Is Toronto a liveable city? Let’s talk.
Rent too high? Commute too long? Inspired by our current exhibition Impressionism in the Age of Industry, a series of free talks explores the livability of The Big Smoke.
Image by the AGO.
Our latest major exhibition, Impressionism in the Age of Industry: Monet, Pissarro and more, takes you to a rapidly changing Paris in the late 1800s when new buildings and technologies transformed the Parisian way of life forever. Sound familiar? Torontonians can relate. Our modern-day city is undergoing a similar transformation, with older buildings being demolished and new ones popping up in their place. Along with the changing skyline, we’re seeing rising rents, crowded commutes and an ever-changing labour market – prompting us to ask the question: is Toronto a liveable city?
To answer this question, the AGO, in partnership with the Toronto Star and the Toronto Public Library, is hosting a series of free talks with local experts focusing on the urgent issues facing Toronto today: work, affordable housing, transportation and the cost of leisure. Though some talks are sold-out, Rush Line tickets will be available the day of the event.
The Liveable City? talks are guaranteed to kick-start a conversation. Here’s the line-up:
The Liveable City? Housing SOLD OUT
With increasing demand and a limited supply of affordable housing, what’s a Torontonian to do? On April 3, join Baroness Von Sketch Show co-creator and renovicted tenant Aurora Browne, along with urban planner and housing researcher Cheryll Case, the Toronto Star’s affordable housing reporter Emily Mathieu and architect and community designer John Van Nostrand as they discuss current issues around affordable housing and what action needs to be taken.
The labour market is changing as quickly as the city and steady full-time employment can be hard to find. On April 5, Deena Ladd, founder of the Worker’s Action Centre, Sheila Block, senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Kara Manso, from Caregivers Action Centre and Sara Mojtehedzadeh, the Toronto Star’swork and wealth reporter, join us to talk about the changing nature of work and job security in Toronto.
The Liveable City? Transportation
A rapidly growing population means an increased strain on transportation. Whether travelling by car or TTC, everyone in Toronto is affected by the transportation planning choices that are made. On April 17, join Shelagh Pizey-Allen, director of transit advocacy group TTCriders, Steven Farber, assistant professor at University of Toronto and Ben Spurr, the Toronto Star’s transportation reporter, as they discuss what obstacles stand in the way of environmentally sustainable and accessible transportation in Toronto.
Whether it’s a dip in a public pool, a picnic in the park or visiting your local library or art gallery the things we do in our spare time can help build a sense of community and belonging. On April 24, author, community activist and advocate Jay Pitter invites you to imagine more inclusive and vibrant public spaces for our city.
Tickets for The Liveable City? talks are free and can be reserved in advance on our website. Though some talks are sold-out, Rush Line tickets will be available the day of the event. Related free events will take place at Toronto Public Library branches across the city.
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