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THREAD: It’s been 8 months since we first came together to voice our concerns about the proposed mid-rise development at 315-325 Spadina (where Rol San is currently located!)—and the ways it would contribute to the gentrification and displacement of Toronto's downtown Chinatown.
8 months since we created a parody City of Toronto development sign to alert the Chinese-speaking community about this proposed development, and to point out a poorly publicized, inaccessible “community consultation” organized by the City and developers.
8 months since we MADE NOISE at said community “consultation” (held in a hard to find, crowded UofT classroom *outside* of Chinatown). At the meeting, developers didn’t refer to “Chinatown” once—ignoring its racialized residents + dismissing concerns re: housing affordability.
After the meeting, we were invited to join the City’s “working group” for the development. We were told that it would be an avenue for us to express our concerns & provide input on the development. We cautiously joined, hoping it could be a way to push for affordable units.
Unfortunately, our experience in the working group confirmed our original suspicion—the process exists to “rubber stamp” developers’ interests under the guise of community consultation. We’ve seen firsthand how the process is designed to prevent meaningful community participation
The 1st WG meeting was on Feb 12. The agenda, set by the City planning dept, included a discussion of architectural “heritage” in Chinatown, building height, retail units, & private-publicly accessible space. There was little room to discuss affordable housing & gentrification.
We raised our concerns about the WG directly with the City & were invited to meet with city planners on March 6. At the meeting, the City said they intended to rethink a new community consultation strategy & promised to send us a proposal. We're still waiting for said proposal.
The 2nd WG meeting was March 10. Again, the agenda was set by the City planning dept. This time, it included a discussion around unit mix, housing affordability, and retail units. While the issue was raised, there were no solid commitments made around housing affordability.
Then, COVID-19 hit. Tenants are struggling to make rent, many are facing the looming threat of mass evictions. Chinatown businesses & residents face heightened racism. Yet the City & developers are carrying on “business as usual”—pushing forward plans for the Spadina development.
2 weeks ago, we were told that the 3rd WG meeting would proceed online during the pandemic—with very little notice. It was an insult to see the City prioritize corporate interests & push forward a development project in a time of hardship in Chinatown and across Toronto.
The 3rd working group meeting is tomorrow afternoon. We've sent a letter to the City, articulating that we will only green-light a development that prioritizes decent housing for all.
We, along with additional WG members, have made a demand for 100% affordable housing.
We, along with additional WG members, have made a demand for 100% affordable housing.
We’ll be making our demands clear to both City planners & developers at tomorrow’s meeting. We stand against developers extracting profit from a neighbourhood built by/for primarily working-class + racialized residents. Stay tuned for post-meeting updates & ways you can support.
