FLEMINGDON PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT
INSTITUTE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES 2009 BELAL ALSIBAI , MANISH CHAUHAN, NICK CRAMPTON, LORI ENDES ANNA MILAN, CHRIZ MILLER, ROBYN POLAN. ANGELICA RAMOS SAAVEDRA
FLEMINGDON PARK Flemingdon Park is located in the City of Toronto and the former lower-tier municipality of North York. The site is framed by the Don Valley Parkway to the east, Eglinton Avenue East to the north, Don Mills Road to the west and a Toronto Hydro easement line to the South. Flemingdon Park is spatially disjointed into two different sites, separated by St. Dennis Drive. The Flemingdon Park neighbourhood was built on the former farm of R.J. Fleming, from whom the neighbourhood draws its name. “Don” makes reference to the Don River, which forms the eastern boundary of Flemingdon Park. Flemingdon Park was first proposed to North York Councilors in 1958. It was publicized as Canada’s first completely planned “apartment city”, and was based on similar developments already built in Europe and Scandinavia. The initial response to Flemingdon Park was one of apprehension and concern. North York residents and politicians alike were concerned about the high density of the development. There were also questions about how city services would be provided and who would pay for them. Five North York councilors went so far as to fly to “apartment city” projects in England, Sweden, and Copenhagen in order to view this novel approach to neighbourhood building first-hand.
Built by the visionary developer of the United Nations complex in New York City, Flemingdon Park started out as a trendy, urban utopia for artists and young professionals living in Toronto. Within a decade it was sold and became subsidized housing, eventually attracting tens of thousands of refugees and new immigrants from around the globe2. After WWII, when cities grew rapidly, there was less concern for the design of the urban environment than for the design of individual buildings. However, in the new, extensive residential areas there were notable attempts to design the whole environment. Don Mills exemplified these new communities, with curved, treed streets and widely spaced buildings based on the precepts of the Garden City Movement. Don Mills integrated work places, shopping and schools in a design that emphasized pedestrian accessibility and a park-like environment. Later, Flemingdon Park answered a demand for higher density with tighter massing of buildings and a harder edge to its streets and paths. Designed with underground car parking, the ground was freed for pedestrian paths and playgrounds, around which groups of houses were focused3. Flemingdon Park was to be one of the most ambitious and inventive real estate projects in Canada. Directly influenced by Macklin Hancock, the designer of Don Mills, the master plan for Flemingdon Park focused on residential development and a lifestyle that would have the character and features of a viable small town. Coined a “complete community” by Hancock, the Flemingdon Park plan included residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and park lands, as well as a full compliment of community facilities.
In 1959, after much debate, the Flemingdon Park development was approved by City Council. There were some obstacles along the way, but Flemingdon Park was finally completed in the early 1970’s1.
Flemingdon Park 1960s (ERA Architects Inc., 2009).
Flemingdon Park master plan, including housing, community facilities, commerce, employment and natural space, 1958 (ERA Architects Inc., 2009)
Site map of Flemingdon Park Area, Toronto
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North Site
South Site
Don Rd.
Don Valley Pkwy
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CITY SYSTEM METHODOLOGY In order to examine City Systems at the Institute without Boundaries this year, a City Systems Matrix has been developed. Expanding on the model of the World House Matrix, we have attempted to reduce the forces at play in any given city down to a few core systems. We have identified 6 systems – Infrastructure, Economy, Order, Information, Culture, and Environment – which could be used to analyze the functions of any city with the goal of comparing different cities through history. For the purpose of this research in particular, we will be applying our city matrix to Flemingdon Park as a “city within the city” in order to codify and analyze the systems which underpin the neighbourhood. Below is a graphical representation of our matrix and a further description of the six systems.
Environment The natural realm of the city and the impact of humans on it (Flora, Fauna, Water and the Effects of Pollution)
Infrastructure The physical framework of a city, as built by humans (Shelter, transportation, energy, utilities, and telecommunications)
Economy Management of the commercial and financial capital resources in a city (Capital assets, production, trade, and distribution)
Order A human construct to enforce order in a city. (Official governance, common laws and policies, and public services)
Information The sharing of knowledge in a city. (Education, communication, and knowledge)
Culture The collection of expressions of the identity of a particular group within a city, or the city as a whole. (Community, spirituality and arts)
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CITY SYSTEM METHODOLOGY
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6.
CULTURE PRIMARY RESEARCH RESULTS CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
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PRIMARY RESEARCH RESULTS
CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
Flemingdon Park residents come from many parts of the world. Although cultural disconnects and language barriers do occur, some of the residents feel strongly about investing in their community. Through our primary research we found some common traits in the community, such as the following:
There are a wide variety of cultural institutions located within Flemingdon Park. The institutions have been broken down into categories based on the services they provide, which are: community and recreation and religious services. These institutions are the support network for the Flemingdon Park community at large. A map of the cultural institutions discussed in this document has been included.
