Track Record
Policy Options for Inclusive Neighbourhoods, Centre for Urban and Community Study
University of Toronto , 2007
 As part of a large multi-team research project, GHK prepared a report identifying and detailing policy tools to limit the negative impacts of gentrification and displacement in Toronto 's west-central neighbourhoods.
Inclusionary Policies to Facilitate Affordable Housing Development in Ontario ,
Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association, 2007
 GHK was retained with Focus Consulting to examine the use of inclusionary zoning as a planning tool to promote the creation of affordable housing in Ontario . Drawing on experiences in the US and the UK , an evaluation of the economic feasibility of inclusionary zoning was carried and recommendations were made on an appropriate response to inclusionary requirements for affordable housing.
Waterfront Toronto Affordable Housing Task Force,
Waterfront Toronto , 2007
John Gladki of GHK is working with Waterfront Toronto to facilitate a waterfront affordable housing task force established by City Council. The role of the task force is to formulate a strategy for achieving the affordable housing objectives of the Central Waterfront Plan: to provide at least 20 percent of the units in the waterfront as affordable rental housing and 5% as ‘low end of market units. GHK's role is to facilitate the task force discussions and to draft the strategy for presentation to the Waterfront Toronto Board and City Council.
Discriminatory zoning Practices,
Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario , 2007
 GHK is preparing a report identifying zoning by-laws in municipalities across Ontario that target or put restrictions on the location of group homes, residential care facilities and other supportive housing. This work is being done to support an application to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
Mechanisms and Tools to Address the Problem of Discriminatory “NIMBY”,
Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association, 2006
 GHK was retained to make policy recommendations to effectively counter local NIMBY opposition to the development of supportive and affordable housing that clearly discriminates against the kind of residents to be housed rather than the form of housing. The report examined problems with the current planning process and evaluated possible solutions that would work in the Ontario context, drawing from best practices across North America.
photo credit: Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Social Development Strategy Phase I: Pre-Bid of the Toronto 2015 World Expo Project,
Toronto Economic Development Authority, 2006
 GHK prepared a framework for a Social Development Strategy that would provide guidance for the City of Toronto 's bid to host the 2015 World Expo. The framework was rooted in a dialogue with the public through a series of intensive focus groups and captured the key socio-economic issues and guiding principles that are important to stakeholders in the City. Included in the framework was a review of the literature on hallmark events and the social and economic impacts on local communities.
Assessing Neighbourhood Vitality,
United Way, 2004
 Increased use of indicators is part of a wider drive towards evidence-based policy making. Use of indicators should not be an ‘add-on', but a central part of formulating evidence-based policy responses to challenges faced by citizens in Toronto 's neighbourhoods. Without knowledge of the picture at the local level, policies designed to ameliorate poor conditions may be ineffective or even counterproductive. Government may aim an intervention at a specific neighbourhood with little knowledge of the scale of the problems faced or the wider context of the intervention.
In 2004, GHK developed a neighbourhood vitality tool that identified attributes important in defining neighbourhood vitality, determined the best indicators and proxies for measuring vitality and collected data pertinent to the indicators. The neighbourhood asset matrix that was developed, can serve as a methodology and tool to assess the socio-economic strengths and weaknesses of neighbourhoods.
Based on a systematic review of best practices in leading North American and international communities, the matrix includes indicators that measure levels of deprivation and community vitality in a number of key domains: safety, economy, education, urban fabric, health, and demographics.
The study then considered neighbourhood vitality in Toronto by completing an analysis of the City's 140 neighbourhoods based on key indicators of the asset matrix. Results of the study will be useful for informing decisions and setting priorities for investment in regeneration at the neighbourhood level in Toronto .
East Bayfront and West Donlands Urban Planni ng and Revitalization,
Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation , 2003-2004
 GHK , in collaboration with Lapointe Consulting and Jim Ward Associates, directed a study to review options and recommend a strategy for addressing urban planning and revitalization strategies, including affordable housing and community services, in Toronto 's Waterfront as part of the development of the East Bayview and West Donlands Precinct Plans. Both plans have received awards from international organizations.
photo credit: Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation
Financial Tools for Affordable Housing,
Town of Markham , 2004
John Gladki of GHK was Project Director for a study of the legal, regulatory and financial tools available to the Town of Markham to deliver affordable housing.
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