The opening of the Finch West Light Rail Transit line stands to bring intensive and long-term change to the Jane Finch Area. Jane Finch is an area shaped by a history of underinvestment but also a history of community organizing and action responding to community needs. Growing evidence suggests that without focused investments in Reconciliation, equity and systems-wide strategies and supports, neighbourhoods with a history of underinvestment can experience increased levels of disruption and harm as a result of increased development pressure. For new investments to positively impact existing and new Jane Finch residents, holistic supports and policy frameworks must be put in place that reflect the diverse visions of Jane Finch residents, grassroots groups, local organizations, artists, and local businesses. New policies, programs and partnerships must focus where the need is greatest and address the inequities that shape the lives of residents, with priority given to Indigenous, Black, and equity-deserving groups in Jane Finch. The purpose of this report is to present a proposed Jane Finch Community Development Plan, and to outline the interdivisional and community-led Jane Finch Initiative process that led to the proposed plan. The report also lays out immediate and longer-term next steps to implement the plan. The Jane Finch Community Development Plan 2024-2034 is a resident-informed plan for the future of the Jane Finch Area led by Social Development, Finance and Administration and Economic Development and Culture. The Community Development Plan is a 25-year plan and commitment to Jane Finch that will be renewed every 10 years with the first 10 years beginning in 2024 and ending in 2034. The Jane Finch Community Development Plan accompanies the Jane Finch Secondary Plan – both aim to ensure that residents, local groups, organizations and businesses are supported as the area changes over time, including with the opening of the Finch West Light Rail Transit. To this end, the Jane Finch Community Development Plan sets out a 10-year community support and resourcing framework. While the Secondary Plan will provide consistent land use and urban design guidelines for new development, the Community Development Plan is focused on social, economic, and cultural themes. Actions to support Jane Finch communities under these themes will continue to evolve through ongoing partnerships and discussions between multiple parties including the City of Toronto, residents, community organizations and local institutions. The focus and content of the Community Development Plan are the result of a 2-year partner-led engagement process and intensive collaboration between participating City divisions and the Jane/Finch Centre. Through the engagement process, the Jane Finch Community Development Plan has identified the following eight action areas: Access to Space and Mobility Food Justice and Sovereignty Community Safety and Wellbeing Climate Action Arts, Culture and Heritage Inclusive Employment Opportunities Inclusive Entrepreneurship Opportunities Anti-Displacement Strategy The Community Development Plan will advance actions across the eight action areas. The actions will be guided by principles that reflect the City of Toronto's commitments to Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving groups and vulnerable populations through the City's Reconciliation Action Plan, Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism and broader equity-driven strategies, initiatives and programs. In the process of developing the Jane Finch Community Development Plan, the City has established a strong interdivisional collaboration and community partnership approach to advance both the Jane Finch Community Development Plan and Secondary Plan. The lessons learned through the engagement and development process and through interdivisional collaboration will continue to inform ongoing monitoring and implementation.
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