In Parkdale, a committed and visionary group of leaders has spent more than a decade exploring a set of urgent questions: What does it take to build a community land trust (CLT) from the ground up? How can it stay true to its transformative intent as it grows? And can CLTs offer a community-driven alternative to the market forces that often displace long-standing residents?
Twelve years ago, Metcalf was proud to be one of the early funders of the idea that would become the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust (PNLT). Over the last decade, it has been exciting to watch that idea move from concept to action to a national leader in the CLT movement. Today, PNLT stewards over 80 community-owned properties — and was recently selected to lead the transformation of a city-owned site at Queen Street West and Cowan Avenue into new housing and a cultural and community hub. This marks the first time the City of Toronto has selected a CLT for such a project.
Throughout its history, PNLT has confronted big questions, collaborated deeply with community members, and experimented, failed, and secured real victories. That journey — and the broader potential of CLTs — is powerfully captured in a two-part report by Metcalf Fellow Kuni Kamizaki.
We were proud to host Kuni and a thoughtful group of practitioners, advocates, and community members at a recent event to mark the release of these reports. It was inspiring to hear about PNLT’s journey in one of Toronto’s most diverse, creative, and proud neighbourhoods. I have always been deeply impressed by Parkdale’s commitment to its residents, while recognizing the need to grow and evolve. That spirit is embodied in PNLT.
As the city, province, and country continue to grapple with the housing crisis, CLTs stand as a unique tool in the policy and governance toolbox. Kuni’s report does an outstanding job of laying out both the promise and the limitations of the model, and what it will take to unlock its full potential.
At Metcalf, our mission is to enhance the effectiveness of people and organizations working together to help Canadians imagine and build a just, healthy, and creative society. That mission comes to life — and makes an impact on the ground — through long-standing partnerships like the one we have had with the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust. What a privilege it is for us to work with dedicated leaders for over more than a decade and to witness the real difference made in the lives of Parkdale residents.
 |
President and CEO |
