Contesting Disinvestment in Jane-Finch

Mudabber Chughtai, Design Stream

Simon Rabyniuk, Advisor

For nearly two decades, Ontario's ambitious plan to interconnect neighborhoods in Toronto and the GTA through light rail has been in progress, now nearing completion in the coming years. Four key projects are presently under construction, focusing on enhancing transit within Toronto and facilitating regional connectivity to places like Hamilton, Brampton, and Mississauga. The Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail (LRT) stretches across Toronto, while the Finch West LRT extends the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) yellow line. Challenges arise in adapting these projects to community needs, particularly in areas like Thorncliffe Park, Little Jamaica, and Jane-Finch, all facing gentrification threats. This thesis delves into the intricate relationships between transit, development, and local communities, spotlighting the resilience and advocacy of Jane-Finch, a neighborhood at the forefront of change. I propose a unique toolkit—a combination of game and puzzle—to empower residents to shape their urban environment and challenge policies to create a socially sustainable future.