Today the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust launched a membership drive.
Parkdale is changing rapidly. This change is not inherently good or bad, but it raises important questions about affordability, diversity, and community assets in Parkdale. The Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust (PNLT) was formed to address this issue by redefining how land is owned and developed. We are a member-based community-controlled organization of people who live and work in Parkdale. Become a member today! Be a part of the movement to keep Parkdale affordable and diverse!
OUR CHALLENGE: TAKING OWNERSHIP OVER THE FUTURE OF PARKDALE
Toronto is getting too expensive – it’s squeezing the heart out of our city. Parkdale has always been different; in its own wild way it’s been a place for everyone. But things are changing fast! Rents are going up and people are being displaced. To the east and to the west we see the cranes and glass towers rising – and we know they’re not for us. Everywhere we look developers are scooping up more land.
This type of gentrification and real estate speculation is a struggle over land. When land is treated like a commodity it goes to the highest bidder and the people who live in the neighborhood just don’t have a say. The future of Parkdale is at risk.
OUR VISION: OWNING LAND TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY!
We know there’s a better way to live together. We can own land as a community. That is why we have created the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust. PNLT is a non profit community-run organization that will acquire and own land to make sure it meets the needs of the community in the long term. Needs like:
- affordable and supportive housing
- community gardens
- affordable commercial spaces for local small businesses and community services
The Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust will both preserve existing assets and work with the government, non-profits and the private sector to assure that the community has a say in new developments.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP:
Anyone who lives and works in Parkdale or Ward 14 can become a member. Currently membership is free. As a founding member you can:
- Show you support and be part of the movement
- Help shape a vision for the future of Parkdale
- Cast a vote at our Annual Members Meeting (October 28th, 2015)
- Access workshops on neighbourhood issues, affordable housing, community gardens, and community economic development
- Participate in PNLT working committees