GLOBURBIA: Suburban place-making amidst diversity

Toronto, with half of its population born outside of Canada and speaking more than 140 languages, is well known as one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Its ethno-cultural diversity is often manifested in urban landscapes with long-lasting imprints of ethnic-oriented facilities and institutions. With increasing suburbanization of immigrant populations, ethnic neighbourhoods have speckled the suburban landscapes. The stereotypically homogeneous suburban landscapes have been transformed by ethnic communities who bring new identities and new meanings to the space. What has become imperative for suburban municipalities to understand is how these ethnic neighbourhoods have emerged and evolved, how ethnic communities have played a role in suburban place-making, and more importantly, what municipal planning interventions (e.g., planning policies and processes) are appropriate and effective to enhance the advantages of urban diversity and manage unprecedented social, cultural, economic, physical, and political changes that challenge conventional suburban planning. This documentary explores the increasing diversity in Toronto’s suburbs and the place-making challenges and opportunities. The research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. To link to this documentary: https://youtu.be/ODBnO0v_hpk