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Pro Tem - Vol. 59 Issue 5

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Le journal bilingue de Glendon | Glendon’s bilingual newspaper

Vol. 59 Issue 5 : le 25 novembre 2020

In This Issue Letter from the Editor ● Page 2 VIE ÉTUDIANTE Projet Connexions ● Page 3 EXPRESSIONS Who Am I? ● Page 4 Untitled ● Page 4 ARTS & DIVERTISSEMENT The Symbolism of Alex Janvier’s “Morning Star - Gambeh Then’” ● Page 5 Review: Love Secrets by John Mark Pantana ● Page 5 THE ART GALLERY OF GLENDON (THE AGOG)

Winter Village à Distillery

● Page 6, 7 METROPOLIS Storm Crow Manor: O Come All Ye Nerds ● Page 8 SANTÉ ET BIEN ÊTRE The Benefits of Mindfulness ● Page 9 ISSUES AND IDEAS The Importance of Disseminating Urban Planning Terminology ● Page 10

Kitty Yin Metropolis Normalement, le Toronto Christmas Market a lieu au Distillery District et attire 700 000 visiteurs de novembre jusqu’au jour de Noël. Au Distillery District, on trouve de ravissants bâtiments du XIXème siècle, qui servaient comme une distillerie de whisky. Avec ses ruelles pavées, bars rustiques, boutiques artisanales et galeries indépendantes, on se croirait dans un petit village européen, alors qu’en réalité, on est en plein milieu du vieux Toronto. On sent aussi l’influence de « New York », rappelée par des murs de brique exposés et sa délimitation au nord par le centre-ville et au sud par le lac Ontario. C’est un quartier piéton propre à Toronto. Imaginez que vous descendez à Front Street, de King Station. Le Marché de Noël est à 20 minutes à

pied de la station. Il fait froid, mais il y a peu de vent et on perçoit encore la lumière naturelle qui allume les gratteciels imposants du Financial District. Après quelques minutes de marche, vous ne sentez plus vos oreilles, ni vos orteils, ni vos joues, même avec plusieurs couches de pulls, un manteau épais, une tuque et des gants chauffants. Vous arrivez au Distillery District et vous vous promenez le long du Distillery Lane en regardant des sculptures en plein air. Quelques-unes sont permanentes, par exemple le cœur rouge en forme d’arc qui servira comme fond de photo populaire tant pour les amants que pour les amis. Après une dizaine de minutes, vous entrez dans un café qui est abrité dans un ancien entrepôt. Vous commandez un thé ou plus convenablement, un chocolat chaud à la menthe, et vous enlevez vos gants avant de vous réchauffer les

doigts en tenant le gobelet. Après avoir repris courage de ressortir et affronter le froid, vous sortez et admirez les lumières en couleur d’or, argent, rouge, vert ; dans des tailles et formes variées et nombreuses qui éclairent le ciel sombre de la nuit. Pendant trente minutes, vous vous réjouissez de l’atmosphère vivante générée par l’interaction entre les vendeurs et leurs clients potentiels aux kiosques. Simultanément, vous inspirez profondément l’odeur aromatique de cidre chaude, de la cannelle, et de multiples autres friandises. Mais inévitablement, les frissons reviennent et vous entrez dans une boutique pour admirer des pulls, des écharpes et des cartes faites à la main, et causer un peu avec l’artisan amiable. Cet hiver, le Christmas Market n’aura pas lieu. Mais, on s’adapte avec la mise en place du « Winter Village », Continued on PAGE 3


Pro Tem Team

Letter from the Editor

Notre équipe Editor in Chief | Rédactrice en chef Eden Minichiello editor@protemglendon.com Chief of Operations | Chef des opérations Natalie El-Rifai operations@protemglendon.com

Natalie El-Rifai Chief of Operations

English Editor | Rédacteur anglais adjoint Adam Kozak englisheditor@protemglendon.com

Eden Minichiello Editor in Chief

French Editor | Rédactrice française adjointe Beatrice Bouaré frencheditor@protemglendon.com

Coucou Glendon!

Photographer | Photographe Ruhama Varatharajan photography@protemglendon.com Layout Editor | Maquetteur Elton Campbell design@protemglendon.com

Adam Kozak Assistant English Editor

Beatrice Bouaré Assistant French Editor

Elton Campbell Layout Designer

Ruhama Varatharajan Photographer

Section Editors | Chroniqueurs Campus Life | Vie étudiante Anna Noumtinis Issues & Ideas | Actualité et opinions Ariana Mah Metropolis | Métropole Kitty Yin Arts and Entertainment & Expressions | Arts et divertissement & Expressions Brianna Carrasco Health & Wellness | Santé et bien-être Josée Philips

About Us Pro Tem est le journal étudiant du collège Glendon. Publié pour la première fois en 1962, c’est la plus ancienne publication de l’Université York.

