The School of Cities is committed to mobilizing knowledge in innovative and accessible ways. We work with communities, scholars, policymakers and visual creators to make videos that are informative, impactful and approachable. Check back regularly for new video stories about the most pressing urban challenges of our time.
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Housing Learn more
An introduction to co-ownership in Ontario
This video reviews some of the models for co-ownership in Ontario and across Canada and explores their possibilities and limitations.
Preservation of affordable housing
These two videos examine and define existing affordable housing, and look at some of the ways that cities in North America are framing policies and facing challenges to preserve it.
Kensington Market Community Land Trust mini-docuseries
Toronto’s Kensington Market is a hub of culture and activity, its urbanism and diversity defined by the people who have lived and worked there over generations. Like so many neighbourhoods in Toronto, it faces immense economic and development pressures. The Kensington Market Community Land Trust (KMCLT) exists to protect it from some of those pressures by acquiring buildings for community-owned affordable housing.
The Citizen Developer
This 3-part video series looks at how home owners can contribute to the need for more ‘missing little’ housing; partner with friends, family and even strangers in co-purchasing arrangements; and downsize by turning single homes and plots into multiplexes.
The Housing Crisis
This 2-part series explores the complex causes behind the housing crisis and then suggests solutions that go beyond simply building more housing.
How to Put Affordable in the Missing Middle
The School of Cities at the University of Toronto, City Building TMU and ULI Toronto created a four-part “how-to” webinar series with industry experts to trailblaze a renovation revolution across our neighbourhoods and ensure Missing Middle housing gains are affordable and equitable, starting at the smallest scale – single-family properties – the “Missing Little.
Climate & Environment Learn more
Climate, Justice & Cities: Urban Challenge Grants 2.0
U of T researchers and recipients of School of Cities Urban Challenge Grants talk about what climate justice means and why research on the intersection of racial justice and climate resilience is so critical.
Symposium on Climate Justice & Cities
This full-day event in May 2023 brought together academics and policymakers to discuss cutting edge research and policy implications for urban communities disproportionately affected by climate change. Speakers included recipients of our Urban Challenge Grants, representing over 20 departments across the University of Toronto.
Governance Learn more
The Metropolitan Dilemma
This video provides an overview five ways to govern a city that is made up of multiple smaller cities – a puzzle faced by city-regions all over the world.
Making the case for regionalism
In January 2023, as municipal governments contended with pandemic recovery, rising inflation, and fiscal pressure, we asked what actions could be taken at a regional level to build more equitable, economically competitive, and livable regions?
An Evening with Toronto’s Mayors
In advance of the city’s Fall 2022 municipal election, the School of Cities hosted five former Toronto Mayors to discuss the new “Strong Mayor” system and what it means for the city and its residents.
Urban Data Learn more
Equitable Development Data Insight Training
An introduction to EDDIT, a School of Cities program that trains equitable development-focused organizations to expand their reach and impact using the data and resources they already possess.
Economy Learn more
How will our downtowns recover from the pandemic?
Why are downtowns recovering from the pandemic at different rates? What needs to be done to prevent the death of downtown?
Knowledge Café Learn more
Knowledge Café 2022-23
Knowledge Café 2021-22
Knowledge Café is a monthly speaking opportunity that brings the research led by a diverse group of urban-focused U of T academics and researchers to a discursive platform, to inspire multidisciplinary conversations around urban themes.
About the School of Cities Learn more
Introducing the University of Toronto School of Cities
An introduction to the School of Cities, a unique multidisciplinary hub for urban research, education, and engagement creating new and just ways for cities and their residents to thrive.
University of Toronto Centre in India
In Feb 2023: U of T and Tata Trusts launched India Centre for urban and climate research. School of Cities leads collaboration in research, public engagement, and training.