In preparation for the relocation of 2,000 households during the reconstruction of Regent Park, Public Interest carried out detailed research on relocation strategies used in countries around the world. The research included a review of strategies used for each aspect of the relocation.
To conduct this research, we recruited more than 30 residents from Regent Park representing the major ethno-cultural groups, age groups, and other distinct groups within the neighbourhood. We trained them with the information and questions that we wanted to share with residents, and they trained us on how best to connect with their part of the community, such as through one-to-one interviews, large meetings, small gatherings, and so on.
We presented the results of this research to the community through a process that enabled residents to consider their options for relocation process and express their preferences about where they wished to move to during the redevelopment. We then worked with Toronto Community Housing staff to create a relocation strategy that reflects the residents’ views and concerns and has been widely accepted in Regent Park.
The final report, Policies and Practices for the Regent Park Relocation, presented a unique, innovative, and equitable relocation plan. This ground-breaking plan was adopted and served as the basis for implementing the first phase of tenant relocation, which took place in 2005.
To ensure that the lessons learned throughout the community engagement process would not be lost during the implementation phase, Public Interest also supported Toronto Community Housing by training the relocation staff prior to the opening of the Regent Park Relocation Office.
