Transformation Through Participation – Internship Matching Launch

Program matches 20 qualified candidates with 9 select community projects, and ends April 2013

By Jayme Turney –

This pilot project, Transformation Through Participation, developed by planning consultants (Josephine Cusumano and Justin Shin) and our own TPSI staff, matches senior and graduate urban planning students with community groups (Residents Associations, BIAs, and NGOs) undertaking important public space and community projects. Students benefit from having hands on practical experience and networking opportunities, while community groups benefit from the skills and expertise of planning students.

The program has now publicly launched, matching 20 qualified candidates with 9 select community projects, and ends April 2013.

Participating organization and projects Include:

• Cabbagetown South Residents Association – Dundas Street Usage Survey.
• Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association – Neighbourhood Planning and Development.
• Midland Park Community Association – Assistance with Neighbourhood Janes Walk and Community Identity Plan.
• Bloor West Village Residents Association – Neighbourhood Planning, Heritage Planning.
• Corktown Residents and Business Association – Beautification and Place-Making of DVP Underpass.
• The Concerned Citizens of Quarry Lands Development – Neighbourhood Planning.
• Regal Heights Residents Association – Neighbourhood Planning and Place-Making.
• Avenue Road Eglinton Community Association – Neighbourhood Planning and Place-Making.
• Henry Farm Community Interest Association – Neighbourhood Planning and Place-Making.

TPSI recognized two things:

One, today’s economy and government isn’t working for youth.

Two, community groups can always benefit from more capacity.

This win-win program intends to address both of these big issues in the way we can, and at the same time contribute to the City by supporting neighbourhood and public space projects.”

If the pilot is successful there is opportunity to expand this program in the future, including different fields such as political science, economics, engineering and others to support local civil society and public spaces.