Food Access and Production
Community Priority
We heard the community state that these were the priorities
- Access to affordable, local, healthy, and organic food via local grocers, farmers’ markets, and farmers directly.
- Bring about food security through urban agriculture, price regulations, economic supports, increasing income and job opportunities, food availability and access programs, a centralized and intersectional governance approach, and community education, organizing, and solidarity.
- Ample space, opportunities, and government supports to learn about and engage in local, community-owned food production.
- Community awareness and engagement with food issues.
- Food banks with equitable distribution and diverse, nutritious food options.
- Healthy cooking and eating knowledge, habits, and programs in the community.
Climate Actions
This is what the researchers believe are the associated climate actions
Efforts to develop local food initiatives, such as urban farms, community gardens, edible cities, and farmers’ markets, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food mileage and food waste while enhancing local food security. These initiatives can also create building blocks for more sustainable and just food systems, particularly through enabling racialized, low-income, and migrant community members to produce, access, and consume healthy and culturally appropriate foods.
Community Connection
Community Priority
We heard the community state that these were the priorities
- Feelings of connection among community members. This includes maintaining these connections, and addressing sources of isolation and displacement pressures.
- Opportunities and events for people to gather, socialize, get to know each other and have fun.
- Protect valued community spaces and create more places for people to gather, including a community hub.
- Ensure accessibility and inclusion in community activities and events.
Climate Actions
This is what the researchers believe are the associated climate actions
Meaningful social connections can strengthen efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, as people are moved to take action by their sense of connection and attachment to their neighbourhood and those who are a part of it. Climate actions, when carried out collectively, can also foster community bonds. Examples include community gardens, farmers’ markets, educational activities, and social and environmental activism.
Business Diversity and Density
Community Priority
We heard the community state that these were the priorities
- Walkable communities with nearby access to stores, jobs, and other community spaces.
- A high density and diversity of stores in the neighbourhood, including the introduction of stores that are currently lacking.
- Prevent loss of Malvern Mall and other affordable central hubs for shopping that are in walking distance and have a diversity of stores.
Climate Actions
This is what the researchers believe are the associated climate actions
Dense, mixed-use urban spaces can increase participation in low-carbon transportation options by enabling more efficient public transportation systems, reducing travel distances and commutes, and creating local retail and employment opportunities. These efforts must be paired with affordable housing development, rent control, and displacement prevention measures. Neighbourhood change must also be guided by an understanding of the needs, identities, and lives of marginalized groups in the neighbourhood to maintain the character of the neighbourhood, people’s sense of place, and community cohesion.
Public Transportation
Community Priority
We heard the community state that these were the priorities
- Local subway and high speed transit routes.
- Dense and widespread transit coverage that can get you anywhere, with few dead spots and small distances to transit stops.
- Transit service that is frequent and on-time.
- Free, subsidized, and/or affordable transit for all.
- Electrified mass transit system.
- Transit system that is accessible for all, including Wheel Trans services with reduced transfers and direct transportation.
- Completion of transportation projects that are underway.
Climate Actions
This is what the researchers believe are the associated climate actions
Improving supply of, and access to, low-carbon, climate friendly options such as bicycle-lanes, buses, and light-rail, as well as electrification of public transport, will strengthen public transportation systems, reduce reliance on cars, lessen traffic, and improve transportation experiences for residents.
Community Programs and Services
Community Priority
We heard the community state that these were the priorities
- An abundance of community centres, public libraries, and community organizations that support residents in a variety of ways, do civic engagement work, and provide opportunities for community members to have fun.
- A wide range of community programs, services, and resources that are offered on a flexible schedule and well-connected to the people who need them.
- Programs and services that are oriented to a wider range of community members, including teenagers, neurodiverse youth who have disabilities, people who speak languages other than English, and people in their 30s-40s.
- The participation of community members in local organizations’ projects.
Climate Actions
This is what the researchers believe are the associated climate actions
Investments in community programs and services aimed at providing forms of care – including childcare, education, social services, and mental health support – will help mitigate the climate crisis. The care industry not only sustains people’s lives and well-being, but is low-emissions and labour-intensive, making it an important avenue for low-carbon jobs. Community organizations can also increase people’s capacities to adapt to climate change through providing social supports, building social connections, and fostering resource- and knowledge-sharing.
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