Toronto neighbourhoods have found new way to keep homes and businesses affordable

Multiple Toronto neighbourhoods — including Chinatown, Kensington Market, Parkdale, and now Little Jamaica — have found a way to preserve local businesses and protect affordable housing for vulnerable residents in the face of constant redevelopment.

Community land trusts (CLTs) are non-profit corporations that hold land on behalf of a place-based community, while serving as the steward for affordable housing, civic buildings, and other community assets to avoid the displacement of vulnerable residents and businesses. 

Last Sunday, Mayor Olivia Chow attended the launch of the Little Jamaica Community Land Trust (LJCLT), which was spearheaded by Black Urbanism TO (BUTO), a not-for-profit organization that works tirelessly behind the scenes to protect and promote historically Black ecosystems through cultural, economic and social development. 

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