Leveraging Global Events

Global events are often catalysts for urban revitalization and civic infrastructure projects, and these investments live on as legacy projects long after the events end. In 2015, Toronto hosted the Pan-American Games, with 6,123 athletes competing in 360 sports. The games helped unlock the opportunities of a formerly industrial area southeast of the city center, now known as the Canary District. Initially developed as the Athletes Village, this area has since evolved into a vibrant, mixed-use, and mixed-income community. Four residential buildings were converted into housing, a fifth became a dormitory for George Brown College, and the athlete’s training facility became a YMCA. In subsequent years, the area has filled in with other market-rate and rental housing, shops, and restaurants. A new Indigenous Hub is under construction and will house a variety of health and wellness services that combine Indigenous and Western approaches complemented by social and cultural programs. This tour will also feature heritage buildings and unique public spaces including Corktown Common, a park that doubles as a flood protection feature for the neighborhood.