housing model is being impacted by: 1 Increased cost of housing. The commonly accepted measure of affordability is that annual mortgage repayments or rent should not exceed 30% of annual income. 2 According to this definition, in Ward 34 (Don Mills), 46.3% of renters and 24.2% of owners are not living affordably. 3

suburban sprawl

2 Growing population and land availability. The Ontario Greenbelt Alliance predicts that by 2020, southern Ontario will be the “third largest urban region in North America behind only New York and Los Angeles.” 4 3 Aging population. The City of Toronto Census reports suggest that there will be an increase in the senior population in Toronto of 42% by 2031. 5

4 Smaller households. Less then a ¼ of all households today consist of the traditional “nuclear” family of 2 parents and their children . 6 Changing lifestyles means large homes are less relevant. 5 Unsustainable travel times. The growing suburban population reinforces car dependency and long commutes.

WRONG WAY GO BACK

Affordable Homes are Sustainable Homes

Rethinking Density Reshapes Cities

“The cost of adequate shelter should not exceed 30% of household income. Housing which costs less than this is considered affordable.” 7 This common definition of “affordable” speaks only of “having the financial means to do something or buy something.” 8 What it does not consider is how much it costs in social, health and financial terms, or the cost to the earth over the long-term.

Zoning and density controls on new development are key ways that cities manage growth. Residential density is usually measured as the number of dwelling units, and population density is based on the number of people in a given area. As seen on this map, areas of population lower than 4,500 people/km2 (approximately 7 dwelling units/acre) are prime areas to increase density.

22 Re:House

Increasing Density and Redesigning Housing models can: 9 Lead to savings in land, infrastructure and energy Improve accessibility in a neighbourhood Help concentrate knowledge and innovation Add visual assets to the community through unique housing designs Help reduce demands for new building on outer-city green spaces Help to cut runoff from vehicles and emissions to the air and atmosphere by reducing commuting Promote social connectedness Extend the life of existing properties

Opportunities for Increasing Density in Toronto

Persons per square km per census tract: 71,550

Kilometers

31,001 - 43,000 17,001 - 31,000 9,001 - 17,000 4,501 - 9,000 87 - 4,500 Total Population for Toronto csd = 2,481,484

Adapted From: Sources: Statistics Canada, 2001: dmti Spatial 2002 Map prepared by: Brock University Map Library, 2003 23

start small

Imagine if your neighbours came together to repair their homesâ&#x20AC;Ś 24 Re:House

Renovate the House This project deals with affordable housing by addressing issues such as improvements to homes, gardens, and suburban residential lots, allowing people to stay in their homes longer. This project also looks at how neighbourhoods can be infilled through subdivision which provides for additional housing, income from redevelopment, and increased density that is compatible with the existing neighbourhood.

ReFresh

ReFill

ReFab

Use community resources to improve the streetscape through home and garden renovations.

Join forces with your neighbour to subdivide your corner lot and make space for a new family.

Build unique, modular homes that

can fit in a neighbourhood, and infill surplus lots.

See also: Re:House

Event lots Turn your parking lot into a community event space â&#x20AC;&#x153;Typically, the area devoted to parking takes up to 65% of the land area of the (shopping) development parcel.â&#x20AC;?5 Developers build parking lots to accommodate shoppers on the busiest holiday shopping days of the year.6 Most of the time they are half empty. Parking lots can serve as public squares for community gathering, with minimal infrastructural change.

70 Re:Mall

Holding temporary events in car parks can increase activity and change the atmosphere and culture of underutilized spaces. Public events can be staged seasonally, on weekends, and during business hours. They provide opportunities to promote and involve community groups and shopping mall tenants.

S Things You Could Do With All That Space: Apply to host event with Habitat for Humanity and Evergreen.

Theatrical Performances 72 Re:Mall

A Skatepark or Hockey Field

Potluck Dinners

Farmers Markets

Musical Performances

get started

City of Toronto Required Permitsâ&#x20AC;&#x160;7 (depending on size and type of event)

Things to Consider in Parking Lot Event Planning: Who? Build on your existing and new strategic partners (groups, sponsors, community ) Make it accessible for your target audience: seniors, children, families What? Establish clear event theming and objectives to help target your audience When? Minimize conflicts of use (hold events on weekends, low traffic times, and at night)

Where? Choose open areas Consider shade and weather protection How? Minimize costs with grants, sponsors, donations Organize volunteers Consider how to move and store equipment Plan for waste and recycling Promote the event and invite media Obtain City of Toronto licences Encourage alternative forms of transportation

Sale of alcohol Emergency medical services Noise exemption Events in city parks Police services Fire services Food vending Road closures

S Choose an event to plan

You + your neighbours contact Evergreen

Do fundraising based on Event Budget. Need help? Ask your Advisor

Get materials and organize entertainment

Ask your neighbours what kind of event they would like to have

1 1

Vision and Research

Provide an Advisor to support the neighbours

Invite the local Mall Owner to a planning meeting

74 Re:Mall

Invite your neighbours to a planning meeting

action plan meeting(s)

Design and Plan

Help neighbours decide on roles, budget, steps and materials required Act as a liaison with the City to get licensing and permits for larger events and events with food

go do it !

Invite your neighbours to the big event

Document your success

Ask your Habitat Advisor to find Evergreen and Habitat for Humanity volunteers to assist with your event

event

Implement

Share the results of your project with others on the Renovate Your Neighbourhood website for a chance to win the “Neighbourhood Event of the Year” Award

enter the competition

Benefits:

Get to know your neighbours and discover new uses for the mall parking lot

Distribute the Renovate Your Neighbourhood catalogue here

Green Lots Turn your parking lot into a landscaped park Parking lot design is mostly focused on cars, not the people who have to walk through them. Parking lots typically cover a large proportion of a mall site and impact negatively on the appearance of streets. Landscaping is a key urban element that can improve appearance, create comfortable and pleasant experiences, and separate spaces for safe community gathering.

76 Re:Mall

Landscaping also helps improve the natural environment. Parking lots accumulate many pollutants — oil, grease, heavy metals and sediments — that cannot be absorbed because of asphalt surfaces.8 Parking lots also absorb heat from the sun, and make urban areas typically 2 to 5 degrees hotter than the surrounding countryside. 9 This is known as ‘urban heat island effect’ and can be significantly reduced by removing paved surfaces.

M Park Design Features

Trees and plants Landscaped areas (at the Broadlands mall, 2770m2 of new landscape area, equals a 9% reduction in asphalt surfaces) New footpaths Bike parking and bike share Public transit stops Shared area that can be closed to cars and give pedestrians priority for events New and existing parking space (sets framework for Re:Mall Large) Permeable paving surfaces (event space) Swales (landscaped depressions that collect water run off)

78 Re:Mall

4 6 3

2 5

get started

Design Guidelines Based on the City of Toronto’s Design Guidelines for Greening Surface Parking Lots, 10 landscape design should consider the following:

Benefits

1 Using trees and plants

5 Managing stormwater on-site

Local plants should be selected. (Refer to Evergreen’s Resources) Use trees to define and shade paths

2 Providing good quality soil 3 Creating generous landscaped areas

Provide community garden opportunities if possible (See Re:School) Include elements of community public art

4 Enhancing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure

New footpaths are important connections Bike parking, bike share and bike paths support cyclists Paths should integrate with public transit stops Shared areas can be closed to cars and give pedestrians priority for community events Landscaping should respect the function of existing parking spaces (sets framework for Re:Mall Large)

Plant selection should limit the need for irrigation Permeable paving surfaces should be used Use of swales (landscaped depressions that collect water run off) Design should respect grading and slope Rainwater collection may be incorporated Public spaces can be uses as snow storage

6 Reducing the urban heat island effect

Use light colour surfaces in paved areas

New green space reduces asphalt surfaces

7 Using sustainable materials and technologies (especially in paving, furniture, and lighting)

Unlike other neighbourhood parks, public spaces in malls have the unique opportunity to be supported by busy commercial uses. New landscaping in malls creates: More amenities for staff and customers Better paths for walking and a safer, more pleasant experience for pedestrians Increased rents because of improved ammenities Reduced parking lot maintenance costs Formal areas for regular community gathering less reliance on cars All landscape areas create a long term framework for pedestrian connections and development (see Re:Mall Large). 79

M Put up posters at the mall inviting your patrons to help design the new park at a design charette

Apply to the City for building permits and approvals. Need help? Ask your Advisor

Donate car parking spaces in your mall Mall Owner contacts Evergreen

design charette

1 1 Provide an Advisor to support the Mall Owner

Facilitate a design charette to generate ideas for the new green space Complete a site analysis of the Mall parking lot

80 Re:Mall

Design and Plan

meeting(s)

Bring in Designers to help refine park design, complete a budget

Implement Donate materials from the ReStore or GreenStore

go do it!

Host a fundraiser at the Mall (discounts at shops? BBQ?)

fundraiser at the mall

Invite your patrons to help build the new park

Document your success

Ask your Habitat Advisor to find Evergreen and Habitat for Humanity volunteers to assist with your build

build

Share the results of your project with others on the Renovate Your Neighbourhood website for a chance to win the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most Beautiful Mall Parking Lotâ&#x20AC;? Award

enter the competition

Benefits:

Meet new clientele for your mall, generate more revenue, provide a better shopping experience and work environment

Distribute the Renovate Your Neighbourhood catalogue here

Mixed Lots Turn your inner suburban mall into a vibrant community hub The separation of land uses has greatly Add residential uses through shaped our cities, but our lives are fundamentally ‘mixed-use.’ Parking lots in suburban malls are typically not vibrant places as they do not provide multiple uses and reasons to stroll, stay and enjoy.