Many residents commented that they like their neighbours, and enjoy being part of a multi-cultural community like Flemingdon.2
Legend
Several residents commented that they would like to see more activities available for children.3 Several residents expressed that they would be interested in being more active in the neighbourhood if certain things changed.4 A few were volunteering at present,5 while one resident commented she thought getting involved in the community was a “waste of time.”6 Many residents complained, but still had a rather positive view of their community. When asked, one resident said she liked “Nothing,” about living in Flemingdon Park. 7
Community Institutions 1. Flemingdon Neighbourhood Services 2. Flemingdon Health Centre 3. Flemingdon Community Centre 4. Champions Children’s Centre 5. Afghan Women Organization
Many put a high value on the vitality of the community.8 Professionals in the area have mentioned language barriers as a difficulty.9
Recreation Facilities 6. Dennis R. Tembrell Recreation Centre
Several professionals have expressed that unlike other TCHC sites, Flemingdon Park feels like part of the larger community.10
7. Flemingdon Ice Arena
One professional expressed that there were ethnic groups that would like to provide more programming for their youths but need spaces to hold them in.11
Religious Institutions 8. Flemingdon Park Pentecostal Church 9. Gateway Community Church (Presbyterian) 10. Blessed John XXIII Parish 11 . Flemingdon Park Ministry-Anglican
Site map of Flemingdon Park Area, Toronto indicating Cultural Institutions in the area.
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CULTURE
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COMMUNITY INSTITUTIONS
FNS YOUTH
This section provides details regarding the community institutions in the greater Flemingdon Park neighbourhood. Where available, program information has been provided as well.
The FNS Youth website is a newly-launched project created by youth for youth. It is an online community in which Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park community youth can engage and interact. The website aims to provide youth with an outlet for sharing their art, having discussions on the forum, and access to information on community events, jobs and volunteering opportunities.
FLEMINGDON NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES 10 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 104 Toronto, Ontario M3C 3A1 Tel: 416-424-2900 Fax: 416-424-3455 Website: http://www.fnservices.org/fns/ Office & Drop-In hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m General inquiries: mail: info@fnservices.org or dial: Ext 0 FNS facilitates the achievement of personal goals, promotes safety, and fosters harmony, vitality and community development. They celebrate diversity by promoting understanding, acceptance and respect for each other.
The services provided by Flemingdon Neighbourhood Services Include:
The project was made possible by the Flemingdon Neighbourhood Services youth program. It offers employment support, including resume preparation, mock interviews and job search assistance. In addition support is offered on topics dealing with personal, social, and academic development, including volunteer opportunities with Homework Club, Reading Circle and one-on-one tutoring. Also provided are activities such as civic engagement programs, movies, sports programs and games14.
FLEMINGDON HEALTH CENTRE 10 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 104 Toronto, Ontario M3C 3A1 Tel: 416-429-4991 Fax: 416-422-3573 Website: http://www.fhc-chc.com/ Hours: M-Th 8:30 a.m to 9:30 pm, Fri 8:30 a.m to 6:00 p.m, Sat 9:00am to 2 p.m General inquiries: fhcinfo@fhc-chc.com
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Housing Program
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Women’s Program
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Settlement Program
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employment support
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Volunteer Program
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Youth Program
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Access to a piano, including piano classes
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A clothing bank of new and gently used clothing
There are many planter gardens in Flemingdon Park, which may have been constructed from reclaimed Railway ties. This material can contain toxins such as lead, which can be harmful if consumed by humans, even in very low doses. Concerns have been voiced by health officials and scientists about the increase in urban gardening and the associated increase in the risk of lead poisoning. Soil that is found near structures built before 1978 (this includes all of the buildings at Flemingdon Park) will be more likely to contain elevated levels of lead.
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A community meeting space & bulletin board
Description:
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Children’s activities, including Reading Circles and Homework Clubs
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Drop in area with access to computers, internet, local and international newspapers, telephone, fax*, printing* and photocopying*
The Flemingdon Health Centre is a fully accredited, non-profit charitable community health centre (CHC). Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC), they are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors consisting primarily of residents and/or clients.
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Early Years Drop-In program
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Income tax clinics (Jan-March)
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Outreach to the community – including immigration and settlement services12
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Various workshops
* small service fee13
They provide a wide range of primary health services with an emphasis on illness prevention, health promotion, health education and community development. They employ salaried health professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, chiropodists, a nutritionist, an x-ray technologist, and community health workers. Working with local residents, they initiate social action and community development activities to address issues such as unemployment, housing, and isolation.
