Roadmap to Redevelopment: Building Resilience and Equity in the Future of Affordable Housing

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The Roadmap for Redevelopment event held at Urban Economy Forum on Now 14, 2024, addressed the multifaceted challenges of affordable housing, with an emphasis on community-centered development, equitable urban planning, and the complexities of transitioning housing from private to nonprofit ownership. The project was launched in 2022 via Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Supply Challenge. The event is of civic importance as it addresses the critical issues of affordable housing, community resilience, and equitable urban development, which are central to the well-being of Toronto residents. In Regent Park, a neighbourhood undergoing significant transformation, these discussions are crucial for ensuring that development prioritizes inclusivity, affordability, and social cohesion, preserving the area's legacy as a diverse, mixed-income community. The Roadmap for Redevelopment event explored the balance between heritage preservation and modern housing solutions, alongside the personal and transformative impact of tackling homelessness. It highlighted the barriers posed by high housing costs, restrictive regulations, and the insufficient production of affordable units. The panel underscored the need for a collaborative approach involving government, private developers, and community leaders to preserve existing affordable housing and create sustainable, non-market options to address the ongoing housing crisis. 

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