George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
The transformation of Toronto's Regent Park from a stigmatized social housing project into a mixed-income, mixed-use, socially cohesive and vibrant community took centre stage at Limberlost Place on June 5. As part of George Brown College’s (GBC) programming for the 94th annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, Alumni Relations invited Mitchell Cohen, President and CEO of The Daniels Corporation and author of the acclaimed book "Rhythms of Change," to engage in an inspiring conversation with Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown College, about the power of community-driven revitalization.
Revitalizing a community
Cohen's book earned recognition from UN-Habitat at the World Urban Forum in Cairo and chronicles the nearly two-decade transformation of the 69-acre downtown Toronto housing complex built in the 1940s. What began as a garden city model had become increasingly isolated over time, prompting the approval of a comprehensive revitalization plan. In 2005, The Daniels Corporation (Daniels) was selected as Toronto Community Housing’s (TCHC) private-sector development partner to help bring the vision to life.
Drawing on his background as a musician and social activist, Cohen presented the redevelopment as a public-private partnership between community residents, TCHC and Daniels. The evening's discussion highlighted how the project's success stemmed from meaningful community engagement, particularly through the revitalization’s “right of return" policy – a commitment by TCHC to ensure displaced tenants are given the opportunity to return and remain part of the transformed neighbourhood.
The conversation revealed how the project navigated significant challenges, including economic downturns and social resistance, while celebrating the resilience and creativity of community members who became partners in shaping their own future. Cohen emphasized that real transformation came from truly listening to residents and working with them to co-create solutions that reflected their needs and hopes.
“For most of us, the concept of urban renewal is certainly nothing new,” said Cohen. “Over the years, we’ve all seen or read about urban renewal projects that reflect a heavy-handed, top-down process. The Regent Park revitalization turned that practice on its head, putting local voices and aspirations at the top of the agenda.”
Shared values, common purpose
The dialogue between Cohen and Dr. Fearon highlighted the natural alignment between Daniels and George Brown College in their shared commitment to building stronger communities through inclusive development and educational opportunities. Both leaders emphasized how successful community transformation requires long-term partnerships that prioritize people alongside physical infrastructure.
"When we talk about building community, we are really talking about creating spaces where people can thrive, learn, and build meaningful connections," said Dr. Fearon. "Our ongoing partnership with Daniels highlights how educational institutions and private developers can work together to create environments and opportunities that serve both individual growth and collective well-being."
A partnership built on learning and growth
The evening also celebrated the ongoing collaboration between The Daniels Corporation and George Brown College, which goes beyond financial support to include a shared vision for the future.
The partnership has provided tangible benefits for students through scholarships, work-integrated learning opportunities, and the incorporation of George Brown's programs into various buildings. An example of this is The Fashion Exchange (F/X), located in the heart of Regent Park – a vibrant hub where fashion education, design, production, entrepreneurship, and community engagement come together under one roof. Led by the School of Fashion and Jewellery, the program offers training for both students and local residents. Another example is the School of Design, now situated in the state-of-the-art Daniels Waterfront - City of the Arts community at the gateway of Toronto’s East Bayfront.
Through their ongoing partnership, The Daniels Corporation and George Brown College continue to demonstrate how shared values and collaborative action can foster lasting, positive change.
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