[URBAN NOTE] "Parkdale Community Groups Confront Gentrification"

[rfmcdonald]

Torontoist's Samira Mohyeddin notes how the inevitable, post-Queen Street West, gentrification of Parkdale is driving out the poor who have long made this neighbourhood their home.

Almost 100 Parkdale residents, community members and activists crammed into the Parkdale Activity and Recreation Centre last night at 1499 Queen Street West in order to discuss the proliferation of evictions and rent increases caused by gentrification-driven displacement.

The forum allowed residents of the community to exchange their personal stories of housing insecurity and to offer ideas as to how the community can put an end to further rent increases and illegal evictions.

The Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust (PNLT), a community-controlled non-profit organization of residents and local agencies, was one of the organizing committees of the forum. The PNLT is trying to acquire and manage land in the community to ensure the availability of secure and affordable housing.

According to Joshua Barndt, Project Co-ordinator for PNLT, development increased by 126 per cent between 1996 and 2006. During that time, rent values increased by 93 per cent, and more than 45 affordable homes and rooming houses were lost in North Parkdale. Barndt also noted that 90 per cent of Parkdale residents are renters, with 40 per cent either low-income residents or living on social assistance.

Some of the stories are heartrending.