The services and programs provided at the Flemingdon Health Centre include:
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Primary Care - provided by family physicians and nurses
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Medical care
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Health education pre-natal classes
educational institutions
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Internal research projects and in collaboration with other organizations15
FLEMINGDON COMMUNITY CENTRE 150 Grenoble Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Tel: 416-359-0300 Flemingdon Health Centre (http:// wwww.fhc-chc.com/)
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Immunizations
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Sexual health clinic
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A teaching site for University of Toronto medical students and postgraduates
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One off-site seniors clinics
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Obstetrical care
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Telephone consultation
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Allied Health
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Chiropody
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Social Services
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Radiology
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Nutrition
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Community Development
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Community organization
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Social action
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Information and outreach
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Economic development projects - Women’s Sewing Group, Network Café, Community Garden
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Employment support and advocacy
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Community partnerships i.e. (community safety, school snack programs, farmers’ market, food bank, youth advocacy etc.)
Teaching and Research
Description: The Flemingdon Community Centre features the only municipally funded indoor children’s playground in Canada. It features a two-storey play structure, a huge spiral slide, a track ride, cargo elevator, talk tube, crawl tubes, construction zone, and ball pool with 8,000 balls. There is also a party room in this centre that can accommodate up to thirty-five people.16
New Circles (http://www.newcircles.ca/contact_us.htm)
NEW CIRCLES 10 Gateway Blvd, Suite 100, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 3A1 Tel: 416-422-2591 Website: www.newcircles.ca/index.htm Hours: M - W, F 9 - 5, Th 9 – 7 General Inquiries: info@newcircles.ca
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A teaching division of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
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Teaching site for U of T 1st and 2nd year family practice residents (post M.D.), clinical clerks, and medical students
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Teaching site for nursing students from Ryerson, U of T and Centennial College
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Volunteer Employment Opportunities
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Teaching site for nurse practitioners from the Council of Ontario University Program of Nursing
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Holiday gift-giving programs.
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Teaching site for other health care disciplines from various
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Seniors’ Mobile Mall
New Circles is a not-for-profit social service agency that strives to help residents of Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park communities who need support. Their primary service is the clothing bank, which provides new and gently used clothing for men, women and children. They also offer specialized programs to meet the needs of the community including:
CULTURE
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Assessment and referral to other needed agencies and resources
RECREATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
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Job and life skills training with professional consultants
DENNIS R. TRIMBEL COMMUNITY CENTRE
Their main objectives include:
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Supporting disadvantaged, new immigrant families
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Providing people with the basic tools needed to begin a happy and productive life in Canada
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Promoting dignity, understanding and respect
CHAMPIONS CHILDREN’S CENTRE 9 Grenoble Dr. Toronto, Ontario Tel: 416-467-5983 For children ages 2.5 - 12 years. Fee subsidy may be available.17
AFGHAN WOMEN ORGANIZATION 747 Don Mills Rd, Toronto, Ontario, M3C1T2 Tel: 416-429-8304
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29 St. Dennis Dr. Toronto, Ontario M3C 3J3
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Tel: 416-392-3170
FLEMINGDON PARK DAY CARE CENTRE Flemingdon Child Care Centre is located in Dennis R. Trimbel Community Centre. The centre has been at this location for almost 30 years and is established as an integral resource to the community. The physical setting at Flemingdon Child Care is highly suitable for children of different ages and abilities, with all rooms having an abundance of age appropriate toys, equipment and educational materials. The children also have access to the gym and Library housed in the same community centre. The centre is inclusive to all children. Some children may require additional supports to ensure they are able to achieve their optimum level of development. Services are available to support children with special needs through Children’s Services and parents are encouraged to participate in the program. Much attention is given to the multi-ethnic cultures present in the centre. The staff makes a conscious effort to plan and organize activities that are reflective of the cultural diversity found in the centre as well as exposing the children to the many other cultures of the world19. The centre provides a variety of meals and snacks that are planned to promote healthy eating. The food is prepared daily at the centre by trained dietary staff. Nutrition and food services support is provided to the centre by the Division’s Nutrition Services team. Flemingdon Child Care Centre is striving to be the focal point in the community it serves by increasing parental involvement and supporting the families through providing childcare as well as family resources.
The Community Centre includes an indoor pool, a gymnasium, a day care centre and a busy public library18.
6.2.2.3 ANGELA JAMES ARENA 165 Grenoble Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M3C3E
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INFRASTRUTURE PRIMARY RESEARCH RESULTS PUBLIC OPEN SPACE RECREATIONAL AREAS GARBAGE PARKING BUILDING INFRASTRASTRUCTURE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES
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NORTH SITE GARBAGE AREAS
Flemingdon Park South Site, Children Playground (2)
The children’s play ground contains minimal elements and many of the elements appeared to require maintenance. Flemingdon Park North Site, Exterior Garbage
Flemingdon Park South Site, Basketball Court (3)
South Site Basketball CourtThe basketball court hoops are missing, the trees are not trimmed around the court and the surface of the court is uneven and require maintenance. There is much possibility for improvements to public spaces and recreational areas on the site. An issue with the current public spaces, however, is how neglected these spaces are.