82 Re:Mall

The Official Plan for Toronto shows policy

partnerships, new construction intent to support “Mixed-use areas that willand policy changes. balance high quality commercial, residential, institutional and open space use that reduces automobile dependency and meets the need of the local community.” 11 Malls are ripe for mixed-use redevelopment to increase activity and density. They offer sites that are often uncontaminated, can maximize existing infrastructure (road, water, electricity, transit), and allow development costs to be spread to include a fuller mix of uses. 12

Mixed-Use Concept Area that can be closed to cars for events Formal green space and pedestrian area Key connections New mixed-use building Integrated development opportunities off site

84 Re:Mall

get started Zoning Considerations Though the current North York zoning bylaw designates suburban shopping malls as “Mixed-Use Area” (Commercial 2 – Bylaw 31736),12 it is inconsistent with the Mixed-Use Area Policy of the City of Toronto Official Plan. It should be revised to accommodate a wider range of uses. A planning application would be required for the redevelopment of parking lots. Habitat for Humanity have the knowledge to guide this process. In addition to the application requirements (See Re:House Medium) other possible requirements include: 13

Urban Design Principles Section 37 Community Benefits Report if seeking a significant increase in height or density Computer-generated building massing model Loading study if the proposal is seeking to amend existing City by-law loading standards Parking Study if the proposal is seeking to amend existing City by-law parking standards Housing Issues Report if seeking to demolish existing rental residential properties, intensify existing rental sites, convert existing rental housing to condominiums for proposing a residential development in excess of five hectares

To develop a mixed-use mall, the Congress of New Urbanism’s “Greyfields to Goldfields” 14 sets the following urban design guidelines. Each principle is described in further detail on the following pages. 1 Mixed-income housing 2 Different land uses (includes housing and employment) 3 Better parking and transit 4 Public spaces 5Walkability 6 Buildings that integrate with the neighbourhood

L Principle 1 Mixed-Income Housing Through Partnership

Policy

The Partnership

Mixed income housing makes for a more diverse and inclusive community. Shopping mall developers have the opportunity to partner with Habitat for Humanity to achieve new affordable housing units in exchange for additional development. Both would enter a partnership agreement where planning, design, funding and construction of phased buildings would be shared.

Section 37 of the Planning Act permits developers16 to increase height and density beyond the allowances of the bylaw if additional community benefits are provided. This could apply to: affordable housing, community facilities, transit improvements and parks. Habitat for Humanity, Evergreen and all other groups should maximize this policy with strategic partnerships.

Habitat for Humanity contributes:

Where Habitat for Humanity partners with developers, and the volunteers do not help in construction, sweat equity can be transferred to other community projects in this book. 86 Re:Mall

Affordable housing Community benefits Finance (via discounts and donated labour and materials) Construction Volunteers

Mall owner contributes: Land value Commercial uses Finance Construction

get started

15units

ReFab

16units

Application of modular ReFab housing can create 119 dwelling units in the Donwood mall in Broadlands. At approximately 100m2, the units created can range from one bedroom to three bedroom units. The arrangement of units and buildings was based on:

24 units

16 units

Maximizing solar orientation (facing south) Allowing natural light and ventilation Creating opportunities for balconies and windows to overlook public space for safety

28 units

12units

(See also: Re:House) 87

L Principle 2 Different Land Uses Integrated mixed-use includes places for people to shop, live, work and play. Mixed-use can be vertical in a building or horizontal across a whole site. Ground floor commercial uses are important to activate and support the streets and public spaces.

key Mixed-use adds to population density, supporting services like public transportation. Mixed-use gives more diverse opportunities for developers and makes for more interesting community places.

Proposed Land Use

Area (m2)

Residential

15,530 (119 units)

Commercial

10,930

Community

2,000

Green Space (ground and roof)

10,755

*Existing Commercial 7000m2

88 Re:Mall

get started Royal Doulton Dr Royal Doulton Dr (existing) (existing)

The Mall The Mall (proposed) (proposed)

Gas Station Gas Station (future) (future)

Broadlands Blvd Broadlands Blvd (existing) (existing)

before: single use

after: mixed-use

L Principle 3 Better Parking and Transit The visual dominance of and dependency on cars should be minimized by reducing the number of parking spaces and reintroducing streets into the parking lot. Changing the parking layout to prioritize people is a subtle step toward changing the car culture, while still providing adequate parking.

90 Re:Mall

Urban design that re-introduces street parking can provide the required number of spaces in addition to new landscape opportunities in footpaths, between parking spaces, and in medians. This leads to better pedestrian paths, public spaces and stormwater management. Surface parking is preferable to reduce developer construction costs (an estimated $29,000 per space for a structured garage versus $2,000 per surface parking space).â&#x20AC;&#x160;17

get started Landscape on footpath (swale)

Landscape on footpath

Typical street section (near park) Landscape on footpath

Typical street section (south entry)

Existing parking is separate from pedestrian space Landscape in middle (swale)

Landscape in-between parking spaces

Street parking supports pedestrian space 91

Parking Design 163 Parking Spaces in street parking layout 10 Car Share Spaces (for residential) 3 Short Term Spaces Public Transit 60 Bike Parking/ Bike Share spaces Shared People Space can be closed to cars in events Street Landscaping landscaping in between every 6 car parking spaces Access for servicing and emergency vehicles Access for emergency vehicles

92 Re:Mall

get started

Reducing Parking Spaces City policies require parking in new developments, however these policies should evolve with changing demands. Reduction in parking can be justified through shifts to other travel modes – public transit, biking, walking, and car sharing. Increased density and mixeduses also reduce the need for people to travel, while population increases help to justify transit improvements. Currently the Broadlands mall has 250 spaces. Under today’s bylaws, the mixeduse development would require 438 spaces (1 space per 28m2 for commercial use and 1.75 space per dwelling unit). 18

However, parking could be reduced by 40% to 163 spaces while still meeting the needs of the mall, its customers and residents. This can be achieved through:

Car Share

Public Transit

1 car share = 10 less required spaces

Reductions for Affordable Housing

Good transit reduces demands on parking by 20–25% 21

1.75 spaces per dwelling can be reduced to 0.75 spaces per affordable dwelling 20

Bike Parking and Bike Share

Short Term Parking

Sharing Space

Higher turn over of space 3 spaces = 8 less required spaces

163 spaces for commercial uses can be shared with residential uses at night

5 bikes = 1 less required space 22

L Principle 4 Public Spaces Ground level public spaces (see Green Lots) create a framework to connect buildings, people and public spaces.

Percentage of Site Cover existing 70% for cars

Roofs offer additional green spaces to be used by residents or the public, for irrigation with recycled water, rainwater management, landscaping, and community farming. (See also: Re:School)

30% for people

mixed-use 70% for people 30% for cars

94 Re:Mall

get started

Types of Public Spaces 1 Ground Parks

2 3

(Refer to Green Lots) Supports key pedestrian connections Approximately 4780m2 of pedestrian priority space (includes Shared People Space)

2 Shared People Space

Can be closed to cars for events

3 Roof Parks

Public green roofs Landscaped and designed for integrated water management (collection and recycling) Approximately 14225m2

L Principle 5 Walkability Reestablishing street patterns helps make pedestrian connections to key community destinations (parks, schools, churches, etc.). The new connections guide the placement of street parking, public spaces and new buildings. The building forms and ground floor uses (commercial and community) provide active busy spaces that create interest and visual safety for pedestrian paths.

96 Re:Mall

get started

Roof Green Space

Pathways Existing Paths Existing shortcuts New Paths Parks and Shared Spaces Areas can be closed to cars to create pedestrian environments Active Edges Ground floor commercial and community uses help make busy pedestrian environments

Residential Use Principle 6 Commerial Buildings thatandIntegrate Green Space Community Use with the Neighbourhood

New buildings should take cuesAFTER from - Mixed Use the existing architecture. Four-storey buildings are an appropriate height when they already exist in the neighbourhood. Buildings should be set back to respect over shadowing and privacy. Lower buildings on the edges of the site respect the surrounding lower-storey neighbourhood.

New 3 storey buildings on edge of site to transition to lower bungalow houses

New 4 storey buildings consistent with existing 4 storey buildings

L The Trading Game

Habitat for Humanity

Community Member

City Council

TRUCTIONS TO PLAY

me can be played for fun or for real, as a way to start conversations esign princples at a workshop. See the Catalogue for more detail

l l

Roll the dice, and take turns to move through the design process. GREYQuick Pick Trips up 1 grey trading card when you Big Business Quicka Trips land on grey square. These cards relate to bad existing mall design principles. Avoid these cards Big Business

12 GREY and 20 GREEN CARDS - PRINT 1 SET PER PLAYER

Shared Space

12 GREY and 20 GREEN CARDS - PRINT 1 SET PER PLAYER

Mixed Use Policy Mixed Use Policy

Shared Pick Space GREEN up 1 green trading card when you land on a green square. These cards relate to good mixed use mall design principles. Collect as many as possible.

When you land on a ‘trade’ square, give a grey card to the player on your right. Take a green card from any other player

Y Slide down weeds. They represent delays and project constraints

CLIMB UP Climb up ladders. They represent collaborative design work, and successful partnerships

loss of funding

waiting advice

policy change Royal Doulton Dr (existing)

s, 20

ie dar oun

Start

even if they do not reach the mall first)

wait materials

no agreement

eep playing until someone reaches the end

Player with the most green trading cards

WINS!!

no renters

h Trin Yen

l.com tmai

stitu - In

@ho

ngen

- ye

ut B witho

In Re:Mall Habitat for Humanity can help you in the development process. PHASE 1. Vision and Research Phase. Get together with your neighbours and create a draft plan

98 Re:Mall

PHASE 2. Design and Plan Phase. Get together with technical advisors to finalise details and plans. Let’s look at parking, use, buildings, paths, services and budget

are project stakeholders

weather

reject permit

PHASE 4. Celebrate in an opening event. Evaluate and share your success stories. Inspire other people to do more action

UIRES 2 to 4 PLAYERS

ess 2-sided cards describe design principlesBusin DELAY DELAY Big DELAY TRADE and issues: 99 98 97 95 94 93 91 92 100 rey Sto w DELAY TRADE TRADE Lo Malls are a result of, and also further Mall building further Big business dominance in shopIn response to changingSo lifestyles, 90Mall buildings are 1-2 storeys, and of cause car dependency. much so, simple const 83 86 87Malls are a result 88 of, and also89 8 81 s cause car dependency. So much so, simple construction. ping has changed the role of indemallsize became madeoffor convenience p the hierarchy malls and roads i r for closely quick inlinked. and out trips. They do the size hierarchy of malls and roads pendent stores and local products T are The building r are closely linked. The buildings and anda produce. not give people multiple uses and icsitekhave opC portunities fo nt portunities reasons tomalls stroll,(on stay androads) enjoy. e Qforuincrease activity and TRADE TRADE Suburban local building effic d n local stores and produce Suburban malls How 80 79 78 77 76 75 73 (on local roads) 72 71building efficiencies. ecan District malls (on arterial roads) p e District malls (on arterial roads) be added? Malls are where the community s D Regional malls (at intersection of How can we s e cross paths and but with no road) place to Regional malls (at intersectioniof How can we build on top of the mall? n expressway arterial TRADE DELAY DELAY expressway and arterial road) gather and sit. (at intersection of us TRADE Super-regional B Super-regional (at igintersection69of expressways) 70 61 64 66 67expressways)B What will make people spend more time can at malls? How we change the car culture y How can we change the car culture e of malls? r o of malls? DELAY TRADE t S w 55 59 57 60 58 56 Lo 54 53 52 51 ial ER LAY ent TRADE TRADE RP d E i P ar 44nt SET Res n Top T1 50 42 43C 46 48 49 47 41 RIN de S-P Ouses are e n RD A c Ground floor commercial Residential u e C BEFORE - Sin Ground floor commercial uses are Residential uses help increase The Official Shared space allows for to paPlan for Toronto shows e important EEN to activate andcars support population a Sintent Dep GR BEFORE - Single Use TRADE TRADE TRADE v d important to activate and support population and nprovide policy to support “MixedtUse move around on mostspaces. days but i d 20 activity e the streets and public 24hr a day s a r EY the streets and public spaces. that will balance high Acquality Useaccess is design to allow it to easily GR 3124hr 1a2day 37 35 32 36 33 38 34 Sha Areas commercial, residential, institution-d closed for events n u al and open space use thato reduces Grand meets automobile dependency Use TRADE TRADE the need of the local community” d xe y 29 27 30i 21 23 24 25 26 28 22 M ic Mixed use gives more diverse Green Pol opportunities for developers Trading Cards and makes for more interesting l DELAY TRADE TRADE TRADE a i t community places. n e d 20 12 11 19 18 17 16 15 14 si 13 AFTER - Mix AFTER - Mixed Use Re n Top O TRADE e 6 9 3 4 5 iv 7 10 1 2 8 Act Uses d un Gro PHASE 3. Implementation Phase. Gather resources, people, material and approvalss. Build the mall in multiple stages

he Mall

Mall

e:purpose

Trading Cards

Gas Station (future)

