About
The Toronto Public Space Committee is a volunteer collective of people who are passionate about public space. Through advocacy, direct action, and creative interventions, we hope to encourage more people to be a part of the city-building process and imagine new possibilities for public space.
We acknowledge it is impossible to talk about public space without talking about the land and its original stewards, the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, the Anishinabeg, and the Mississaugas of the Credit people. Tkaranto/Toronto continues to be the home of many First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Mission
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Advocate for the creation of public spaces that are inclusive, accessible, and meet the needs of communities.
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Centre voices, stories, and leadership from Black, Indigenous and POC communities, people with disabilities, immigrants, trans people, queer people, poor people, women, and youth.
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Shape public space through direct action, creative responses, and advocacy.
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Re-imagine the realm of the possible and disrupt status-quo urbanism.
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Engage in radical, playful, creative projects and artistic agitation.
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Build connections between people and organizations across Toronto and beyond.
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Provide opportunities for learning, exchanging ideas, and sharing resources.
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Honour lived experiences and historical truths of advocates and trailblazers engaged in the reclamation of public space.
Values
We envision a city where all city-dwellers are city-builders. We are all experts in our own communities and have stories to share. We value community-based knowledge and take the time to learn from each other.
We centre voices and leadership from people who have been on the margins and sidelined due to historical injustices and systemic inequality. This includes Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities, people with disabilities, immigrants, trans people, queer people, poor people, women, and youth.
We advocate for public spaces that are:
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Inclusive and accessible to all
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Culturally diverse and responsive to the communities they serve
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Free from advertising, privatization, surveillance, and policing
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Ecologically sustainable
TPSC acknowledges that we are in a constant state of learning and unlearning and as such our mission and values will inevitably evolve as we embrace new ideas, initiatives and policies. All are welcome in this evolving space.
Featured Project:
Gotta Go TO- A Public Washroom Strategy for Toronto
Click the Image and Read the Report!
Public Washroom access is foundational to creating equitable and inviting public spaces. Currently there is no over-arching Public Washroom strategy for the city of Toronto. The TPSC has parterned with graduate students at the geography and planning department at the University of Toronto to create just that. Click the image to read the report and read more about our Public Washroom Advocacy work here!