Flemingdon Park North Site, Exterior Garbage (1)
Flemingdon Park North Site, Exterior Garbage (2)
SOUTH SITE GARBAGE AREAS
GARBAGE Garbage is one major issue on site. Many factors, from human behavior to the logistics of waste management are at play in this complex problem. Flemingdon Park’s garbage is internally managed by Del Property Management Inc. and picked up and transported offsite by Miller Waste. There are seven communal exterior garbage areas, five interior garbage rooms within each of the apartment buildings and no individual outdoor garbage bins. The exterior and interior garbage areas accommodate garbage and recycling. At this time there is no composting collection. Currently only a portion of the garbage is being compressed. Around the exterior garbage areas, and the entire site, there is a large amount of garbage that is being illegally dumped. As described by both residents and employees there are three main reasons for this, they include: • Limited number of garbage areas • Distance to garbage areas • Size of the interior garbage chutes • Lack of commitment to the site14
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Flemingdon Park South Site, Exteriot Garbage
SOUTH SITE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
Flemingdon Park South Site, Residnental Building (3)
Flemingdon Park South Site, Residnental Building (4)
Building Address: 95 Vendome Place Number of Units: 9 Number of floors: 2 Building type: Townhouse
Building Address: 95 Vendome Place Number of Units: 6 Number of floors: 2 Building type: Townhouse
Flemingdon Park South Site, Residnental Building (5)
Flemingdon Park South Site, Residnental Building (6)
Building Address: 74 Vendome Place Number of Units: 5 (two story, ground/second floor), 5(one story, third floor) Number of floors: 2 Building type: Apartment
Building Address: 95 Vendome Place Number of floors: 3 Building type: Apartment
Flemingdon Park South Site, Residential Buildings
Flemingdon Park South Site, Residnental Building (1)
Flemingdon Park South Site, Residnental Building (2)
Flemingdon Park South Site, Residnental Building (7)
Flemingdon Park South Site, Residnental Building (8)
Building Address: 32 Vendome Place Number of Units: 12 Number of floors: 2 Building type: Townhouse
Building Address: 32 Vendome Place Number of Units: 10 Number of floors: 2 Building type: Townhouse
Building Address: 91 Vendome Place Number of floors: 3 Building type: Apartment
Building Address: 15 Grenoble Drive Number of Units: 11 Number of floors: 2 Building type: Townhouse
INFRASTRUCTURE
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9.
ORDER PRIMARY RESEARCH FINDINGS POLICY SERVICES ELECTED OFFICIALS
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PRIMARY RESEARCH FINDINGS How a community or city is governed has a great influence on everyday life. Overall there is a feeling that law and order are functioning in Flemingdon Park. Crime often comes in the form of vandalism and most (but not all) residents expressed some feeling of security in their neighbourhood. The following are responses from residents concerning issues specific to Flemingdon Park. • One resident said living in Flemingdon Park is not dangerous. According to this resident “If you don’t put your nose in other people’s business, everything is good.”1 • One resident commented that security was good,2 others were not as impressed. Most people liked and trusted their neighbours, but many had the perception that some of the drugs and security issues were coming from inside the community as well as from outside of it.3 • According to one professional who works on site, the vast majority of crimes are minor offenses like vandalism and petty theft, but can involve broken windows and sullied walls that are expensive to repair.4 • While several residents were not impressed with Del Property Management Inc. as a company, some mentioned they were pleased with Bari Castor, the on-site manager.5 One resident mentioned they wished other staff members were more compassionate.6 • Several residents felt that the tenants’ association was not well organized.7 • Residents of the larger community have complained about shootings and sex workers in the neighbourhood,8 but not in reference to the TCHC site itself. • Several male residents complained that the police tended to use racial profiling when dealing with the community, adding to more suspicion than security.9 • Most of the professionals we talked to mentioned the challenge of having cutbacks in staffing and funding within TCHC.10
post-war housing shortage, the agency has grown into a major national institution. CMHC is Canada’s premier provider of mortgage loan insurance, mortgage-backed securities, housing policy and programs, and housing research. Regulations governing CMHC: • National Housing Act: The purpose of the Act is to promote the construction of new houses, the repair and modernization of existing houses, and the improvement of housing and living conditions. For more information, see Appendix (INSERT APPENDIX NUMBER HERE). • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Act: The purpose of the Act is to incorporate the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canada’s national housing agency, and provides the objects and powers of the Corporation.11
Federal-Provincial Social Housing Agreement 1999 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will transfer responsibilities for the management and administration of the portfolio of projects funded under the non-profit, Urban Native, Rural and Native and Limited Dividend Entrepreneur programs to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Ontario (MMAH.) Previously these programs were administered by CMHC. MMAH will assume all of the rights and responsibilities that CMHC had under project agreements with housing sponsors and groups. CMHC will retain administrative responsibility for over 20,000 unilaterally funded federal housing co-operative units, and fund and administer approximately 3,400 units in receipt of rent supplement assistance in these co-operatives12 For more information, see Appendix (INSERT APPENDIX NUMBER HERE).