The Mall (proposed)

Green Space

Royal Doulton Dr (existing)

Broadlands Blvd (existing)

The Mall (proposed

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Roof Green Space Residential Use

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Green Space

Mixed Use Mall Design

Collect as many of these cards as possible

get started

Repurpose the Mall Game The Repurpose the Mall Game is a way to educate people on mixed-use malls. Play for fun, or play for real. The game and trading cards can be used to start conversations and to generate objectives and design considerations at a community workshop. Neighbourhoods can download the game from the website: re_neighbourhood.com

Collect the most green trading cards and get to the mixed-use mall. Redevelopment is a long process that can take many years. The winner is not necessarily the first to finish because higher quality development might take longer.

Requires 2 – 4 players Players are project stakeholders: a. Mall Owner b. Habitat for Humanity c. Community d. City Council (Print 1 set of cards per player)

To Play: 1. Roll a dice to get to the mixed-use mall. 2. Take turns to move through the design process. 3. Climb up ladders. They represent collaborative design work, partnerships and successful negotiations. 4. Slide down weeds. They represent project constraints and delays. 5. GREY: Pick up the grey trading cards relating to the existing mall design. 6. GREEN: Pick up the green trading cards relating to mixed-use mall design. 6. TRADE: Negotiate and swap grey for green trading cards with other players. 7. Player with the most green trading cards wins! 99

L Put up posters at the mall inviting your patrons to help design new uses for the mall

Apply to the city for re-zoning. Need help? Ask your Advisor

Donate rooftop space for new Habitat for Humanity homes Mall Owner contacts Habitat for Humanity

1 1 Provide an Advisor to support the Mall Owner

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design charette

Facilitate a design charette to generate ideas for new uses at the mall. Determine priorities for local residents

Design and Plan

meeting(s)

Implement Donate materials from the ReStore or GreenStore

Bring in designers to help refine a site plan and architectural plan for the mall. Complete a budget

go do it!

Apply to the City for building permits and approvals. Need help? Ask your Advisor Host a fundraiser at the Mall (discounts at shops? BBQ?)

fundraiser at the mall

Invite your patrons to help build additions to the mall

Document your success

Ask your Habitat Advisor to find Evergreen and Habitat for Humanity volunteers to assist with your build

build

Benefits:

Share the results of your project with others on the Renovate Your Neighbourhood website for a chance to win the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most Liveable Mallâ&#x20AC;? Award

enter the competition

Meet new clientele for your mall, generate more revenue, create new jobs in your neighbourhood

Distribute and promote the Renovate Your Neighbourhood catalogue here

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get inspired

Case Study: Shops at Don Mills The Don Mills Centre was initially constructed in 1954 as an open-air complex, but was covered in 1978. It was demolished in 2006 to make way for Cadillac Fairview's $200 million reconstruction project. The Shops at Don Mills (Phase 1) opened in April 2009, reverting to the mall's original orientation as a pedestrian-friendly outdoor plaza. Incorporating a 58,125 sq ft town square (and outdoor skating oval in the winter) intended to act as a centre for the community, the new mall embodies the original planning spirit of Don Mills in many ways. 23

The new Shops at Don Mills is a mixeduse development combining a diverse range of fashion stores, restaurants, offices and neighbourhood amenities with parks, hundreds of mature trees and extensive landscaping. The residential portion, to be developed in two phases (over seven years) by fram Building Group, will include 1,300 units (six building complexes) as well as a 41,000 sq ft public park. 24 A network of pedestrian pathways and private streets will link the retail and residential environments.

The Shops at Don Mills was eight years in the planning and three years in the making. It has been built in accordance with the City of Toronto's Green Development Guidelines and Cadillac Fairview's national sustainability program. There are 86 bike racks throughout the site, in both the four-level parking garage and on the streets. Retail space: 455,417 sq ft Office space: 65,067 sq ft Number of new retail units: 100 Planned residential units: 1,300 Total Project cost: $225m 25

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If we got together, our malls could be vibrant hubs for communities everywhere.

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106 Re:School

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s re:juvenate our schools! 107

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Community Checklist Does this school have...

Social Public spaces that are: Welcoming to people of all ages and abilities Active Public spaces that provide: Opportunities to express creativity

Green Access to food and places to grow food Opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle Outlets for environmental education

Diverse Free community events and spaces

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Why school?

70% of Our Kids Deserve Better

We All Need Food Food is a unique part of every culture and the foundation of daily interaction and sharing among family members. Nutritious food is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, affecting both mental and physical wellbeing throughout life. Schools are at the epicentre of neighbourhoods, and are influential to the growth of our children. Schools can become the environment in which Canadians learn and form good habits around healthy eating.

“The family meal is not only the core curriculum in the school of civilizing discourse; it is also a set of protocols that curb our natural savagery and our animal greed, and cultivate a capacity for sharing and thoughtfulness.” 1 Alice Waters, Chef, Author, and Advocate for sustainable agriculture

FARM FOOD

Canadian youth are experiencing higher rates of obesity and diabetes than ever before. Lack of access to healthy food, poor eating habits, and the inundation of fast food marketing has led to this disconcerting cultural and health phenomenon. Today, about one in four children are either overweight or obese, a drastic comparison to only 25 years ago. 2 In addition, it was reported by the Heart and Stroke Foundation in 2008 that 70% of Canadian children do not consume the minimum recommended servings

Food Security of vegetables and fruit as outlined by the Canada Food Guide. Research has found that among children, poor diets result in poorer cognitive, academic and psychosocial development. 3 It has been recognized by various organizations that nutritious food is the basis for healthy growth, and schools have made small steps toward addressing this issue. Preventing tomorrow’s diet-related health issues will require a wide spread focus on nutrition within our education system.

Food security is “a condition in which all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.” 4 The conditions of food security can be described by: availability, the sufficiency of food for all people at all times; accessibility, the physical and economic access to food for all at all times; acceptability, food that is culturally acceptable, dignified,

and respectful; adequacy, food that is nutritious and safe; and agency, the policies and processes that enable food security. 5 Food insecurity occurs all over the world and though Canada benefits from an abundance of fertile agricultural land, 1.1 million Canadians, or 9.2% of the population, remain food insecure. 6 We’re hungry!

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Suburban Security

A Time to Grow

A food desert is an area in the city where it is difficult or impossible to walk to a grocery store or supermarket. 7 Without local grocery stores, residents have little choice of fresh, nutritious, or affordable food options. Instead, they have to rely on high mark-up convenience stores or fastfood restaurants.

As Canada’s largest city, Toronto has a proportionately large food insecure population. While the growing season is limited in Southern Ontario, it remains “prime agricultural land,” 9 capable of growing a large quantity and variety of produce, meaning that Toronto should have sufficient food to feed its citizens. 10

Food deserts are typically seen in the poorest parts of the city, but research is beginning to show the existence of food deserts in inner-suburban areas. 8 This presents a number of health implications, including increased rates of diabetes and heart disease. Thought the case study community of Broadlands is not situated in a food desert, some residents may still consider themselves to be food insecure.

The Canada Food Guide recommends that youth consume five to ten servings of fruit and vegetables per day for the necessary vitamins and minerals essential to healthy growth. Using these guidelines, between 35% and 40% of a healthy diet can be grown in the Southern Ontario climate.

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With increased access to homegrown fruit and vegetables, higher consumption of vitamin-rich foods is possible with little cost to the consumer. For those families facing social and economic hardships, an affordable source of healthy, fresh food in a welcoming environment could be key to alleviating conditions of food insecurity. Together with increased access, more effective food and nutrition education is essential to the health and well-being of future Canadians. Local communities must take action toward this goal through education, policy, partnerships, community initiatives, urban agriculture, and the support of local farmers.

Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food Deserts and Diabetes Ratesâ&#x20AC;&#x160;11 restaurant and grocery store catchment areas food deserts high diabetes rates & few grocery stores high diabetes rates & many grocery stores 113

start small

Imagine your school as a catalyst for healthy eatingâ&#x20AC;Ś 114 Re:School

Renovate the School This project proposes an integrated local food network that begins with schools and extends into the community. It engages Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suburban youth through handson learning and introduces the garden as the classroom for nutrition education. These lessons will enrich various curricula and can positively impact whole communities through a cross-generational transfer of knowledge. These projects lead students, families, and communities through growing, cooking, and healthy eating. Through access and exposure to healthy food, together with the knowledge of preparation and nutritional benefits, students and their families gain the tools to make informed decisions about food.

GrowKit

GrowShed

GrowShare

A take-home gardening kit that introduces the idea of growing food at home.

A garden shed kit that can be used to start and care for a food garden.

A greenhouse kit for a central location in the community food network.

See also: Re:Park

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GrowKit A take-home gardening kit that introduces the idea of growing food at home Today’s food system has created a disconnect between the consumer and the farm. Because food is grown and shipped worldwide, the same produce is available all year long. The natural processes of growing and harvesting are often invisible and irrelevant in today’s grocery stores, as the consumer becomes accustomed to what is available on the shelves with little regard to where it was grown, produced, and packaged. A general sense of seasonality and sense of place associated with food has been lost.1 Reintroducing food gardening into homes is a way to reeducate and reconnect consumers to

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the natural processes of food production. Environmental education is especially powerful in elementary schools “not only enabling the student(s) to learn about solutions, but also involving him or her in actually working towards solutions.” 12 The GrowKit is easily made and implemented using Evergreen’s expertise in planting knowledge and presence in Toronto schools. The kits themselves can be purchased from Evergreen or assembled from parts at the ReStore/GreenStore. Lettuce sprouts growing in recycled egg cartons at the Institute without Boundaries studio in Toronto.

