Building for People, Not Cars

New Urbanist community in suburban Toronto realized through developer's vision and persistance.

1 minute read

March 29, 2004, 6:00 AM PST

By Geoffrey Singer @GeoffreySinger


Oak Park was one of the first New Urbanist communities in the Greater Toronto Area. Bringing it to fruition was a significant challenge for developer Metrontario Group, in large part due to the steep learning curve of municipal officials unaccustomed to working with alternative development standards. Eight years after sales started, the community appears to be truly coming into its own as a walkable, mixed-use neighbourhood. However, the population continues to be mostly upper-middle-class and achieving greater economic diversity may take some time, says urban planner Joe Berridge.

Thanks to Geoffrey Singer

Saturday, March 27, 2004 in The Toronto Star

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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