National Building Code of Canada 2005 The National Building Code of Canada 2005 applies to the construction of buildings, including extensions, substantial alterations, buildings undergoing a change of occupancy, and upgrading of buildings to remove an unacceptable hazard. The NBC is prepared by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes and is published by the National Research Council of Canada. The first edition was published in 1941. The 2005 NBC is in an objective-based code format. All requirements in the 2005 NBC are linked to one or more of the following four top-level objectives: • Safety
POLICY This section discusses the levels of policy-making that affect residents of TCHC communities such as Flemingdon Park. We have investigated policy at the Federal, Provincial and Municipal levels.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canada’s national housing agency. Established as a government-owned corporation in 1946 to address Canada’s
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• Health • Accessibility • Fire and Structural Protection of Buildings Under Canada’s Constitution Act, building regulation is the responsibility of provincial and territorial governments. The NBC is in the form of a model code to permit adoption by the appropriate authority. Most provinces and territories adopt or adapt the model NBC and enforce its requirements13.
- Also hears appeals to Committee of Adjustment decisions
• Nine citizens, including two Toronto Community Housing tenants24
- Applicants may also appeal the City’s failure to meet
Board Committees
legislated time frames.
The Board delegates key areas of interest to Board Committees for in-depth reviews of certain issues.
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The Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (TAVIS) The Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (TAVIS), is the plan that the Toronto Police Service is using to reduce violence and fear in neighbourhoods. The plan uses community mobilization to: • Reduce crime and disorder. • Make neighbourhoods safer. • Bring neighbours together to keep their neighbourhood safe and livable23.
TORONTO COMMUNITY HOUSING CORPORATION Organizational Chart The organization of the management of Toronto Community Housing Corporation is as follows:
• Finance Committee • Audit Committee • Investment Committee • City Building Committee • Organization Committee • Communities Committee • Social Investment Fund Committee25
Investing in Communities and Tenants Toronto Community Housing recognizes that being a social housing provider means more than providing affordable housing. It means creating conditions that result in healthy and safe communities that are integrated into the social fabric of the city. Toronto Community Housing invests substantial resources in building healthy communities. Healthy communities are communities where people choose to live because the quality of housing is good, they feel safe, they are empowered and can participate in civic life. These conditions do not exist in all Toronto Community Housing communities and that is why the organization invests significant resources in building healthy communities. By making significant investments in communities and tenants, Toronto Community Housing wants to: • Increase opportunities for tenants to engage and influence decisions that affect them • Increase social inclusion of marginalized groups • Establish service approaches dedicated to youth and seniors • Improve community safety
Toronto Community Housing. (2009).Community management plan. Retrieved October 14 2009 from, http://www.torontohousing.ca/ community_management_plan
Board of Directors The Board of Directors oversees the management of Toronto Community Housing and monitors its performance against its business plan, the Community Management Plan. The Board is accountable to the sole shareholder, the City of Toronto, through presentation of its business plan, annual reports and financial statements. The Board is made up of: • Three City Councilors • The Mayor or someone representing the Mayor, and
• Support job creation and improve economic outcomes for tenants • Strengthen, catalyze and participate in meaningful partnerships The organizational review provided an opportunity to improve the engagement system by strengthening opportunities for engagement and decision-making beyond an elected tenant representative system. Under the new system, tenants will have opportunities to be involved in a broader range of issues that have a direct impact on their daily lives. This includes youth advocacy, senior’s issues and human rights and anti-racism advocacy. A strong focus on building meetings will build relationships and improve communication between tenants and front-line staff leading to better service and tenant satisfaction. Another important part of the new model is the enhanced focus on supporting tenants to actively participate in civic life. This approach includes support for tenants in organizing themselves to influence the institutions and other systems that govern their lives26. ORDER
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will be developed after the Board of Directors has approved it. The procedures will draw on the experience and knowledge of TCHC staff and stakeholders29. Tenant Transfer Policy There are occasions when tenants may find that where they live within Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) no longer meets their needs; this may be due to lifestyle changes, changes in their household, the need to access a service or for other reasons. TCHC recognizes this need and has developed a Tenant Transfer Policy identifying the criteria for transferring from one unit, community or building to another within TCHC’s portfolio. The Tenant Transfer Policy supports TCHC’s commitment to quality service and meets TCHC’s legislative responsibilities as set out in the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000 while respecting the needs of social housing applicants on the wait list for entry into social housing30. Toronto Community Housing. (2009).Community management plan. Retrieved October 14 2009 from, http://www.torontohousing.ca/ community_management_plan
Community Management Plan On September 30, 2002, the Toronto Community Housing Board of Directors approved the organization’s first business plan, the Community Management Plan (CMP). The CMP sets the direction for the organization for a rolling three-year period. The Community Management Plan describes how Toronto Community Housing will meet its goals to renew, strengthen and create healthy communities and a positive organization. It also describes how Toronto Community Housing will become a more innovative, responsive and financially sustainable organization. The Community Management Plan outlines a strong commitment to tenant and community involvement, to revitalization, and to building healthy communities and organization. Based on the direction in this plan, Operating Units will create initiatives and solutions to the challenges in their communities by developing local business plans27.