S What is a GrowKit? The GrowKit is a biodegradable, low-cost growing kit that teaches students how to care for an edible plant starting from a seed. The GrowKit engages students at an elementary school level and introduces the idea of urban agriculture through a simple and rewarding example. Paired with lesson plans that could address specific curriculum objectives, the GrowKit is an educational tool for science, biology, math, horticulture, natural system cycles, nutrition, ancient food varieties. It helps to teach patience, responsibility, and compassion.

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Lesson plans can be adapted from those listed on the Learning Grounds section of the Evergreen website (www. evergreen.ca) or be designed by teachers toward specific curriculum objectives. The GrowKit brings the lessons from the classroom to the home, engaging students together with their families.

intro

What Will I Need to Make My Own GrowKit? potting container (can be recycled or repurposed) water soil seeds knowledge of growing conditions

Things You Can row in Southern Ontario: 2 month harvest Cucumber Lettuces Herbs Zucchini Spinach

Seed packet can be repurposed as a tag to identify the plants

Compost supplied by Evergreenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GreenStore

3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4 month harvest

5 months or more

Tomatoes Asparagus Beans Carrots Okra Bok Choy Kale Collard Greens Beets

Trees: Cherry, Pear, Apple Gourds Pumpkins Potatoes Fruits

Biodegradable cups made from a vegetable-based plastic provide a convenient container that can be planted along with the seedling, breaking down within 45 days of being in the ground. 119

S Sample Lesson Plan: What is an Heirloom? 13 Grades 5 to 7

This activity introduces students to heirloom seed varieties. This lesson plan has been adapted from the Evergreen website. For more food gardening lesson plans, visit: http://www.evergreen.ca/en/lg/h-seeds.html

1 Ask the students to research as many varieties as possible for each of these vegetables: tomato, lettuce, bean. List responses on the board. 2 Compare the number of varieties listed by the students to the number of varieties known to grow in North America: Tomato: 5,500 varieties Lettuce: 1,000 varieties Bean: 5,200 varieties (Conservative estimates, based on the varieties known to the Seed Saver’s Exchange as of 2003).

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3 Where could all of these different varieties have come from? Explain to the students that most of these varieties are known as ‘heirloom vegetables.’ An ‘heirloom’ is something that has been kept in a family for many generations, and when people immigrated to Canada, many of them brought their heirlooms with them, including heirloom seeds to grow their family’s favourite plants. 4 Discuss why people would want to save their heirloom vegetable varieties. What might it be like if we didn’t have these heirloom varieties any more?

get started

Heirloom Vegetables Tennis Ball Lettuce: the colour and shape of the leaves resemble tennis balls. Tennis ball lettuces used to be pickled in salt brine during the 17th and 18th centuries. Moon and Stars Watermelon: the green skin of these watermelons are covered with small bright yellow “stars” and usually one large yellow “moon,” so that the pattern on the skin looks like a starry sky at night. Aunt Ruby’s German Green Tomato: the fruits of this variety of tomato never turn red, but are green when they are ripe and taste better than many red tomatoes.

Extensions Have students interview their parents or grandparents to find out what kinds of vegetables they ate as children. Are all of these foods still eaten today? Have students create their own heirloom seeds. Look at examples of seeds in catalogues or on seed packets, then create a seed packet for an original seed variety. Students could also make seed packets based on interviews with an older family member or from a presentation made by a guest speaker.

The GrowKits can be distributed or made so that every student plants a different kind of heirloom variety. The class can then discuss similarities and differences in appearance and taste.

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S The GrowKit Learning Schedule: Distributed in late winter/early spring, elementary school students will have the opportunity to learn in a fun, active, and tactile way. By taking the GrowKit home at the end of the school year, lessons learned in the classroom can be extended over the summer, promoting conversation, further learning, and interaction between family members. Continuation and follow-up with the next grade or class can reinforce the learning and measure of success of the program.

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Fall: Discuss which kinds of plants students will grow Learn which plants can and cannot be eaten Learn about the nutritional benefits of the plants to be grown Make and decorate pot that will be used to plant seeds or obtain GrowKit Early April: Plant and water seeds as a class Chart growth and discuss

June: Plants should be ready to transplant Students can take the GrowKits home for their own gardens or plant in the school food garden The following Fall: Review last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successes and what students were able to eat from what they grew

get started

key Schools GrowKits in the neighbourhood

This map shows the impact of the GrowKit if 30% of the homes in the Broadlands neighbourhood had children participating in the GrowKit project and planted seedlings in their garden

N 0

100

150m 123

S Invite parents to an open-house about food systems

Obtain funding from the school or through a student fundraiser

Monitor the plants on a daily basis with students

Design a lesson plan to go along with GrowKit Teacher contacts Evergreen

1 1 Provide an Advisor to support the School

Design and Plan

Purchase GrowKits from the GreenStore or create your own

open house

Provide support and authority to back up teacher in presenting food systems to parents

workshop #1

Implement

Host a workshop with students to introduce the GrowKit and issues about food

meeting(s) with specialists 124 Re:School

go do itâ&#x20AC;&#x160;!

Send plants home to be cared for over the summer months

workshop #2

Host a workshop to teach students how to transplant their growing vegetables

Host a harvest picnic at the school in the fall to enjoy the fresh vegetables with students and parents

harvest picnic

Document the students' success

Benefits:

Share the results of your project with others on the Renovate Your Neighbourhood website for a chance to win the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Little Farmersâ&#x20AC;? Award

enter the competition

Empower students to grow their own food and start to understand the complexities of our food system

Distribute the Renovate Your Neighbourhood catalogue here

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GrowShed A garden shed kit that can be used to start and care for a food garden A network between schools can foster community spirit, social interaction, and support of community projects. Creating a food garden in the front yards of schools identifies the school as the foundation of nutrition education in the community food network, promoting healthy eating and encouraging leadership, learning, social interaction, and urban agriculture. In addition to the social and cultural benefits of a food garden, the resulting fruit and vegetables can enrich and potentially influence the diets of Canadian youth.

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The GrowShed uses the pre-fabricated structure as seen in Re:Park Large. Fabricated by Habitat for Humanity and Evergreen, this shed can be purchased at the GreenStore, or built from found or recycled materials. Designed for both the school and the home, modifications allow for a wide range of users. Habitat for Humanity can consult and help build the shed as well as raised planting beds. Evergreen can offer planting expertise and learning experiences from the Home Grounds Program and Learning Grounds Program.

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Phase 1 GrowShed at School The GrowShed allows for communal planting and maintenance of food gardens at schools.

Phase 2 GrowShed at Home The GrowShed can also be purchased or built by residents who wish to create their own food garden at home or communally with their neighbours.

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M The GrowShed The GrowShed enables classes and families to plant a food garden in underutilized greenspaces. Students, teachers, parents, and families take communal ownership of a food garden and use it for education to foster schoolcommunity spirit, welcome new families and volunteers, promote cultural exchange and start a network of food gardens between schools. Offered at the GreenStore, the shed is appropriate to a wide range of groups and can be modified to meet specific needs. The GrowShed can be designed and built from repurposed materials.

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The Learning Network: What You Will Need Lesson plans based on age Continuation/follow-up plans with next grade/next class Volunteers to build, plant, and teach Year-round maintenance schedule Security Established rules for the garden area Management committee (made up of school community and neighbourhood leaders) Garden-based events to promote collaboration between schools and communities

The Shed: Tools to Build a Food Garden The POD building system prefabricated by Habitat for Humanity (see also: Re:Park) Prefabricated walls, floor and roof Raised beds constructed by Habitat for Humanity Child-size tools for digging Child-size tools for watering Pots Wheelbarrow Miscellaneous garden tools Compost or soil Water source (outdoor tap or rain harvest system â&#x20AC;&#x201C; site specific) Seeds that are easy to grow (with focus on spring and fall harvest) see: www.evergreen.ca

get started

wheelbarrow

shed

hand tools

large digging tools

tape measure

string miscellaneous tools

pots

watering tools 131

Shed Design

sloped roof

frame

rain barrel

wall panel

SHED: 8â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 8â&#x20AC;&#x2122; in-ground posts 132 Re:School

get started

rain barrel SHED ELEVATION: 8’ x 8’

DOOR OPTIONS

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M Learning Schedule 1 Create a garden committee to start the process of designing and building the garden. 2 Engage students in the design process as part of the learning process. 3 Set up a network of communication among community members for maintenance and care of the garden. Coordinate a watering and weeding schedule. 4 Prepare and develop the site with students, neighbourhood volunteers, and greening experts.

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Site Considerations 5 Plan lessons around garden activities and integrate with the curriculum. 6 Plant vegetables for a spring harvest (peas, radishes, lettuce). 7 Invite after-school and summer programs to participate in the garden. 8 Plan a harvest picnic at the end of the summer or the beginning of the school year. 9 Fall: review last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successes and what students were able to eat from what they grew. Grow the garden with community support.

Layout (access, flow of people) Sun intensity over seasons Grading/slope Rainwater: downspout redirection Security Irrigation: outdoor tap Plant selection and pairing (growing conditions) Safety Natural solutions to pest control Durability of materials and construction methods

get started key Schools GrowKits in the neighbourhood food garden catchment area of impact This map shows the impact of the GrowShed if the schools and some homes in the Broadlands neighbourhood participated and planted a food garden.

N 0

100

150m 135

M Invite parents and neighbours to learn about plans for a new garden

Invite students and neighbours to participate in fundraising for GrowShed

Get students and neighbours to start seedlings at home (in addition to GrowKits already started)

Use the momentum of the GrowKit project to begin Parent or Teacher contacts Evergreen

1 1

Purchase GrowShed from the GreenStore or create your own

Design and Plan

Provide an Advisor to support the neighbours

Do a site analysis of shared spaces in the community to determine the best place for the GrowShed

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open house

Provide support to plan resources required, choose a location, assign roles and set up a calendar and network for communication between participants

Implement

fundraiser

Provide volunteers and help with fundraiser

go do it!

