Parkdale Community Benefits Framework

In 2018 the Parkdale People’s Economy developed a Community Benefits Framework to build a proactive response to the rise of developments and investments in the Parkdale neighbourhood. The framework was been developed through a series of community workshops, public lectures, and grounded experience organizing for community benefits in new developments.

Parkdale Solidarity Flag

The framework was first proposed through a community planning process led by over 30 community-based organizations and hundreds of residents to build Decent Work, Shared Wealth, and Equitable Development in Parkdale. Through a series of community-based consultations, the Parkdale Community Planning Study identified the establishment of a Community Benefits Framework as a key direction for advancing unified community needs and demands from infrastructure investment and development.

We envision a future in Parkdale where equity-seeking community members can live with dignity and benefit from changes happening in their own backyard.  We call upon community members and workers to unite and ensure that new developments address local needs in the community. We call upon community organizations to pave the way for equitable development and participatory democracy. We call upon local planners and political representatives to champion our causes. We call upon developers and investors to work collaboratively with community to ensure that new developments equitably benefit all residents.

We wish to thank a number of people and organizations for supporting the Parkdale People’s Economy. Firstly, great thanks go to the Atkinson Foundation for helping us deepen the roots and grow the movement for decent work, shared wealth, and equitable development in Parkdale through leadership, inspiration, and financial support.

Special thanks also go to all community members and allies, local agency staff, City staff, and Community Benefits practitioners who took the time to participate in public education panels, workshops, focus groups, and meetings to provide guidance on the framework.

Finally, we are incredibly grateful to local grassroots organizers who have informed this framework through participatory planning and strategizing. We hope that these contributions will be honoured by meaningful action for equitable development in Parkdale and beyond.