Mount Dennis People’s Summit: Anti-Displacement Strategies for a Growing Community
About the Event
The Mount Dennis People’s Summit was a community-led anti-displacement event that brings together residents, businesses, advocates, local organizations, builders and government officials, to build on the City’s existing plans by centering community voices.
The People’s Summit was an integral component to the larger, council directed Mount Dennis for All Community Action Plan (EC11.1). A plan for Mount Dennis that propose specific actions, strategies and quantifiable targets for preserving and building new affordable housing, improving social and economic outcomes including upgraded infrastructure, enhanced community and social services, retaining and expanding local businesses, and cultivating high-quality parks and outdoor amenities.
As our neighbourhood undergoes rapid change, this summit ensures that community voices are at the center of future development, helping to shape policies that protect affordability, cultural identity, and local businesses.
Why Attend?
Insights from the summit will guide anti-displacement strategies and help create an Equity Scorecard for Mount Dennis, used by the City of Toronto.
During the day you can also:
Learn about the Mount Dennis Community for All Action Plan and how to get involved in shaping a resilient neighbourhood
Participate in interactive discussions and workshops on anti-displacement strategies
Connect with fellow neighbours, businesses, residents, community leaders, and policymakers working on solutions
Help shape the Equity Scorecard*, a tool to guide future development in Mount Dennis
*Visit our Resource Page to Learn More!
Who Would Have Attended?
Mount Dennis residents, families, and community members
Local businesses and organizations
Policymakers, advocates, and civic leaders
Youth, students, and future changemakers
What Was Happening?
Community Strategy Sessions
Develop practical anti-displacement strategies for housing, businesses, and public spaces
Panel Discussion
We heard local voices and from experts about how to grow without pushing people out
Youth Activities & Art Installations
Creative spaces offered for all ages
Key Themes Explored
Housing & Affordability: How can we protect renters, create opportunities for affordable homeownership, and ensure that housing remains within reach for all residents?
Inclusive Local Economies: What strategies can help support small businesses, prevent commercial displacement, and create local jobs that benefit the community?
Community Well-Being: How do we maintain safe, vibrant, and healthy neighborhoods where everyone feels welcome and supported?
Environment: What green initiatives can enhance sustainability and resilience while keeping Mount Dennis a beautiful place to live?
Transit & Mobility: How can we improve transportation options so everyone can move around safely, affordably, and efficiently?
Leslie Kern
Author & Anti-Gentrification Expert
Leslie Kern is the author of three books about cities, including the best-selling Feminist City, as well as a new book about surviving within and improving academic institutions. She is an urbanist with expertise in gender, housing, environmental justice, and gentrification. Leslie’s writing has appeared in outlets such as The Guardian, Vox, and Literary Hub. Her books have been translated into fifteen languages.
Title of Her Keynote Presentation: The Right to Stay Put: Why Gentrification Isn't Inevitable and What We Can Do About It.
Moderator and Panelists
- Abigail Moriah - Moderator
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Executive Director, Black Planning Project - Dr. Prentiss Dantzler - Panelist
Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto and Director of the Housing Justice Lab - Keisha St. Louis McBurnie - Panelist
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Lead Strategist – Social Impact, Monumental - Shannon Holness - Panelist
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Project Planner, WSP Canada - Robert Walter-Joseph - Panelist
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Principal at Gladki Planning Associates
Event Hosted By
The Learning Enrichment Foundation (LEF)
City of Toronto
In Collaboration With
Untitled Planning
Looking to Learn More? Check Out Our Resource Page!
Wondering what gentrification and anti-displacement strategies are—and how they impact your life?
Searching for real-world examples of community-led solutions?
Curious about the Mount Dennis Community for All Action Plan and the Secondary Plan?
Want to dive deeper into the community organizing leading up to the summit and beyond?
Head to our resource page for all this and more.