The Community Management Plan 2009-2011 The 2009-2011 Community Management Plan builds on the areas where Toronto Community Housing stands out as an innovator and leader – developing mixed income communities, greening the housing stock and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, engaging tenants and being a great place to work. The plan also focuses on applying the same kind of innovation and leadership to tackle challenges including addressing the housing repair backlog, creating economic opportunities for tenants - particularly young people - and building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves28.
Other Policies Eviction Prevention Policy Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) tries, whenever possible, to prevent tenants from losing their housing because of unpaid rent. Tenants can be evicted from TCHC for reasons other than non-payment of rent. Procedures for implementing the policy
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Accessibility Policy The Accessibility Policy states our commitments to make buildings accessible and to accommodate the accessibility needs of tenants. This policy will guide decision-making related to accessibility issues and initiatives including our Accessibility Plan. The goal of the Accessibility Plan is to improve accessibility for tenants with disabilities throughout Toronto Community Housing31. Humans Rights, Harassment and Fair Access Policy TCHC recognizes that contemporary Toronto is made up of many peoples and cultures, including Aboriginal Canadians. TCHC is committed to providing an inclusive housing and working environment in which all individuals are equally valued and fairly treated. To achieve this, TCHC is prepared to take pro-active measures to eliminate harassment and discrimination in accommodation, employment, services, and in all other contract arrangements. This Human Rights, Harassment and Fair Access Policy reflects the requirements of the Human Rights Code and policies established by the City of Toronto32. Green Plan Policy Toronto Community Housing is committed to being an environmental leader and requires all contractors and suppliers to contribute to the success of environmental initiatives as a requirement in their contract from the time they are retained until the contract is completed33.
FLEMINGDON PARK Tenant Participation System The Tenant Participation System gives Toronto Community Housing tenants a say on issues that affect their homes and community. It sets up a structure for tenants to work with staff to solve problems, set priorities, allocate resources, and make things work better at the community level. It also ensures that Toronto Community Housing is accountable to its tenants for the quality of services and housing provided34. The system does not work for everyone. Communication is an issue as there is no reliable system for passing on information. There are tenant representatives within Flemingdon Park who
10.
ECONOMY PRIMARY RESEARCH RESULTS ECONOMIC PROFILE OF FLEMINGDON PARK EXISTING PROGRAMS FOR BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP WITHIN THE TCHC POTENTIAL ECONOMIC GRANTS AND FUNDING TORONTO COMMUNITY HOUSING CORPORATION ECONOMIC BACKGROUND
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PRIMARY RESEARCH RESULTS
MAP OF BUSINESSES SURROUNDING FLEMINGDON PARK
Primary research was conducted to determine how issues of employment and commerce affect residents. Our Interviews with residents and local entrepreneurs found that:
Commerce and Business
• One resident complained that compared to the other TCHC
Food Retail
communities she had lived in, Flemingdon was further away from shops, particularly cheap grocery stores after the nearby Food Basics shut down.1
• Several shop owner in the nearby plaza complained that business had been slower since Food Basics shut down. One shop owner considered this as one of the many signs that the neighbourhood is getting poorer.2
• Another resident said he thought the site was reasonably well located, particularly in relation to downtown.3
• One resident mentioned frustration that she had to pay $40 per month for parking. Several residents mentioned disliking the state of the parking garages.4
• Several residents mentioned frustration about the easy access to drugs and drug use in the neighbourhood.5
• Several residents mentioned poverty and access to jobs as the most important issue they face.6
• One teen had gone through job training for food safety from the local Community Health Centre, but had not made any connection between the training and employment.7
• One professional said she thought residents would be better equipped to help themselves if they had more employment training.8
ECONOMIC PROFILE OF FLEMINGDON PARK This section provides a map of the surrounding businesses in the greater Flemingdon Park area and a list of economic a sistance programs available to residents.
