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What is Greater Weston Mount Dennis?
Greater Weston Mount Dennis (GWMD) is a suburb in the west of Toronto with a vibrant history. It connects Eglinton Avenue to the Kitchener commuter railway and has the Humber River running right through its centre. In the late 19th century, the area was famously known for "Kodak Heights," a large photographic manufacturing facility that acted as a major employer for residents until its close in 2005. Once a thriving neighbourhood with promise for economic prosperity, the area lost thousands of formerly well-paying jobs due to offshoring and a City-wide shift away from manufacturing and other industries. Kodak’s departure and the corresponding loss of around 800 jobs dealt a significant blow to the economic landscape of the neighbourhoods surrounding Weston Road. Fast forward to today, the neighbourhood has evolved into a community of smaller newcomer-owned retail stores.
Today, the inner suburb is home to diverse communities with 49% of residents born outside of Canada and 54% identifying as a visible minority. Income rates in the neighbourhood fall below the city of Toronto average and it has the highest proportion of tenant households in subsidized housing in the City – key indicators that opportunity is not reaching residents.
Development applications are in the works for this Toronto suburb. Currently 40 developers have submitted pre-construction development applications to build over 27,000 residential units. Across 40 sites, more than 75 buildings are proposed in GWMD, with concentration around three significant nodes of activity adjacent to Weston Road: St. Clair, Eglinton and Lawrence. Transit expansion, including the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and Weston GO Station improvements are underway.
The Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity Initiative (ILEO) brings together the private, public, and community sectors to find innovative ways to reduce gaps in economic prosperity at the neighbourhood level. ILEO is convened by United Way Greater Toronto and BMO Financial Group.
The following resources are available to ILEO partners wishing to learn more about the Weston Mount Dennis pilot, the second neighbourhood to be part of the ILEO Initiative.
The following resources are available to ILEO partners wishing to learn more about the Weston Mount Dennis pilot, the second neighbourhood to be part of the ILEO Initiative.
Learn about the unique opportunities awaiting Greater Weston Mount Dennis as well as key socio-economic data, showcasing the intricate tapestry of community stakeholders and the invaluable assets within the community.
Learn how major developments will forever change Greater Weston Mount Dennis by adding over 27,000 residential units to the core of the community along Eglinton Avenue.
Learn how three transit projects will connect Greater Weston Mount Dennis to the rest of region by 2031, connecting residents to jobs, education and other opportunities.
Explore Greater Weston Mount Dennis Assets Map
Explore Greater Weston Mount Dennis Assets Map
Visualize the geographical reality of Greater Weston Mount Dennis today in the context of public and private sector assets including community organizations, schools, current and future transit stops, real estate development sites, among many others.
Greater Weston Mount Dennis Opportunity Brief
Greater Weston Mount Dennis Opportunity Brief
The Greater Weston Mount Dennis Opportunity Brief outlines the opportunities in Greater Weston Mount Dennis that can be leveraged to create a neighbourhood that opens possibilities for all residents, businesses and partners as part of the ILEO Initiative. With three major transit expansion projects, over 27,000 proposed residential units, and a slew of community investments, this area stands on the brink of significant transformation over the next two decades. Expanding on the ILEO work in the Greater Golden Mile, this document identifies ways to leverage these opportunities for comprehensive inclusive local economic development for all residents and local businesses.
If you have questions specific to ILEO, please contact ileo@uwgt.org
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