Yonge Street published almost 100 Civic Impact stories in 2013.
Taken together, the collection of stories--ranging from public art interventions to affordable housing advocacy, to sewer system renewal--give a snapshot (albeit an incomplete one) of Toronto's civic fabric.
We learned, for example that for each dollar invested into the Toronto public library system, Torontonians r
eceive $5.63 of value and that the number
1 reason Torontonians use foodbanks is because housing costs are too high.
We also saw some new and innovative collaborations. Foodshare, in partnership with the TTC, launched Toronto’s first
mobile food truck. The City formed an
affordable housing advocacy group and the York Region Municipal Council committed to a
10-year affordable housing strategy. RV Burgess Park, the only green space in the densely populated Thorncliffe neighbourhood, became home to North America's first
public Tandoor Oven. And, for the first-time ever,
Scarborough hosted its very own film festival.
The narrative of collaboration and common interest among and between different areas of Toronto and the York Region is a reminder perhaps that the kind of "fractured" and "divided" city rhetoric that is often couched in the now the re-emergent deamalgamation debate is at best suspect and, at worst, counter-productive.
That's why, going forward in 2014, we're going to make every effort to keep presenting a nuanced image of the city and the wider region and to keep an eye out for the kinds of coalition building and innovation that transcends and moves across the inner suburb, 905, and downtown division.
Click here to view a list of the best Civic Impact stories of 2013.
Writer: Katia Snukal