The Heart of Toronto: Corporate Power, Civic Activism, and the Remaking of Downtown Yonge Street

Downtown North America was reconfigured for the suburban age from the 1950s to the 1970s, with attention turning to the problems and possibilities at the commercial and civic heart of cities. The Heart of Toronto follows one such example of reinvention, including the conversion of Yonge Street into a car-free public space, a clean-up campaign targeting the sex industry, and the construction of North America's largest urban shopping mall. These revitalization projects were connected to wider trends of postwar decentralization, economic restructuring, and cultural transformation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

From the 1950s to the 1970s, a significant transformation occurred in downtown North America as cities adapted to the suburban era. Municipal officials initiated renewal schemes, merchant groups advocated for street improvements, and developers constructed larger and taller buildings. This transformation was evident across the region, as attention focused on the challenges and opportunities at the commercial and civic heart of cities.

One notable example of this urban reinvention is downtown Yonge Street in Toronto. Efforts to keep pace with or even lead urban change included the conversion of the street into a car-free public space, a clean-up campaign targeting the sex industry, and the construction of North America's largest urban shopping mall. These revitalization projects were interconnected with broader trends of postwar decentralization, economic restructuring, and cultural transformation.

The Heart of Toronto delves into the intricate histories of development, civic activism, and corporate influence, shedding light on the actors and power dynamics involved in remaking downtown in Canada's largest city. The book interweaves narratives of various stakeholders, including municipal officials, business leaders, community activists, and developers, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex processes that shaped this urban transformation.

This process of remaking downtown is far from complete, as cities continue to evolve and adapt to changing societal needs and economic conditions. The Heart of Toronto serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and urban enthusiasts, offering insights into the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing urban centers in the 21st century.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780774867016