Coalition for Responsible Community Development shape Debate on Community Benefits & Equity Planning

At Toronto City Hall on April 9, 2026, the Economic and Community Development Committee heard a wide-ranging discussion on community development and equity planning, with strong input from Regent Park residents, members of the Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee, and the newly-formed Coalition for Responsible Community Planning calling for more consistent, community-led investment. The item focused on how the city’s community development plans, inclusive economic development frameworks, and equity-based tools can better guide public investment across neighbourhoods. At the centre of the discussion was community benefits planning—how growth and redevelopment can be more directly tied to local priorities and long-term neighbourhood well-being. For Regent Park residents, the conversation reflected ongoing questions about how equity is defined and how resources actually reach communities most affected by redevelopment and displacement pressures. Mohammed, vice-chair of the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee, told councillors that community development is often driven by external triggers such as redevelopment, leaving some neighbourhoods waiting for support. “What happens to communities that don’t have those triggers? They’re left waiting—for resources, for funding, for attention.” She emphasized that communities already have the knowledge to shape solutions, but need stable investment to do so. “Communities already know what they need. They just need the resources to make it happen.” Regent Park residents also pointed to local models already in place. Walied Khogali, co-chair of the Regent Park Neighbourhood Association, highlighted the neighbourhood’s experience with resident-led planning. “We’re not lacking data—the challenge is implementation.” He pointed to outcomes from the Regent Park Social Development Plan, including improvements in community safety and engagement, and stressed the importance of moving from studies to action. “In 2023, we had zero gun-related deaths in our community for the first time in our history.” Khogali and other advocates urged the committee to strengthen community benefits planning through predictable, long-term funding tied directly to neighbourhood needs rather than short-term or project-based investments. City staff noted that community development plans are typically linked to major redevelopment processes and secondary planning frameworks, which raised concerns from speakers who said this approach can leave some communities without timely support. Councillors acknowledged both the importance and complexity of the issue, pointing to financial constraints and the need for clearer frameworks to guide equity-based investment across the city. Ultimately, the committee referred the item for further review, delaying immediate implementation. Still, the discussion underscored a clear message from Regent Park voices: community development and equity planning must move beyond reactive approaches, and toward sustained investment shaped directly by residents on the ground.