Invite students and neighbours to help with planting

Maintain the garden based on pre-defined roles and schedule

Document the garden's success

build and plant

meeting(s) with specialists

Recruit Habitat for Humanity volunteers to help build raised beds and Evergreen volunteers to help select appropriate plants and demonstrate techniques

Host a harvest picnic in the fall

harvest picnic

Share the results of your project with others on the Renovate the Neighbourhood website for a chance to win the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most Creative Gardenâ&#x20AC;? Award

enter the competition

Benefits:

Extend the local food network into the community and share the benefits of fresh food with your neighbours

Distribute the Renovate Your Neighbourhood catalogue here

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GrowShare A greenhouse kit for a central location in the community food network Most parks and public spaces offer sports and recreation (see Re:Park), however communities now demand different functions. In 2000, the City of Toronto adopted a Food Charter, and now increasingly recognizes community gardens as an important part of new development and parks in an open space system.â&#x20AC;&#x160;14 Since its inception in 1997, the Community Gardens Program has witnessed a number of positive changes in the communities it has affected.

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Examples are:â&#x20AC;&#x160;15 Neighbours returning to outdoor green spaces School teachers using parks as outdoor classrooms Daycare providers integrating outdoor play with indoor activities Seniors gathering and socializing in the gardens The GrowShare project builds upon the small and medium projects in the community food network and connects schools, families, and the wider community together in a central hub for food gardening.

Greenhouse Design

interior rain barrel

sloped roof

rain barrel

framing

FLOORPLAN: 10’ x 10’

wall panels

foundation 140 Re:School

get started

operable window

ELEVATIONS 10’ x 10’

SECTIONS 141

L The Greenhouse The GrowShare is a greenhouse kit for a central location in the community food network. It engages existing community and school gardening groups (see: GrowShed) who benefit from cross-generational learning and interaction. Through year-round classes and community activities, groups from surrounding schools will be able to further their food education in an environment that utilizes technical and natural processes to grow food. Prefabricated by Habitat for Humanity and Evergreen and available as part of a modular building system (see Re:House Large) the greenhouse is appropriate for private or public use. 142 Re:School

What Do We Need? A greenhouse frame Plastic panels Pots Soil Worms Compost Seed Watering system Heating system

The Learning Network Management committee (each neighbouring school, city representative, and community centre representative) Established rules for the greenhouse

City Considerations Greenhouses are allowed under the Park Zoning Bylaw, and the City of Toronto has a Community Gardens Coordinator to help you establish programs and partner with the City. In order to receive help to create a garden, community groups must complete an application process. The application requires: Description of the group List of members Description of group experience Purpose The groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organization and decision making structure showing the time commitment of each member List of tasks each person commits to

get started

Greenhouse Site Considerations The group is required to locate a vacant lot and obtain permission to use it. The group must describe the lotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s size, present use, history, access to water, sun and delivery trucks, then: Submit two site plans (its current state and the envisioned project) Describe the impact on the neighbourhood and a list of the organizations which have been or will be contacted to participate Submit a maintenance schedule Submit site preparation needs, hardscape needs, plant needs Submit a list of their tools and a tool storage plan

Once the application has been approved, the group will be eligible to receive technical assistance from the City Community Gardening program. They may also receive plant material, building material, and the use of tools and equipment if available.

Layout (access, movement) Central location Grading/slope Security Irrigation system Plant selection and pairing Safety Natural solutions to pests Durability of materials and construction methods

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key Schools in the Broadlands neighbourhood GrowKits in the neighbourhood food garden catchment area greenhouse catchment area

This map shows the impact of GrowShare if the public park was the central hub for food gardening in the neighbourhood food network, linking schools, families, and community members.

N 0 144 Re:School

100

150m

get started

Learning Schedules

Overview Situated in Broadlands park, GrowShare has similar objectives to Re:Park in providing a public green space to enjoy gardening with family and friends. These shared objectives include creating an activity space as a cataylst for further engagement. This project will allow for food gardening to connect groups of people in the neighbourhood and strengthen other greening and social interaction projects. The greenhouse acts as a destination point for the entire community and becomes a way to socialize, learn, and grow food together. The impact of this food network could be significant. Through food education centred in schools, not only will students

learn to grow and eat more healthy foods, but also they will be able to engage their families and neighbours in a communal greening effort. Furthermore, suburban food deserts are effectively filled in with these projects, and the community gains more than just the yield of the gardens themselves. They gain empowerment, self-reliance, confidence, community belonging, social interaction, and a multitude of health benefits. The Renovate the School Project can be the catalyst for other positive initiatives in the community, such as food related programs like community kitchens, afterschool/summer programs, and support groups.

1 In the spring, the greenhouses will provide the school gardens with seedlings ready to transplant. 2 In the summer, invite after-school and summer programs to participate in the greenhouse. 3 In the fall, plan a harvest picnic.

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School or related community group contacts Evergreen and Habitat for Humanity

Assign representatives from the school, community and families

Invite students and neighbours to participate in fundraising for GrowShare

Get students and neighbours to start seedlings at home

Use the momentum of the School Medium project to begin

1 1

Purchase GrowShare from the GreenStore or create your own

Design and Plan

Provide an Advisor to support the neighbours

Do a site analysis of shared spaces in the community to determine the best place for a the GrowShare (see Re:Park)

146 Re:School

meeting

Provide support to plan resources required, choose a location, set up a calendar and network for communication between participants; create a building timeline and consider winter implications

Implement

fundraiser

Provide volunteers and help with fundraiser

go do it!

Pair students with local seniors to help with planting

Maintain the GrowShare based on pre-defined roles and schedule

Document the GrowShare's success

build and plant

Recruit Habitat for Humanity volunteers to help build/assemble the greenhouse and surrounding raised beds, and Evergreen volunteers to help select appropriate plants and demonstrate techniques

Host a monthly farmers' market

farmers' market

Benefits:

Share the results of your project with others on the Renovate Your Neighbourhood website for a chance to win the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Friendliest Greenhouseâ&#x20AC;? Award

enter the competition

Extend the local food network into the community and promote crossgenerational learning

Distribute the Renovate Your Neighbourhood catalogue here

147

148 Re:School

get inspired Case Study: The Edible Schoolyard Established in 1995, the Edible Schoolyard is a one-acre garden and kitchen classroom at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in Berkeley, California. It is a program of the Chez Panisse Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by chef and author Alice Waters. The mission of the Edible Schoolyard is to create and sustain an organic garden that is wholly integrated into the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curriculum, culture and food program. The Edible Schoolyard involves students in all aspects of farming the garden and preparing, serving and eating food as a means of encouraging awareness and appreciation of the transformative values of nourishment, community and stewardship of the land.

The Edible Schoolyard program is guided by principles of participation, integration, sharing, and responsibility. Students who participate in the Edible Schoolyard program learn about the connection between their everyday food choices and the health of the community, the environment, and themselves. These lessons foster sound nutritional practice, responsible food choices, and environmental stewardship. The Edible Schoolyard forms an educational triad, enabling students to participate in hands-on garden and kitchen experiences that integrate with their daily classroom lessons. For more information please visit: http://www.edibleschoolyard.org/ 149

How can we influence the future health of our children? 150 Re:School

151

152 Re:Park Re:Park

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s re:vitalize our suburban parks! 153

154 Re:Park

Community Checklist Does this park have...

Social Public spaces that are: Welcoming to people of all ages and abilities Peaceful Active Safe Used at night and on weekends Used for commercial purposes Public spaces that provide: Opportunities to express creativity

Green Access to food and places to grow food Outlets for environmental education

Diverse Free community events and spaces

155

Why parks? “We shape our public spaces, thereafter our public spaces shape us.” 1 Parks have long been a central theme to the urban patterns of cities. Great public spaces are an important feature in any neighbourhood. Parks are places where people can gather, interact, share ideas, and experience nature. “People come to parks with simple needs: rest, relaxation, recreation, and respite from the city. Good parks meet these needs but then also respond to deeper yearnings, giving us ideas, hope, and a sense of possibility in our own lives and communities.” 2 The City of Toronto supports approximately 1,400 parks. 3 156 Re:Park

Parks Are Influenced by What is Around Them Cities often invest in popular urban parks or greenspaces to rejuvenate desolate spaces in marginalized communities. Inspired by green cities such as Ebenezer Howard Letchworth’s Garden City, Toronto’s first planned neighbourhood, Don Mills, features many green spaces. The neighbourhood was designed around the pedestrian and the preservation of natural watercourses. Over 11% of land was saved for park, 4 compared to today where developers are required to provide only 5%. 5 The amount of green space has proven valuable as Don Mills continues to be a desirable community today.

Destinations near parks increase park use even if simply as a short cut to other locations. In Don Mills, walkways along parks and schools were meant to promote foot traffic. 6 Residential areas were separated from industry, commerce, and major roads. 7 The park was designed to be a passage way and a central, integral part of the community, but the park has not kept up with changing lifestyles. Today the park serves mainly as a connector space. How could it be revitalized as a community destination?

Parks Are Influenced by What is Inside Them To continue to be of benefit to the community, parks must embrace social innovation. While traditionally a City-owned asset, the management, maintenance, investment, and programming of parks varies by city. The Toronto Parks and Recreation Division focuses programs on environmental improvement, health, sports, and recreation, in particular for children and youth. 8

Neighbourhood Parks Are: However, structured programming and limited funding can fail to engage everyone. Often parks target activities at kids, the elderly, and those who play organized sports. This leaves behind teenagers, adults, and empty nesters. “If urban parks can evolve from their current, primarily recreational role, into a new role as a catalyst for community development and enhancement, parks will be an essential component in transforming and enriching our cities.” 9

Essential to personal health Essential to quality of life Proven builders of strong families and healthy communities A way to reduce health care, social service and police/justice costs through recreational opportunities Potential economic generators in the community Essential to ecological systems

157

Look, Don’t Touch

The Urban Park

Suburban Park

1850 – 1900: Large, “romantic” parks located on the edge of the city with sprawling, picturesque landscapes. The intent with these parks was to improve the health of people living in cities before urban sanitation infrastructure was in place. 10

1900 – 1930: Small landscape-oriented parks built in cities, closer to where people actually lived. This transitioned toward playground parks for kids.11

1930s – 1970s: Parks were designed as a linking feature in communities, surrounded by residences, school, malls, and churches. 12

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Sports/Events Park

Community Park

1970s - 2000s: A focus on recreation both participatory and for spectators. Parks began to include recreational facilities such as stadiums. Expand functionality included artistic ventures such as gatherings and music.

2000 - future: There is a move toward participatory parks and public spaces as a tool to learn and increase awareness about sustainability and green living. This includes generating revenue through wood and fish harvesting, and decreasing landfill through communal recycling and compost programs.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Transform Suburban Parks into Community Parksâ&#x20AC;Ś

STADIUM

159

start small

Imagine a park you would want to spend all day atâ&#x20AC;Ś 160 Re:Park

Renovate the Park This project brings neighbourhoods together to take ownership of their public spaces for community purposes. Transform the park by giving people a reason to occupy the space, stroll, and stay a while, through a range of landscape and infrastructure improvements as well as activities.

