Lessons from Regent Park - It starts with listening.

This week, we had our first meeting with some of the community resident leaders at Regent Park and Toronto Community Housing (TCH) in preparation for our shared revitalization of Phases 4 and 5. The 69 acre revitalization began in 2005 with the first three phases developed in partnership by Daniel’s Corporation and TCH. This next stage that we are part of is a 10 – 15 year journey with the community and overall it will have been a 30 year vision in the making.

Clearly this week’s meeting was a very first and small step in a community such as this – home to approximately 12,000 people. The next step will be to meet all the residents at an upcoming community gathering, which - although the date hasn’t been set – there seems to be a shared excitement that it can’t happen soon enough. But beginnings are important times where we know the virtue of patience and getting it right from the start. With a project of this scale, there is a lot to learn, respect and understand as we go So while the date is yet TBD, we look forward to meeting, getting to know and hearing all the residents of the community.

It was 525 days ago that our team had the chance to first stand in front of the Regent Park community to share our proposal to meet their vision for the next phases of the revitalization. “To create a place where everyone who lives here belongs.”

I remember the day well. And in particular, how I was feeling. A mingling of excitement and hope (sprinkled with a little anxiety of course). I remember calling my father shortly after to let him know how it went. While I thought we did well – I thought it might be a long shot. I remember his response perfectly. “Don’t be so sure.” Like always, he conveyed so much in so few (4) words. He had confidence in our Company and our team, even despite being a bit of an underdog this time. He knew better than any that we had heart, a history of success and a genuine, intention of wanting to work with communities to achieve their vision. He was also the eternal optimist, often proven to be right. How I wish he was around to see the end result.

It’s been 88 days since it was announced that we were the successful proponent for the remaining two phases of the community. A thrilling outcome for us – but also one that we realized in some ways and for some people, may not be immediately shared. Because we understand that while change can be exciting – it can also bring fear of the unknown. Because we understand that our relationship with Regent Park and the people who live there - is new – and like most - will take time to build. We are learning about each other, and as with most learning, it starts with listening.

I started listening to the residents of Regent Park well before this week. Of course, the residents were heard through the material that was provided to each of the proponents during the RFP process outlining the community priorities, but I also got to really hear them as I listened to their voices during deputations at the Annual General Meeting of Toronto Community Housing, 88 days ago.

Even though the meeting was virtual, I was able to hear residents and representatives of the neighbourhood associations speak – I heard their VOICES - which is very different than a report, or a document. And while that was only a brief introduction – it was powerful. And as I shared earlier this week with those that I had the pleasure of meeting - what I took away with me – was that - THE WORLD NEEDS MORE REGENT PARK.

Here’s why – because not only did I hear their voices, but I listened (and we all know there’s a significant difference between the two).

• I listened to them call each other brother and sister.
• I listened as they described the place they want to create – one that fosters diversity through unity … where social cohesion and inclusion is the norm.
• I listened to them put the needs of community over themselves.
• I listened to their desire and intention to look after their youth, seniors, families in need, and people with physical and mental disabilities.
• I listened to them declare that they want to be an example, not just to the city, but to the world - about what’s possible.
• I listened to their hope that their children receive both the knowledge - and the opportunities - to give back to their community.
• I listened to them express that they want a seat at the table. And I told them, that they will always have one with us.

Regent Park already, reminds me of a term that inspired me earlier this year – and what I think is perhaps the BEST way to describe community –it’s a COMMON-unity. 

It is EXTREMELY rare.

We call ourselves community builders – but we know that this experience and the residents of Regent Park are going to teach US about community.

The intention of the meeting this week was to answer some preliminary questions as we prepare to involve the entire community. Some of them were tough questions. But we know that they’re important – and that there will be many more. Sometimes perhaps even more questions than answers. But we know that’s okay – because after this week’s meeting I have every confidence – that together we will get there.

As they said themselves, they are a highly involved and outspoken resident led community. We like that. It’s as it should be. We find this a common theme at every revitalization we’ve been privileged to be a part of, and one thing has been consistent, we become better because of what we learn from the residents and communities where we build.

What have we learned? That community building like revitalization should be something that happens with you, not to you.

We also learned that in any endeavor worth doing there will always be some challenging conversations and a few mistakes, but failure to us is not trying something, just because it might seem tough. That’s how we get to a good place. That’s where we are headed. Actually, we’re headed somewhere beyond good. As mentioned by Councilor Kristyn Wong-Tam in her introductory remarks – we won’t settle for anything less than exceptional. I agree. And it’s an incredible road to be on together. We can’t (but will patiently) wait to meet EVERYONE.