Legend
1. Bank of Nova Scotia
2. Food Basics 3. 7 Eleven-Food Stores 4. Pik Kwik Convenience 5. Vicora Tuck Shop 6. Quick Food Delivery Inc 7. The Beer Store
Restaurants 8. Flemingdon Pizza 9. Shaheen Tikka & Kabab House 10. Cafe Daily Mark 11. Mr. Subs 12. Mulan Chinese Cuisine 13. Pioneer Delicatessens
General Retail 14. Shell Gas Station 15. Shoppers Drug Mart 16. Flemingdon Hair Place 17. MRWT Tobacco Variety & Convenience Plus 18. General Gas Service 19. Loblaws Dry Cleaners 20. Real Canadian Superstore 21. Loblaws Flowers Shop 22. Joe Fresh 23. Esso Gas Station 24. Razzaks Computer Electronics 25. Flemingdon Park Auto Centre 26. Scrabby’s Dry Cleaners 27. Web Fusion
Health Retail 28. Flemington Park Pharmacy 29. Loblaws Pharmacy
Services 30. Flemingdon Park Dental Centre 31. Flemingdon Park Centre Academy of Learning 32. Flemingdon Park School Age & Family Centre 33. Flemingdon Health Centre 34. Grenoble Day-Care Centre 35. TDSB/Dennis R. Timbrell Centre 36. New Circles Community Services Inc
Recreational 37. Flemingdon Arena 38. Flemingdon Park Golf Club
A map of some businesses in the greater Flemingdon Park area.
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ECONOMY
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6
Flemingdon Health Center Services. This centre provides: • Therapeutic counseling for individual, couples and families facing a variety of systemic barriers and personal crises. • Psychosocial assessment and consulting. • Information and referrals to external agencies (e.g. Income security programs, immigration status, legal aid, home care, children’s aid, self help groups) • Crisis intervention • Advocacy and case management Flemingdon Park Auto Centre at the Plaza
• Group work, community wellness and health promotion activities • Peer and interdisciplinary consultation • Teaching supervision • Teaching supervision.9
Toronto Community Housing Job fair 2009 • Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) hosted its first job fair in October of this year. The fair helped TCHC residents connect with both full-time and part-time employment opportunities. 10
Flemingdon Park Drop-in Housing Program Pioneer Delicatessen market at the Plaza
• A resource center that provides information to Flemingdon Park residents on housing, employment, and income support programs. The drop-in office provides access to communication tool including Internet, computer, faxes and phones.11
Flemingdon Neighborhood Services Youth Program • A program for youth between the ages of 13-24 to help improve their skills for possible volunteering and employment opportunities. Some of the services include resume writing, interview skills and job searching.12
Razzaks computer electronics store at the Plaza
ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR FLEMINGDON PARK RESIDENTS The Flemingdon Park area has various economic services and programs that are available to the residents. Due to their socioeconomic status these types of services are heavily needed within this community. Below is a list of the economic centres and the services they provide.
EXISTING PROGRAMS FOR BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP WITHIN THE TCHC TCHC offers minimal economic programs as they are a housing provider. They understand that their tenants have substantial economic needs and have developed programs that partner with non-profit organizations. They also develop programs to increase the economic health of TCHC communities. Enterprising Non-Profit Program
ECONOMY
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LIST OF GRANTS AND REBATE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FROM CMHC Summary of Potential Grants Name
Source
Rebates from CMHC
Amount
Details
CMHC Renovation Information
N/A
CMHC Home Renovation Information Kit; Take advantage of CMHC’s home renovation expertise and building long lasting relationships with your clients.
CMHC Green Home
$ 2,025
CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance flexibilities (10% Rebate on premium & Extended Amortization Surcharge Waiver) for New Energy Efficient Construction or Purchase/Refinance with improvements to make a home more energy-effecient; Amount based on an example of $300,000 mortgage, 5% down, 35yr Amortization
Home Renovation Tax Credit
$ 1,350
Applies to eligible expenses of more than $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum non-refundable tax credit of $1,350 [($10,000 - $1,000) x 15%]
NRCan EcoEnergy Audit
$ 5,000
Audit process followed by target upgrades with specified rebate amounts; federal rebates matched/stacked by the Province of Ontario
Home Energy Savings Program
$ 5,000
Audit process followed by target upgrades with specified rebate amounts; federal rebates matched/stacked by the Province of Ontario
OPA Every Kilowatt Counts
$ 25 $ 125 $ 400
Install a Programmable Thermostat Install a Mid/High-effeciency Furnace W. ECM Install a Central AC System
Municipal
Toronto Water Saver
$ 75 $ 60
Replace existing toilet with low-flow toilet Install an efficient front loading washer
Electric Utility
Toronto Hydro Peak Saver
$ 25
Allows remote temperature control by utility to avoid brownouts/blackouts
Gas Utility
Enbridge My Home Rebates
$ 15 $ 50 $ 100
Install a Programmable Thermostat Water Heater Energy Star Furnace
Lender
Purchase Plus Improvement Various Cash Back or options
$ 10,000
Cash back on mortgage to undertake upgrades to make a home more energy-effecient. See Your lender’s web site
Federal
Ontario
$ 24,250.
