Academic literature on the topic 'Gentrification – Ontario – Toronto'

Abstract Where we live impacts our health, but this is more apt for older adults (aged 55+) aging-in-place in their neighborhoods. Gentrification, i.e. the transformation of neighborhoods from low to high value, can put community-dwelling older adults at risk for residential displacement with limited retirement incomes and financial stressors like increased housing costs and property taxes, residential turnover and changing access to resources. As a place-based stressor, gentrification may exacerbate social vulnerabilities (e.g., lower socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic minority status) related to chronic condition (CC) disparities. But, little gentrification research focuses on these issues. This research examines associations between gentrification and older adults’ CC management related to broader social determinants in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada from health and social service providers’ perspectives. Hamilton, a recovering steel industry city with in-migration from Toronto, is experiencing higher costs of living, income inequality and tension with recent gentrifiers. I conducted key informant interviews with service providers in city government and community-based organizations using thematic analysis. Across providers, food insecurity, social isolation and displacement were the biggest issues associated with gentrification and CC, particularly for older adults with lower incomes and government disability support. Results thus far reveal Hamilton has numerous older adult-focused providers, but older adults often have difficulties accessing services due to a lack of knowledge, not always asking or realizing when they need help and coordinated referral difficulties across providers. To address these challenges, providers consider environmental scans, mapping resources and advertisement in an online community information database from the city’s public library.

This research examines the stigmas that have been given to the Jane and Finch area in Toronto, Ontario and the effects of re-branding the neighbourhood as “University Heights”. The re-branding initiative started in 2006 and has rapidly changed the face of the Jane and Finch community with the development of new housing complexes and a subway expansion. Using a genealogical approach I trace the steps that were taken to develop “University Heights” to determine if a democratic process was used throughout the decision-making phases. I outline the key social, political and economic stakeholders that played a role in the re-branding project. In the context of neoliberal praxis, I use the public statements made by the stakeholders to unpack what the re-branding initiative entails and highlight whose interests it is likely to serve. This research calls attention to the ways in which residents of the Jane and Finch area will be affected by the gentrification of their neighbourhood. A critical race framework is used to uncover the neoliberal ideologies that have been fundamental to the creation of “University Heights”. The crux of my project is to highlight the social injustices along the axis of race, class and gender, that are embedded in applying a neoliberal agenda in the Jane and Finch area.

AbstractRecently, the display and use of the rainbow flag in historically defined gay neighborhoods has grown even as gay residents and businesses have been driven away by gentrification, rising real-estate costs, and cultural homogenization. At the same time, prevelence and use of the rainbow flag and the rainbow motif has increased in areas not usually considered part of recognized gay neighborhoods. This chapter explores the prevalence and persistence of the display of the rainbow flag and rainbow motif in nine neighborhoods across Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The visual assessment of rainbow flag use across these neighborhoods serves as a potential model for examining the rate of spread of rainbow flags and visual rainbow motif symbols as a means for tracking the movement of the LGBTQ+ community across urban neighborhoods. Initial results suggest potential significance of the prevalence and persistence of the rainbow flag and the rainbow motif. These include; (1) a possible diaspora of LGBTQ+ residents from traditionally defined gay neighborhoods to newly emerging gay or LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods, (2) a newfound inclusivity or pride among residents of other neighborhoods, and (3) “rainbow washing” due to overuse of the rainbow motif by non-LGBTQ businesses and organizations connected with pride celebrations. While overuse of the rainbow flag may diminish historically coded meaning of the rainbow, that well-intentioned use of the rainbow flag is a positive and welcoming indicator for LGBTQ+ individuals and it may lead to the emergence of additional LGBTQ-friendly enclaves that, over time, could potentially emerge as new gay neighborhoods.