Blog: Walking Through Community: A Reflection on Design, Connection, and Regent Park’s Social Infrastructure

I’ve always had a soft spot for design, art, architecture, and placemaking. So it’s no surprise that I’ve become a regular at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery’s Culture Talk series. This year, Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) is proudly supporting the series, and we’re excited to offer the community opportunities to hear from designers, artists, architects, and builders who understand the importance of making space for social connection in our built environment.

The most recent Culture Talk on April 10  welcomed Mitchell Cohen, the longtime President & CEO of The Daniels Corporation.  His recent book, Rhythms of Change, describes the reimagined Regent Park, a 69-acre neighbourhood right in the heart of downtown Toronto. The presentation and ensuing conversation at the Culture Talk revealed Mitchell’s true passion: creating partnerships between residents, developers, and governments to transform landscapes.  It was clear that Mitchell and his firm are also big supporters of the kinds of social infrastructure investments that WRCF champions.

Mitchell gave us insights into Regent Park by way of his version of a virtual community walkabout.  Through photos and storytelling, elements of the neighbourhood came alive. The quality of architecture ensures that affordable housing units are indistinguishable from market-rate condos.  The texture of the urban fabric balances aspiration with pragmatism, creating beautiful spaces that aren’t intimidating. The sidewalks are well-supplied with seating and landscaping; the spaces between buildings are given as much intention as the main frontages.

But as impressive as the physical design is, I was floored by the social infrastructure that this public/private/philanthropic development partnership provides for its residents to make connections. The gardens and lawns are active gathering spaces where renters and homeowners bake and break bread together. The athletic grounds and aquatic centre and community centre provide physical infrastructure enabling physical activity and more social interactions. The college facilities are conceived as part of the “Communiversity,” intentionally open to neighbourhood residents. I found myself fascinated by a new community whose culture goes beyond its arts facilities - although its 60,000 square foot Daniels Spectrum arts centre would be the envy of almost any neighbourhood. 

Inspired by the elements of Regent Park, I began to think about the potential of our own communities and what it would look like if we took a similar approach to connecting with each other.  Moreover, the concept of a neighbourhood walkabout intrigued me as a starting point. I left that evening wondering what a walkabout in my neighbourhood would reveal.  If I were introducing someone to my part of town, what would I show them?  What route would we walk?  What spaces in my neighbourhood encourage connections between neighbours?  What facilities exist to enable residents to interact and learn and create with others?  What places would I photograph?  What parts of the neighbourhood make me proud?  Where are there opportunities for something new to emerge, and what parts are loved the way they are?

As our weather finally turns to spring, and the brown slowly transforms into green, why not gather some neighbours and take a walkabout in your neighbourhood?  If you do, please send me a note and let me know what you see.

Eric Avner
WRCF President & CEO
eric@wrcf.ca

P.S. – If you weren’t able to attend the Culture Talk, check out this interview with Mitchell on Midtown Radio!