Potential Total
CMHC RENOVATION PROGRAM CMHC Renovation Programs Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP): Intended for lower-income Canadians; must meet income criteria; limited program funds available RRAP Homeowner
$ 16,000
For structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, fire safety upgrades
RRAP Disabled
$ 16,000
For accessibility upgrades
RRAP Secondary/garden Suite
$ 24,000
To create secondary or garden suite for senior or disabled adult
ECONOMY
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2008 TORONTO COMMUNITY HOUSING OPERATION BUDGET Toronto Community Housing Program
Component
peration udget
2008 Budget
YTD Actual
Budget Left
uilding Repari Capital Program Building Condition Assessment Electrical Elevators Envelope Grounds/Site Interiors Life Safety Mechanical Roofing Community Safety Scattered Houses Structural Other Building Repair Contingency Regular Building Repair Capital Total Unit Refurbishment (see note) Components Replacement Building Repair Capital Program Total
Community
800,000 1,000,000 2,184,000 3,167,000 500,000 583,000 3,667,000 3,596,000 4,440,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 6,175,000 500,000 2,000,000 32,112,000 32,000,000 6,880,000 70,992,000
935,975 1,360,517 3,024,975 3,950,819 520,523 1,277,804 4,115,836 4,417,696 4,845,952 1,198,721 1,446,624 5,244,748 249,232 0 32,589,422 36,472,474 6,991,306 76,053,202
(135,975) (360,517) (840,975) (783,819) (20,523) (694,804) (448,836) (821,696) (405,952) 801,279 53,376 930,252 250,768 2,000,000 (477,422) (4,472,474) (111,306) (5,061,202)
6,500,000 9,000,000 15,500,000
7,477,508 9,212,298 16,689,806
(977,508) (212,298) (1,189,806)
50,000 23,450,000 23,500,000
64,038 18,091,092 18,155,130
(14,038) 5,358,908 5,344,870
986,000 1,384,310 3,759,690 1,000,000 200,000 1,300,000 8,630,000
1,802,740 156,774 2,145,476 811,723 131,155 521,153 5,569,021
(816,740) 1,227,536 1,614,214 188,277 68,845 778,847 3,060,979
11,000,000 19,630,000
0 5,569,021
11,000,000 14,060,979
500,000
284,877
215,123
ased Capital Program
Tenant Priority Envelope CHU Capital Plans Community Based Capital Program Total
uilding Renewal Program BRP Construction Insurance Phase 1 Building Renewal Program Total
Energy
ater
emand Management Program
Energy retrofit and Re-commissioning SHSC Energy Retrofit Pilot Toilet retrofit Program Co-Generation Plant Renewable Ebergy Pilot Energy Information System-Phase 2/BAS Energy & Water Demand Mgt Total
uilding Energy Program Building Energy Program Total Energy Programs Total
Appliance Replacement Program Appliance Replacement Total
ECONOMY
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12.
RESEARCH CONCLUSIONS CULTURE ENVIRONMENT INFRASTRUCTURE ORDER ECONOMY INFORMATION
86
APPENDIX A: SOCIAL AND
STATISTICS RELATED TO THE GREATER FLEMINGDON PARK AREA
ECONOMIC DEMOGRAPHICS
Statistics Canada, City of Toronto
The following statistics are sourced from the Toronto Community Housing Corporation.
This set of statistics focuses on the greater area of Flemingdon Park. The Toronto Community Housing Flemingdon Park neighbourhood is outlined in black.
Social and Economic Demographics TCHC
FAMILY SIZE 160 140 120 100 80 60
map of Flemingdon Park (http://www.toronto.ca/demographics/cns_ profiles/cns44.htm
40 20
Age
0 1 Person
2 People
3 People
4 People
5 People
6 People
7 People
8 People
AGE RANGE 450 400 350 300 250 Female
200
How does this neighbourhood differ from the rest of Toronto? % of Children (0-4): HIGHER* % of Children (5-14): HIGHER* % of Youth (15-24): SAME % of Seniors (65+): LOWER* Dependency Ratio: HIGHER (47.3%) Total Population Change: LOWER One star represents differences of 20% to <50% and two stars, 50% or more. Dependency ratio is the number of children and seniors as a percentage of the working population (15-64).
Male
150
POPULATION BY AGE COHORT
100
Population by Age Cohort
50 0
2500
1000
155
280
590
465
780
740
1030
1260
1575
0
1915
500
1925
229 200
1500
1665
SPOKEN LANGUAGES
2000
1485
59+
1485
50‐58
1345
25‐49
1540
18‐24
1525
13‐17
1550
5‐12
Number of Persons (rounded to nearest 5)
0‐4
0 - 4 5 - 9 10 - 15 - 20 - 25 - 30 - 35 - 40 - 45 - 50 - 55 - 60 - 65 - 70 - 75 - 80 - 85+ 14 19 24 29 34 39 44 49 54 59 64 69 74 79 84 Age Cohort (years)
9
8
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
En Un glis kn h ow So n m 6u ali 8a ra : Fa Sp rsi an Am ish ha r Pa ic sh to Fe nc Or h om Ti o gr in ia M Urd an u da rin Hi nd i Vi Ara et b na ic m e B se Po eng rtu al M gu i ac es ed e o Ro nia m n an ia n
11 10 9
1
92