Renovate the Neighbourhood COLOR SCHEME

Renovate the Neighbourho COLOR SCHEME

Play Time

Make Time

Munch Time

Hold an event for the entire community in the park.

Create community-designed and built space with an atmosphere that encourages people to spend time in the park alone or together.

Create a modular infrastructure that allows the park to be used for outdoor gatherings with food.

See also: Re:Mall

See also: Re:Day, Re:Mall, Re:School See also: Re:Mall, Re:School

161

Play Time Hold an event for the entire community Parks are areas that allow for public, open, flexible and independent community gathering. Parks are usually busiest on weekends and throughout the summer. They are readily used for special events like Canada Day, but there are many other days that park spaces goes under-utilized. Most people avoid parks at night for safety concerns. Safety in public spaces is enhanced by the presence of more people, and community events add opportunity for social interaction and the creation of safer vibrant places.

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Events bring people together with minimal planning, people power, and funding (as compared to built structures). If successfully executed they can become a catalyst for the community, creating possibilities for future projects. “Public space is for living, doing business, kissing and playing. It can’t be measured with economics; it must be felt with the soul.” (Enrique Peñolosa) 13

163

S Event Ideas Events should be held on the weekend when people are more likely to go to the park. They can be held annually, monthly, or even weekly, depending on the season. Various events celebrating different cultures and populations can also be opportunities for education and interaction among residents.

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Performances

Music Events

Neighbourhood Yard Sales

Fairs

get started

Film Screenings

165

S Park Event Kit This frame system is a temporary event kiosk. It is produced at the Habitat for Humanity Prefabrication Factory and available at the GreenStore. It can be used as a shelter, stage or kiosk The walls can be removed and switched around depending on usage. They can be modified aesthetically or kept plain for movie projection. In lieu of using the frame system, a tent can provide shade, a wooden platform can be used as a stage, and a large sheet and rod strung up between trees can become a temporary projection screen. 166 Re:Park

1 Aluminum frame is easy to care for, disassemble, and put together. It also condenses down for easy storage. 2 Side walls provide protection from wind and sun, and double as a backdrop for a movie or show. 3 Ground stakes keep the grass alive while the structure is up.

get started

The walls and roof of the frame system can be interchanged. Keeping the size under 100ft2 makes it easier to build under current building code requirements.

Chairs should be designed for lawn use so there is minimal impact on the ground.

If there is no electricity in the park, power can be supplied through solar panels (more sustainable) or a gas generator (more economical).

167

Location Consideration

Larger Event Planning: Things to Consider Events in public parks require permits from City Parks, Forestry and Recreation.14 The applications require consideration of: Insurance Portable washroom facilities: damage deposit/performance bond, labour charges Installation of structures which exceed 646 sq ft will require a permit from the Urban Development Services Department. See: www.toronto.ca/building/index.htm Stakeouts (underground servicing) Sale or serving of food and nonalcoholic or alcoholic beverages 168 Re:Park

Parking Use of sound amplification (Allowed 7:00 am to 11:00pm daily Monday to Saturday and from 9:00am to 11:00pm on Sundays and statutory holidays) Electrical access â&#x20AC;&#x201C; recommend that all groups provide their own portable generator as all parks do not have access to electrical power Rental of Equipment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; barricades, snow fencing and picnic tables can be rented Waste removal

The location of the event should be in an area that is accessible by foot, but access to a road or parking lot should be considered. Placing it near other amenities will help to draw more people. It should also be visible from multiple areas of the park, and feel welcoming to passers by. The ground should be level for tables, booths, or stages, but existing hills can serve as an organic form of stadium seating. The size of the area should be enough to accommodate the estimated number of people, but if it is too spread out can appear empty. Activities should face inward and away from the houses.

get started key N

event space

pathways

trees

existing structures

169

Ask your neighbours what kind of event they would like to have, or choose your own You + your neighbours contact Evergreen

1 1 Provide an Advisor to support the neighbours

Survey your park to choose the best event location

Invite your neighbours to a planning meeting

Do fundraising based on cost of Park Event Kit and predicted event costs. Need help? Ask your Advisor

Vision and Research

5 Purchase a Park Event Kit from the GreenStore, or create your own

action plan meeting

Design and Plan

Consult with the neighbours to create: Budget Event Plan Act as a liaison with the Forestry and Recreation Division of the City to get approval for larger events and events with food

170 Re:Park

go do it!

Recruit your neighbours to help host the event

Document your event

Ask your Evergreen Advisor to find Evergreen volunteers to assist with your event

event

Implement

Share the results of your project with others on the Renovate Your Neighbourhood website for a chance to win the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Neighbourhood Eventâ&#x20AC;? Award

enter the competition

Benefits:

Get to know your neighbours and discover new uses for your community park

Distribute the Renovate Your Neighbourhood catalogue here

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Make Time

Keeping people in the park with a place to stay a while Landscaping elements such as plants, paving and furniture improve the look and feel of parks. In City-owned parks, maintenance accounts for the highest cost and is often why park improvements are kept to a minimum. Standard infrastructure includes benches, trash cans, tables, playgrounds, and water fountains but these features alone do not necessarily create a place of comfort and enjoyment.

172 Re:Park

Community-created landscape improvements are a small step to improve the park which can: create an atmosphere engage the senses bring people together â&#x20AC;&#x153;This might not strike you as an intellectual bombshell, but people like to sit where there are places for them to sit.â&#x20AC;? (William H. Whyte)15

173

M Site Design An atmosphere that will draw people to a space should be designed to engage all the senses. Considerations include: 1 Parks as a linking feature in the

neighbourhood

Paved and non-paved pathways throughout the park Convenient, welcoming entry and exit points Wayfinding signs to inform and direct

2 Preserved natural beauty Promote natural wildlife, both plants and animals Incorporate historical culture through art or signage 174 Re:Park

3 Ample garden and green space Replace short grass with natural vegetation Provide places to plant such as community gardens Use local plants 4

Places to sit and socialize Sunny and shady areas Many benches/seating options Picnic tables Accessible and safe locations Near amenities

Orient toward a focal point such as activity areas, art, views, wildlife

5 Places for entertainment

and events

Covered spaces, pavilions Flexible use of spaces adaptable for events, gatherings, and everyday use

get started

Survey Your Park

6 Five senses aesthetically pleasing Sound, touch, smell considerations such as birds, animals, and vegetation 7 Local art and design Engage the community in the design Public art by a local artist or the community Sculptures or mosaics, could double as seating and tables

8 Safety Lighting Open spaces, including low shrubs and fences that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t block views Awareness of surroundings both audio and visual 9 Community Board for community and park announcements Tree naming honouring community members

To begin your park design, conduct a survey within the community to gather opinions and information about the park and who/why/when/how it is used. This will help to determine the needs of the community and what works and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work in the park. 1. How often do you visit the park? 2. When are you at the park? 3. Who do you go with? 4. What do you do at the park? 5. What do you like about the park? 6. What do you wish you could change? 7. How close to the park do you live? 8. Do you feel safe in the park? 9. How do other people use the park? 10. What amenities are missing? 175

M key event space pathways new pathways new benches flower beds park structures

176 Re:Park

get started Design This design will transform an area of the park into a welcoming place to sit, socialize, and spend an afternoon. It builds upon the two existing benches and one tree. The additions include:

1 2 3 4 5

3 5

Landscaping rocks Plank benches Additional trees for shading Flower beds Pre-dug ground supports that can be used to hold solar-powered lights and heaters, umbrellas, tents, or art

This location was chosen mainly for the view and its existing benches, but a path has been recommended for increased accessibility. 177

M 2

Features 1 Footpath 2 Solar Lighting and Heating 3 Umbrellas 4 Shading Tent 1

3 4

178 Re:Park

get started

Support System In-ground post supports are designed to offer a flexible use of the space, while not impeding on the landscape. They can be used to hold lights, heaters, umbrellas or tents, and can be capped when not in use. Another possibility is to display public art using the support poles. To avoid tripping hazards, in-ground post supports can be placed in flower beds.

heater umbrella

light

capped

179

M Do a site assessment of your park

Invite your neighbours to a planning meeting

Do fundraising based on project budget. Need help? Ask your Advisor

Look for a local sponsor

Complete a park survey You + your neighbours contact Evergreen

1 1

Vision and Research

Provide an Advisor to support the neighbours

Assist neighbours with site assessment

180 Re:Park

meeting(s) with specialists

Review park surveys, develop a budget and timeline. Invite an arborist, architect, and landscaper to help design the site.

Design and Plan

Collect landscaping materials and furniture from the ReStore/ GreenStore

Act as a liaison with the Forestry and Recreation Division and Planning Department of the City to get approval and permits

go do it !

Recruit your neighbours to help build your new park

Document your success

Ask your Evergreen Advisor to find Evergreen and Habitat for Humanity volunteers to assist with your build

build

Implement

Benefits:

Share the results of your project with others on the Renovate Your Neighbourhood website for a chance to win the “Best Place to Stay Awhile” Award

enter the competition

Get to know your neighbours and discover new uses for your community park

Distribute the Renovate Your Neighbourhood catalogue here

181

Munch Time Support for food and social gathering in a central location Everyone needs food. It is something that we can all share and is therefore strongly related to family and group gatherings. Eating requires you take the time to sit down and enjoy your meal. Introducing food to an area in the park is a way to bring people together, creating an atmosphere which appeals to even more people.

182 Re:Park

If the park is already a central point and a connector, creating a gathering hub that community members of all ages can enjoy will bring together even more people. Those who use the park as a linking element within the neighbourhood will have more reason to stop and linger.

183

L Summary Munch Time is a space for a community run cafĂŠ. It includes: 1 A temporary or built structure 2 Permanent seating 3 Mobile seating 4 New landscaping 5 Permeable ground pavers The structure can take multiple forms and is available at the Habitat for Humanity Prefabrication Factory. A variety of options are also available commercially. There are multiple business models available, but this section will focus on two: one that is based on community investment, and one on donations. 184 Re:Park

1 5

get started

The Community CafĂŠ Business Model

Example: The Bees Knees in Morrisville, VT

Restaurants with limited capital are beginning to follow the successful economic model of communitysupported agriculture. In farming, the idea is that customers pay up front so the farmer can afford start-up costs. Once crops are harvested, everyone gets a share.

