Media coverage, writing and conversations connected to the LRA’s work and the people helping move it forward.
Explore housing, local businesses, public spaces, safe streets and climate action through the experiences and ideas of our contributors and collaborators.
Alongside coverage of the LRA, this collection includes related work by our core contributors in their professional, research and community roles. Some publisher links require a subscription.
17 stories and publications · newest first
Media coverage · Main streets
Blair Scorgie · interviewed as an urban planner and LRA director
Election reporting examines the pressures facing Toronto-Danforth. Blair discusses commercial affordability and the infrastructure needs of older main streets—issues that inform our work with the Leslieville BIA.
Our work with the BIAFrom our collaborators · Laneways
Ariana Holt and Blair Scorgie · Leslieville resident leaders
The Laneway Project introduces a Leslieville pilot that combines resident leadership with funding, technical advice and implementation support. The feature identifies Ariana and Blair among the residents helping advance the initiative.
Leslieville Laneway ProjectInterview · Housing
Blair Scorgie · interviewed as a planner and TMU instructor
A conversation about multiplexes, laneway suites, zoning reform and the practical barriers to adding homes in established neighbourhoods. Blair draws on his wider planning work. The recording reflects the policy context at the time.
Our workMedia coverage · Housing
Craig Race · interviewed about his work with Lanescape
Craig discusses how laneway suites can add homes within existing neighbourhoods, including the design constraints and costs involved. These built examples offer context for conversations about housing choice and the changing role of laneways.
Our workContributor commentary · Public realm
Lanrick Bennett Jr. · author; U of T School of Cities Urbanist-in-Residence
Lanrick makes the case for regular open streets supported by the City, local businesses and neighbourhood groups. His commentary considers how streets can support community life, walking, cycling and local commerce.
Public Realm and Open Space Master PlanMedia coverage · Community
Lanrick Bennett Jr. · creator of the #HearThis East End history walks
Reporting follows Lanrick’s walking tours through Leslieville, Riverdale and Blake-Jones. The tours share local Black history and invite residents to learn about the people and experiences that have shaped the East End.
Connecting with our neighbourhoodMedia coverage · Housing
Leslieville Residents Association · included among local housing advocates
Local reporting on the shortage of family-sized housing identifies the LRA among groups advocating for larger rental homes and the preservation of existing affordable housing.
Our workMedia coverage · Laneways
Blair Scorgie · featured in connection with his professional planning work
John Lorinc reports on efforts to permit shops and other non-residential uses in Toronto’s laneways. The discussion connects with our interest in laneways that support local activity, small businesses and community life.
Leslieville Laneway ProjectInterview · Housing
Craig Race · interviewed as an architect and Lanescape co-founder
Craig discusses laneway and garden suites, the policies that make them possible and their place in established neighbourhoods. The interview explores housing options, access, utilities and shared living.
Our workMedia coverage · Community
Tura Cousins Wilson · interview participant and LRA member
Tura joins fellow designers and planners in a discussion about collaboration and inclusive city-building. The feature explicitly recognizes his LRA involvement and community projects, connecting design practice with work led by residents.
Meet our contributorsRelated commentary · Laneways
Blair Scorgie · referenced for his mixed-use laneway advocacy
Donnelly considers how more flexible planning rules can allow local initiatives to develop. His discussion of mixed-use laneways references Blair’s advocacy for a wider range of activities in these spaces.
Leslieville Laneway ProjectMedia coverage · Climate
Blair Scorgie · interviewed about his own Leslieville home retrofit
A feature on home electrification includes Blair’s experience installing heat pumps in his family’s Leslieville home. It offers a practical example of the opportunities and obstacles residents encounter when reducing household emissions.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation StrategyMedia coverage · Laneways
Lanrick Bennett Jr. · interviewed as The Laneway Project’s then executive director
Mark Burgess explores Toronto’s laneways as places for gathering, greening and everyday neighbourhood life. Lanrick discusses their potential as community spaces—a theme central to the Leslieville Laneway Project.
Leslieville Laneway ProjectMedia coverage · Housing
Craig Race · interviewed as an architect and Lanescape co-founder
Craig discusses the policy advocacy behind laneway suites and the opportunities opened by garden suites. The article considers how small additions to existing properties can broaden neighbourhood housing options.
Our workMedia coverage · Public realm
Tura Cousins Wilson · interviewed about life on his Leslieville front porch
Tura reflects on how a front porch connects home life with neighbours and the street. This local example shows how the spaces between buildings and sidewalks contribute to social connection and neighbourhood character.
Public Realm and Open Space Master PlanInterview · Main streets
Ariana Holt · interviewed as a Canadian Urban Institute senior planner
Ariana discusses the Bring Back Main Street campaign and support for local businesses during the pandemic. The conversation offers relevant background for our work with the BIA on main-street vitality and resilience.
Our work with the BIAContributor research · Public realm
Graeme Ross Kennedy · author
Graeme examines what happens to new urban infrastructure after its initial champions move on. His research considers maintenance, governance and community participation—useful questions when planning improvements intended to serve residents over time.
Public Realm and Open Space Master PlanExplore our neighbourhood projects, the people involved and opportunities to contribute.
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