Toronto Under Construction Podcast: Urbanism, Gentrification, and the Future of Toronto with Richard Florida
In episode 75 of Toronto Under Construction, Ben is joined by guest co-host Naama Naama Blonder, co-founder of Smart Density and renowned urbanist Richard Florida to explore some of the most controversial and thought-provoking topics in urban planning and development. From the rise and fall of ambitious projects like Sidewalk Toronto to the ongoing challenges of gentrification, the episode dives deep into the factors shaping Toronto’s urban landscape and its future.
Meet Our Guests:
Naama Blonder, co-founder of Smart Density, is driven by a bold vision to redefine housing in Toronto. Her practice blends architecture, urban planning, and urban design to address housing affordability and create more inclusive neighbourhoods. Recognised with awards like the Ontario Association of Architects’ Best Emerging Practice Award in 2022, Blonder advocates for reimagining urban spaces to promote better access to public transport, diverse housing options, and stronger communities.
Richard Florida is a globally renowned urbanist, bestselling author, and co-founder of CityLab, a leading publication on cities and urbanism. Currently a Visiting Distinguished Professor at Vanderbilt University and University Professor at the University of Toronto, he has also held roles at Harvard, MIT, and Carnegie Mellon. As founder of the Creative Class Group, he advises corporations, foundations, and governments on urban strategy and serves on boards across real estate and venture capital sectors. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Florida holds a B.A. from Rutgers and a Masters and Ph.D. from Columbia University.
The Rise and Fall of Sidewalk Toronto
Ben begins the episode by referencing an article from Tomorrow City, Sidewalk Toronto, The Vision Behind Google’s Failed City. The Sidewalk Toronto project aimed to create a model of inclusive urban development, with ambitious goals such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 89%, providing affordable housing at 40% below market rates, and creating an open digital ecosystem. Despite these lofty ambitions, the project failed due to high land prices, local resistance over data privacy concerns, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ben asks Richard, “Was this ever a real proposal? Did it ever have a chance of delivering on these key outcomes, or were the goals too idealistic given the existing economic, social, and political barriers?” Tune in at 4:13 for Richard’s perspective, where he calls the failure a great loss for Toronto and highlights how it could have positioned the city as a global leader in urban innovation.
Naama follows up, asking, “Do you think our standards for innovation in urban planning and design are high enough, or did Sidewalk Labs reveal how far we are from being truly bold? Take Villiers Island, for instance—a neighbourhood that could arguably be car-free but instead has a 36-meter right of way and multiple vehicle lanes.” Richard agrees at 9:36, emphasizing the need for more visionary urban design in Toronto.
The Controversy Over Billy Bishop Airport
Ben references a Global News article, Toronto Island Airport Lease Extended To 2045. Despite the controversy surrounding the airport’s impact on waterfront revitalization, Toronto City Council approved a lease extension until 2045, citing the need for updated safety zones and economic benefits.
Ben expresses his love for the airport, noting, “I plan my vacations around Porter destinations,” and asks Richard, “Critics claim there are no reliable studies showing the airport is beneficial for the city. How do you respond to that?” At 14:23, Richard discusses findings from a study conducted by his research team, revealing the airport’s economic benefits while acknowledging its contentious place in waterfront development debates.
Therme Canada and Toronto’s Waterfront
The discussion shifts to another controversial waterfront project, detailed in a CBC News article, Province Reveals Details Of Multi-Million Dollar, 95-Year Therme Lease At Ontario Place. The project involves a $700 million investment in a spa and parkland at Ontario Place, but critics argue the required parking spaces and privatization detract from public use.
Ben asks Richard, “Critics have said the parking deal is bad for taxpayers and that we don’t need a private spa on the waterfront. Why have you supported this project since day one?” Richard shares his thoughts at 24:16, explaining why projects like Therme Canada are essential for revitalizing Toronto’s waterfront and leveraging private investment for public benefit.
Do Bike Lanes Cause More Traffic Congestion?
Ben highlights a CBC News article, Do Bike Lanes Really Cause More Traffic Congestion?, which examines research showing that bike lanes can actually reduce traffic congestion. For example, in New York City, bike lanes decreased travel time for cars on certain routes by 35%.
Ben asks Richard, “I think traffic will improve when the Crosstown LRT is operational and the relief line is complete. How do we get people out of their cars and onto public transportation?” At 44:38, Richard highlights the cultural barriers to embracing public transit in North America, rooted in the ideal of suburban living and car ownership. Naama shares her personal experiences as a cyclist in Toronto, emphasizing the need for safer infrastructure, particularly for women.
Preserving Kensington Market
The group discusses Spacing’s article, A Call To Preserve Kensington Market, which critiques a proposed student residence for prioritizing profit over community sustainability.
Ben asks Richard, “What do you think of the pushback against student residences as described in the article? Critics say students don’t plant roots and don’t help create sustainable neighbourhoods.” Richard responds at 57:00, discussing the balance between fostering community and meeting the housing needs of transient populations. Naama adds her perspective, noting that despite efforts to “preserve” Kensington Market, a lack of basic improvements like updated pavement leaves the area looking neglected.
The Future of Urbanization and Gentrification
Ben references The Guardian’s article, Everything Is Gentrification Now: But Richard Florida Isn’t Sorry, revisiting Richard’s “Creative Class” theory. Ben asks, “Are big cities losing their clustering force? People are moving from San Francisco to Austin, New York to Nashville, and Toronto to Montreal. Is this the end of the creative clustering you wrote about?” Richard responds at 1:04:54, analyzing the shifts in urban migration trends.
Naama shares her experience as part of the creative class, saying, “I moved here 10 years ago when Toronto was the affordable option, but today it’s out of reach for many young professionals. What’s the future of Toronto if younger people can’t see a sustainable future here anymore?” Richard offers his insights at 1:12:07, exploring the implications of Toronto’s affordability crisis on its creative economy.
Rapid Fire Questions
To close the episode, Ben and Naama challenge Richard with a rapid-fire round, asking questions like: When discussing Toronto outside Canada, what is our “brand”? Are we a cool city? When will we use AI and satellite technology to program traffic flow better? Does Toronto need more iconic architecture, or are functional, less-expensive buildings good enough? Has heritage preservation become a tool for NIMBYs to block development? Will self-driving cars make traffic better or worse in big cities?
Episode 75 of Toronto Under Construction offers a thought-provoking exploration of Toronto’s urban challenges and opportunities, with expert insights from Richard Florida. From the failed Sidewalk Toronto project to the future of Kensington Market, the episode covers the past, present, and future of the city’s evolving identity. Tune in to hear more about the creative class, gentrification, and what it will take to make Toronto a city that works for everyone.
Tune in now to episode 75 of the Toronto Under Construction podcast!
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