In order for this business to expand, the owner asked community members to invest $1,000 for which they would receive $90 of food every three months for the following three years. Not only did this allow for the expansion to happen, but guaranteed patrons for years to come. See more at: http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/79214/

Similarly, a cafĂŠ could use a communitysupported restaurant investment model. People pay up front to help launch the business and then get coupons or credit once the cafĂŠ is open.

Donation Business Model Community members could donate food that can be sold in the park, or money, which would be used to purchase food to sell. All profits go back into the business for upkeep and supplies. Employees could be volunteers.

Example: Habitat for Humanity ReStores By taking donations and reclaiming materials that would otherwise go to a landfill, Habitat for Humanity is able to turn a profit without making a large investment. See more at: http://www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx 185

A Park CafĂŠ Can Take Any Number of Forms Container System This system uses decommissioned shipping containers to create the shell of the cafĂŠ. The container can be retrofitted off-site in a controlled environment and then brought to the park. The container will also need a foundation and access to utilities, but can work as a storage system for the outdoor tables and seating when not in operation. The community can personalize the outside of the container, and also decide on the interior design. Beyond the park, this system has the opportunity to lead to a container-cafĂŠ business where the retrofits can be done on a larger scale for more public spaces around Toronto.

186 Re:Park

get started

POD System This prefab system is based on a dual structure concept: the core pod and the space pod. The core pod is preengineered for water and electricity hook ups and the option of insulation for winter use. The space pod serves as a pavilion for shading and seating, but can be, for example, a stage or a wall to show a film. Each pod is designed to be

Food Cart smaller than 100 sq ft to avoid the need for a building permit. The benefit of this system is that it can be customized by the community through selecting walls, doors, windows, etc, based on predicted needs and usage.

A food cart is a temporary, quick way to introduce food to a space. The cart could be rented out by a business or organized by a community group/centre to operate during the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busiest times.

187

L Siting Considerations

Seating

Landscaping

The cafĂŠ is supported by available seating, shaded areas, and landscaping, to attract people and business. Landscaping design should support the function of the space. (see also: Make Time)

Moveable tables and chairs are more flexible and comfortable than benches. They allow people to reorganize and cluster. Tables give people a space to eat, work, and play. They can promote specific use through design, such as painting a checkerboard on the surface. This option is best in collaboration with another activity because park furniture is much less likely to be stolen when there are people in the area. It would also require either overnight storage or a way to lock it up at the end of the day.

To differentiate this space from the surrounding area, special attention should be given to choosing a ground material, while vegetation can be used to define boundaries, and retain privacy and shading. Crushed limestone or pea gravel acts to slow your walking speed and increase safety. It is also considerably cheaper than concrete slab. Medium height vegetation can act to define a space, without blocking visibility. Trees and taller shrubs can add shade to an area. The area could be further transformed with the addition of a community garden. This also acts as a way to get community members involved on a continual basis. (See also: Re:Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GrowShed and GrowShare)

Location Developing this space in a busy area of the park will attract the most people. It should be near commonly-used footpaths and in view of other people and activities.

188 Re:Park

get started

key food kiosk crushed stone benches landscaping event space (small)

189

Your Community Group or Small Business Entrepreneur contacts Evergreen and Habitat for Humanity

Complete a survey to find out what kinds of food your neighbours would like to eat in their park

1 1

Do a site assessment of your park to find a location for your project

Invite your neighbours to a planning meeting

Choose a funding option and business model and fundraise accordingly

Purchase structure from the ReStore or source materials to build your own

Vision and Research

Provide an Advisor to support the neighbours

Assist neighbours with site assessment

190 Re:Park

charette

Facilitate a design charette. Review surveys, develop a budget and timeline. Invite an architect and a landscape architect to help design the site

Design and Plan

Act as a liaison with the Forestry and Recreation Division and Planning Department of the City to get approval and permits

go do it!

Recruit your neighbours to help build or assemble the structure

Document your success

Ask your Advisor to find Evergreen and Habitat for Humanity volunteers to assist with your build

build or assemble

Implement

Share the results of your project with others on the Renovate Your Neighbourhood website for a chance to win the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Food in the Parkâ&#x20AC;? Award

enter the competition

Benefits:

Get to know your neighbours and find a new reason to visit your local park

Distribute the Renovate Your Neighbourhood catalogue here

191

192 Re:Park

get inspired

Case Study: Dufferin Grove Park The Friends of Dufferin Grove was formed in 1993 by local community members to revive their park. Rather than investing in one large project, with resident input they designed smaller spaces and activities such as building a bake oven and renovating the ice rink house. The park has been around since the early 1900s but recent upgrades began in 1992 when the city received $20,000 for improvements for a Duffein Mall expansion project.

The first additions to the park were added in 1993 after much input from the community. In 2001 the park won the Great Community Place Award from the Urban Parks Institute. While the community is very involved in the park offering volunteer hours, supplies, and money, Dufferin Grove Park is run by the City of Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Forestry and Recreation Division. http://dufferinpark.ca/home/wiki/wiki.php

193

Loyola Park, Chicago Every summer this 600ft bench / breakwall is transformed into a community mural at the annual “Artist of the Wall” event. For the remaining 364 days of the year the space doubles as a place to sit, play, or even have a picnic. www.associatedcontent.com

194 Re:Park

get inspired Bryant Park, New York Once isolated and overrun by drug dealers, the city transformed this park into one of New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest with the addition of over 1,000 moveable chairs, food and beverage kiosks, bookstalls, and a new management program. Bryant Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objective was to create the atmosphere of an urban oasis, without sheltering it from the surrounding services. Along with food vending and other amenities, the park created a place that was inviting to passers-by, increasing usage and supporting the many activities offered. The positive effects of these changes spread through the neighbourhood, increasing rental activity in nearby businesses. http://www.bryantpark.org/ 195

196 Re:Park

What if the park was the backyard of your neighbourhood? 197

go d what are you waiting for?

198

o it! 199

3 Tips and Tools Many is Better Than One Future visions for neighbourhoods are long term and implementation happens in phases and over time. The job may be too big for one person, but if you get together with your neighbours, almost anything is possible.

Champions

Wise People

People who will start and maintain projects. They will often spend the most time planning and steering the project.

People who are technical advisors and people who keep ideas realistic.

Visionaries

People who can manage budgets.

People with new ideas. Partnerships help distribute responsibility, costs, materials, decisions. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more efficient to do things together, not to mention more fun! To form a successful team youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need these types of roles:

200 Tips and Tools

Money People

Artists and Writers

Educators

People who can create communication materials such as drawings, models, and plans.

People who can train, teach and speak to others about the project.

Doers

People who have the social networks to gain supporters.

People who can make things happen and gather resources for projects.

Connectors

People can play many roles at the same time, but teams should be balanced. Consider if your team is missing a role, or if one person is taking on too many roles. The smartest and most effective community champions think, plan, and act strategically throughout the design process. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget: Renovate Your Neighbourhood Advisors are here to help you complete your projects.

201

Need Help? Contact Evergreen and Habitat for Humanity today to speak to an advisor:

A Renovate Your Neighbourhood Advisor can offer help throughout your project phases:

Habitat for Humanity

Vision and Research

120 Eglinton Avenue E, Suite 600 Toronto, ON M4P 1E2 t: 416-755-7353 info@torontohabitat.on.ca

Evergreen 355 Adelaide Street West, 5th Floor Toronto, Ontario M5V 1S2 t: 416-596-1495 info@evergreen.ca

202 Tips and Tools

Attend meetings to advise on process Give you tips on project management Provide design consultation (run workshops, help analyze data) Liaise with government on your behalf Facilitate design charettes

Design and Plan Give tips on budget planning Give tips on building and zoning permits Refer you to professionals (builders, architects, etc.)

Implement Give tips on fundraising Provide access to existing grants Coordinate volunteers for partner events Help source materials (from the GreenStore and ReStore) Help build projects

Share Help contact the media Be a media liaison in sharing success stories Moderate online communities

Your Neighbours

You

Your Evergreen Advisor Your Habitat for Humanity Advisor 203

Make it Great! Tips for forming groups and partnerships from Robert Hammond and Joshua David, the cofounders of New York’s very successful Friends of the Highline.3

1 Start with a Good Idea

3 Let Skeptics Act as Supporters

A big vision to capture the public and those in power. Have a vision people can get behind but be pragmatic in implementing.

2 Garner Political Support

4 Play on your Strengths and Existing Relationships

Build relationships with policy advisors/staffers – they have more power than you think.

Don’t waste time chasing a constituency you have no ties to.

5 Partner with Government

204 Tips and Tools

If you can’t afford to counter them, let them talk – it keeps the issue in the public eye.

Find out how to help each other – don’t expect them to do it all.

6 Embrace Fundraising

9 Bring Smart People on Board

It builds organizations and fundraising events equal PR.

7 Hire Good Professional Help

Advisors like lawyers are worth paying for rather than pro bono work.

Listen to people of varied expertise.

10 Use Good Design/Imagery It makes you look professional and conveys messages at emotional levels. Use our templates.

“The (typical) model for community groups is stopping some kind of change” says Joshua David.

“We became an organization about creating something.”

8 Use the Press to Build Awareness

Contact writers/editors directly.

205

Templates to Download

Want to promote your project and invite your neighbours to participate? You can download and print these handy templates to personalize your projects at:

re_neighbourhood.com 206 Tips and Tools

our opening

13.08

Broadlands Park

Event description goes here.

our opening

August 13, 2009

Broadlands Park

Event description goes here.

207

4 Share! Case Studies Help inspire others by submitting a case study of your project.

Submit information on:

Who, What, When, Where, How, Why Assessment against checklist Top five lessons learnt (tips for others) Drawings or photos illustrating the project Contact details (for more information) There should be enough detail about costs and process to help other people wanting to undertake a similar project.

208 Share!

Awards Submit your completed projects to the re_neighbourhood.com website and enter for your chance to win in the neighbourhood awards! You could win:

The Most with the Least award Most Generous Neighbours Award Most Welcoming Neighbourhood Award Neighbourhood Event of the Year Award Most Beautiful Mall Parking Lot Award Most Livable Mall Award Best Little Farmers Award Most Creative Garden Award Friendliest Greenhouse Award Best Place to Stay Awhile Award Most Delicious Food in a Park Award

209

References Re:House Section 1. City of Toronto, City of Toronto Official Plan

(Toronto: City of Toronto, 2007), 2-3.

5. City of Toronto, Toronto Seniors – Planning

for the Future (Toronto: City of Toronto.

2007), 9.

2. Swinburne University of Technology,

9. Ministry of Environment, “Value of Density.” http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/urban/ value-urban-design-summary-jun05/html/ page6.html.

