Addressing Public Space Needs in St. James Town

Public open spaces are an essential component of urban environments, however, not all individuals maintain equal access to these types of spaces. Utilizing a case study approach, this research paper explores the significance of public open spaces (POS) in St James Town — an equity deserving community in Toronto, and identifies the barriers that exist in regards to POS access and creation in this context. This paper also highlights non-traditional approaches to POS creation such as atypical space design, grassroots systems, participatory-design, and the "lighter, quicker, cheaper" approach, which are considered in the recommendations section of this report. By providing neighbourhood-specific POS considerations, public participation strategies and funding opportunities, this paper aims to provide the St James Town community with knowledge and resources that are necessary to advocate for change in their neighbourhood.