The Eglinton West and Keelesdale neighbourhoods are experiencing an unprecedented period of challenge and change. COVID-19, the development of the Eglinton Crosstown and Keelesdale Station (which is lane-adjacent), and the formal expansion of Little Jamaica to Eglinton and Keele are attracting external interest and reinvestment to the area.
Toronto prizes this area as a culinary destination and breaking bread together is central to the local community’s culture. THIS LANEWAY TRANSFORMATION WILL CREATE TORONTO’S FIRST “SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS LANE” TO CAPTURE THE OPPORTUNITIES presented by these forces TO realize community aspirations and fortify local identity.
In Summer 2022 the Eglinton Hill BIA is creating a food-focused community hub with:
An organic farmers’ market in collaboration with Black Urban Farmers; and
A complete, physical laneway transformation, in partnership with The Laneway Project, including the creation of perennial edible and community gardens, community programming space, public art, and more!
The central themes of this laneway transformation are sustainable food systems and the celebration of the diverse community groups coexisting in the area.
The goals of this transformation are to:
Increase the social, cultural economic, and environmental performance of the area
Create a brandable image reflective of community values to attract visitors and inform the nature of future investments and developments in the area
Recognize and celebrate the diverse demographic groups coexisting in the area
Build community and understanding between laneway user
groups to increase long-term community capacity and resiliency
Improve local access to fresh produce and connections with nature
Promote healthy eating and empower the community to participate in local food production through educational opportunities