“Housing Affordability Indicators,” Inner

6. Environment Canada, “Suburban Sprawl

Melbourne Housing Affordability Needs,

http://www.imrhai.com.au/Measures.aspx.

Campaign,” http://www.mb.ec. gc.ca/community/ecoaction/fp-pf/page.

10. Bob Vila, “Landscaping for Increased Property

Value,” http://www.bobvila.com.

asp?lang=en&id=AB-11177. 3. City of Toronto City Planning, Policy and Research, Ward 34 Profile (Toronto: City of

Toronto, 2006).

11. Brush with Kindness, “Brush with Kindness,” 7. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation,

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/faq/ 4. Ontario Greenbelt Alliance, “Urban Sprawl,”

faq_002.cfm#5.

http://www.greenbeltontario.org/ pages/urbansprawl.htm.

12. Evergreen, “Evergreen Lawn and Garden

Smart,” http://www.evergreen.ca/en/hg/hg-

smart-consult.html. 8. The Free Dictionary, “Afford,” http://www.thefreedictionary.com/afford.

210

http://www.abrushwithkindness.org.

“What is Affordable Housing?”

13. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation,

“Maintaining Seniors’ Independence

Through Home Adaptations,” http://www.

cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/adse/masein/

16. Municipality of Whistler, “Housing Authority

Supports Infill Housing,” http://www.whistler.

ca/index. php?option=com_content&task=vie

w&id=169&Itemid=210.

index.cfm.

yourhouse. 21. The Boston Home Team Blog, “The

17. Michael Fry, “Habitat for Humanity, Site 14. U.S. Green Building Council, LEED

20. MIT, “Your House,” http://web.mit.edu/

Selection and the Site Plan Process,”

Neighborhood Development Rating System

(Toronto: presentation to students at the

Pilot Version (Atlanta: U.S. Green Building

Institute without Boundaries, May 2009).

Council, 2008), 23.

Future is in Digital Fabrication,” http://www

thebostonhometeam.com/blog/digital- fabrication.

18. Ibid. 15. City of Toronto Urban Development Services,

Toronto Urban Design Guidelines –

19. Bob Vila, “Modular Homes Make Sense,”

Infill Townhouses (Toronto: City of Toronto,

http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/

2003).

Modular_Homes_Make_Sense-Building_ Systems-A1854.html.

211

Re:Mall Section 1. Chuihua Judy Chung and Jeffrey Inaba, eds.,

GSD Project on the City 2: Guide to

Shopping (Harvard: Harvard Graduate

7. City of Toronto, “Event Support Unit,” http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/ eventsupport.htm#forms. 8. City of Toronto Urban Design, Design

(Kentucky: Routledge, 2001), 231.

14. Congress of New Urbanism, Greyfields to Goldfields (San Francisco: Congress for New

School of Design, 2002), 130.

2. Michael Pacione, Urban Geography,

13. Ibid.

Guidelines for Greening Surface Parking

Lots (Toronto: City of Toronto, 2007).

Urbanism, 2001), 3.

15. City of Toronto. “Planning Application Forms,” http://www.toronto.ca/planning/planning_

3. Ibid., 234.

9. Ibid.

4. Ibid., 232-233.

10. Ibid.

5. Ralph Bond, “Shopping Centre Parking:

11. City of Toronto, City of Toronto Official Plan

app.htm#otherapps. 16. City of Toronto, City of Toronto

How Much is Enough?” The Parker, 4th

(Toronto: City of Toronto, 2007). 17. US EPA, Parking Spaces and Community

Quarter (2002): 202. 12. City of Toronto, City of North York Zoning

6. Ibid., 234. 212

Official Plan (Toronto: City of Toronto, 2007),

5-1.

Bylaw 31736 (Toronto: City of Toronto, 2001).

Places (Washington: EPA, 2006), 6.

18. City of Toronto, City of North York

22. Boston MATC, “Parking and Transit

By-law 32696- Section 6A Parking and

Loading Regulations (Toronto: City of

mapc.org/Parking/Strategies/parking_and_

Toronto, 2001).

TDM.htm.

19. Lisa Van De Ven, “Car Sharing in Condos,”

National Post, http://www.househunting.ca.

Demand Management,” http://transtoolkit.

25. Shops at Don Mills, “Media Centre,” http://www.shopsatdonmills.ca/en/ centreinfo/Pages/Media%20Centre.aspx.

23. Kevin Plummer, “The Ghosts of Don Mills,” Torontoist Blog, May 1, 2009, http://torontoist.com/2009/05/the_ghosts_

20. Boston MATC, “Parking Strategies:

of_don_mills_2.php.

Flexible Parking Requirements,” http://

transtoolkit.mapc.org/Parking/Strategies/ flexiblerequirements.htm. 21. Ibid.

24. Newswire, “Shops at Don Mills - Ontario’s

First Urban Village - Opens its Doors,”

Media Release, April 22, 2009, http://www.

newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/ April2009/22/c3987.html.

213

Re:School Section 1. Chez Panisse Foundation, “Edible Schoolyards,” http://www.edibleschoolyards.org. 2. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada,

5. Abigail Friendly, Towards Food Security Policy for Canada’s Social Housing Sector

9. Abigail Friendly, Towards Food Security Policy for Canada’s Social Housing Sector

(Ottawa: Canadian Policy Research

Networks, September 2008), 8.

Networks, September 2008).

6. Ibid.

10. Nina Marie Lister, “Placing Food:

“Position Statement: Schools and Nutrition,” http://www.heartandstroke.on.ca/site/c.

Toronto’s Edible Landscape,” in Food, ed.

pvI3IeNWJwE/b.4672097/k.5FFB/Schools_ and_Nutrition.htm.

7. Nina Marie Lister, “Placing Food: Toronto’s Edible Landscape,” in Food, ed.

3. Abigail Friendly, Towards Food Security Policy for Canada’s Social Housing Sector

Jonathan Knechtel (Boston: MIT Press, 2007), 148-185.

(Ottawa: Canadian Policy Research Networks, September 2008).

Jonathan Knechtel (Boston: MIT Press, 2007), 148-185. 11. Ibid. Jane Dixon, Abiud M. Omwega,

8. Ibid.

Sharon Friel, Cate Burns, Kelly Donati, and Rachel Carlisle, “The Health Equity

4. Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations, “FAO Home,” http://www.fao.org.

Dimensions of Urban Food System,” Journal of Urban Health Bulletin of New York Academy of Medicine 84, No.1 (2007).

214

12. L. Roa Micheal, Environmental Science: Activities Kits (San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, 2009), 5. 13. Evergreen, “Lesson Plan,” http://www. evergreen.ca/en/lg/h-seeds.html. 14. City of Toronto, “Toronto’s Food Charter,” http://www.toronto.ca/food_hunger/pdf/ food_charter.pdf, 3-19. 15. City of Toronto, “Introduction to Community Gardening,” http://www.toronto.ca/parks/ programs/community_intro.htm.

215

Re:Park Section 1. Adapted from Winston Churchill, referenced

on Project for Public Spaces,

http://www.pps.org.

5. City of Toronto, “Summary of Park Fees

9. Project for Public Spaces, “Creating Urban

Relating to the Development Process,”

Parks,” http://www.pps.org/parks_plazas_

http://www.toronto.ca/developing-toronto/

squares info/whyneed/newvisions/

darp_parksfees.htm.

CreatingUrbanParks.

2. Project for Public Spaces, “New Vision

for Parks,” http://www.pps.org/parks_

plazas_squares/info/whyneed/newvisions/

6. Humphrey Carver, Cities in the Suburbs

(Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1962).

stevecoleman.

10. Project for Public Spaces, “Future Parks,” http:// www.pps.org/parks_plazas_squares/info/ whyneed/newvisions/futureparks.

7. Wikipedia, “Don Mils,” 3. City of Toronto Parks and Recreation, “About

Us,” http://www.toronto.ca/parks/about_

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Mills,_

11. Ibid.

Ontario.

us.htm.

12. Ibid. 8. Toronto Parks, Forestry, Recreation,

4. Noor Javed, “Toronto’s Mother of all Suburbs:

216

Don Mills,” Toronto Star, March 21, 2009.

Annual Report 2007 (Toronto: City of

Toronto, 2007).

13. Project for Public Spaces, “Project for Public

Spaces,” http://www.pps.org.

Tips and Tools 14. City of Toronto, “Special Events Unit,” http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/

1. Karen Steen, “Friends in High Places,”

Metropolis, December 2005.

eventsupport.htm.

15. Project for Public Spaces, “Project for Public

Spaces,” http://www.pps.org.

217

Image Credits

By page number, left to right

16/17 Julia Padvoiskis

Adapted from: City of Toronto

University of Brock

flickr.com/libbyrosof

Adapted from: City of Toronto

A Adapted from: City of Toronto

60/61 Julia Padvoiskis

100 flickr.com/wyliepoon

Adapted from: City of Toronto

A City of Toronto

106/7 Julia Padvoiskis

C Adapted from: City of Toronto

City of Toronto

111

Nina Marie Lister

28 A flickr.com/aaronray

C City of Toronto

113

A Adapted from: City of Toronto

B flickr.com/julishannon

70 A flickr.com/FoxTongue

C Adapted from: City of Toronto

115

Eunice Lam

C flickr.com/djwhelan D flickr.com/clav 29 A flickr.com/kaymoshusband

B flickr.com/seandreilinger

C flickr.com/mike_in_kboro

121

Adapted from: City of Toronto

B flickr.com/reallyboring

E flickr.com/freedryk

133

Adapted from: City of Toronto

C Kat Senyk

D flickr.com/scottlipsey

Adapted from: City of Toronto

142

D flickr.com/kellogg

Adapted from: City of Toronto

146 www.edibleschoolyards.org

E flickr.com/amyfry

Adapted from: City of Toronto

147

F flickr.com/w9jim

A Julia Padvoiskis

152/3 Julia Padvoiskis

Adapted from: City of Toronto

B flickr.com/wyliepoon

159

A Adapted from: City of Toronto

Adapted from: City of Toronto

218

Adapted from: City of Toronto

www.edibleschoolyards.org

Adapted from: City of Toronto

159

C Adapted from: City of Toronto

162 A flickr.com/flissphil B flickr.com/tudor C flickr.comkahala D flickr.com/chicagoceli 163

flickr.com/sethw

167

Adapted from: City of Toronto

174

Adapted from: City of Toronto

185

C flickr.com/barkaway

190 flickr.com/orbz 191

flickr.com/bryceg

B flickr.com/bryceg 192

flickr.com/sassnasty

B flickr.com/giantginkgo 193

A Vincent Laforet

B flickr.com/dandeluca 206 flickr.com/stewf 219

220