Urban Policy Reflections

Reflecting on our final report topic of physical infrastructure, it was interesting to learn in detail about how social housing projects. In my group, I was responsible for analyzing the housing and transit details for Regent Park. I have lived in Toronto for almost 6 years now and have heard in passing about Regent Park numerous times but have never taken the time to look into the revitalization project. Most of what I had heard was not good, focusing on how crime-ridden the area was. However, I never understood WHY this was happening. Through my research, I learnt that the neighbourhood did not have many through streets in order to create a park-like atmosphere in the area. This was good, in theory, however it created an environment which, in combination with other factors, led to an increase in crime in the neighbourhood. Now that I understood more of what caused the neighbourhood residents to take action towards revitalization, I shifted my focus towards understanding what policy options would be taken towards correcting the current challenges faced in the neighbourhood. The neighbourhood previously only had rent-geared-to-income units. However, the revitalization will include, in addition to rent-geared-to-income units, affordable rental units condos, and townhouses. This mix of housing in combination with infrastructure changes to decrease neighbourhood isolation and increase walking and cycling safety has shifted the structure of the neighbourhood.

Overall, this class has taught me so much about the intricacies of urban policy, and how it is EVERYWHERE! I have increased my awareness of how the different levels of government, as well as non-governmental organizations, engage in urban policy and the policy making process. During this program I have completed an internship with the provincial and federal government. This course has provided me with a greater understanding of municipal government structures and how much they vary across municipalities. Whether it be the policy processes or the structure of public services in a given municipality, there is significant variety in the delivery of services and how policymaking is done.