Anna Noumtinis Campus Life

Ariana Mah Issues and Ideas

Opinions published in Pro Tem are those of the individual writers, and do not reflect the views of the publication as a whole. We will not print copy deemed racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise oppressive. Les lettres adressées au journal peuvent être éditées au niveau de la clarté ou de contenu. All copy appearing in Pro Tem is at the discretion of the editorial team. Feel free to respond to what you read in the pages of Pro Tem! / N’hésitez pas à réagir à ce que vouz avez lu dans Pro Tem! To see past editions of Pro Tem, please visit our website: www.protemglendon.com. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for reminders about upcoming deadlines and events: @ProtemGlendon

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Brianna Carrasco Arts and Entertainment & Expressions

Josée Philips Health and Wellness

Kitty Yin Metropolis

Je n’arrive pas à croire que c’est la dernière publication du semestre ! Malgré les défis posés par la COVID-19, nous avons poursuivi la tradition Pro Tem. Je suis très fière de l’équipe de rédaction, de nos chroniqueurs et chroniqueuses et de nos lecteurs et lectrices. Je vous remercie tous du fond du cœur d’avoir fait votre part pour perpétuer la liberté d’expression et la voix des étudiants et étudiantes à Glendon ! To end off the semester on a high note, we’ve put together the AGOG. This project has been in the works for months, and I’m so excited to finally deliver it to all of you this week. The AGOG, the Art Gallery of Glendon, is Pro Tem’s effort to celebrate the wealth of talent in Glendon’s student body. We regularly showcase student talent in the form of writing, but rarely get the chance to exhibit visual art. We were inspired by the many art gallery exhibits available online, like the ones highlighted in Erica Thi’s various articles, and decided to create our own. In this issue, you will find a central photo spread of all the amazing artwork submitted to us by Glendon students. We will also be showcasing these pieces on our Instagram story every day this week at 12:30PM, and will be saving those posts under a highlight on our page. I urge you to check out this gallery, enjoy the beautiful artwork, and bear witness to the great talent of so many Glendonites! Jusqu’au prochain semestre, je vous souhaite une bonne période d’examens sans stress, de joyeuses fêtes et de merveilleuses vacances d’hiver. À bientôt ! Eden Minichiello Editor in Chief | Rédactrice en chef


Vie étudiante

Winter Village à Distillery (cont.)

Projet Connexions Anna Noumtinis Campus Life Over the summer when Ontario started re-opening I was able to go back to work — it was a welcome change from sitting at home wondering what to do with myself. I have a desk job, which I love and hate at the same time, and on a hot summer day in July I was sitting at my desk, bored out of my mind, thinking about school. If I’m being completely honest, I was worrying about school. Specifically french. I am not the best French speaker, and my reading and writing are mediocre. I was really hoping to improve my spoken french this year, but with everything being online, I highly doubted it would happen. Here’s the thing — sometimes, without even knowing it, I speak into the universe. I don’t know about you, but I believe there is some sort of higher power out there. And this time, the universe replied. As I sat at my desk worrying about my spoken french never improving, an email popped up on my laptop. It was an email in french from Sabrina Sirois, about a program called Projet Connexions that would enable me to practice speaking French while helping seniors at a seniors centre to be less lonely during covid. The last part hit me hard, I thought of my grandma who had been so sad throughout quarantine because she couldn’t see her grandchildren as often. I made a split-second decision and emailed Sabrina back, explaining that I would love to participate but that my spoken french is not very good. Throughout the summer and into September I kept thinking about Projet Connexions, so much doubt and worry filled my mind — what if I am not a good fit? What if my partner gets frustrated with my horrible speaking skills? Eventually I reasoned with myself and came to the conclusion that opportunities only come around once in a lifetime, and the universe was so gracious to answer my call for help, so no matter what, I decided I would go through with it. I finally got assigned to a partner. Sabrina gave me a very small description, a name and a phone number. I was so nervous making that first call, I’m pretty sure I was shaking, then I heard the calm voice of an older man answer “Hello”. I told him my name and that I was with Projet Connexions and then we started talking. We talk every week, for about an hour and a half, and believe me when I tell you I have no more doubts in my mind about my decision. It was by far the best decision I’ve

ever made. Hearing how happy he gets when we speak on the phone and listening to all his stories and great health advice absolutely melts my heart! As much as our phone exchanges are helping me to improve my french, they are also making me a better person. I feel my soul growing and maturing. I feel happy and proud because I took a chance on an opportunity that made me so scared and nervous, and I ended up making a new friendship. If you

are participating in Projet Connexions, you should be proud of yourself because you, too, are making a difference in someone’s life! And if you are not participating in Projet Connexions, I hope that this article inspires you to, or at least to call your grandparents. The best medicine for pandemic anxiety and frustration is kindness. Go find a way to give someone yours — it may just turn into your daily dose too.

qui a bien toujours un sapin de Noël de 44 pieds (plus de 13 mètres) de taille dans la place Trinity. Il se peut que l’ambiance ne soit pas aussi animée qu’avant, mais du côté esthétique et pratique la ville de Toronto fait de son mieux pour atteindre le même niveau de festivité qu’auparavant. Cette année, la visite au Distillery District aura lieu principalement en plein air ; les commerçants offrent un service de collecte à la porte et le shopping en ligne. On peut toujours acheter et jeter un œil sur de nombreux produits locaux, qui sont pour la plupart des vêtements, des cadeaux, de l’art, et de la nourriture. On a aussi accès à des centaines de tables pour la restauration extérieure. Faites vos réservations dès maintenant : https://purespirits.ca/winter-village-chalets. On peut même commander un sapin frais : https://forestsontario.ca/ en/article/forests-ontarios-annual-holiday-tree-sale-is-back. Il y a encore des baldaquins aux guirlandes de lumières qui illuminent tout le quartier, ainsi que la musique de fête, qui donnent un vrai sentiment de Noël. Venez donc nombreux au Winter Village à Distillery District pour vivre et avoir l’esprit festif. Visitez le site web du Distillery pour plus de renseignements (il est ouvert jusqu’au 31 mars 2021): https:// www.thedistillerydistrict.com/wintervillage/.

Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • le 25 novembre 2020 3


Expressions

Who Am I? Elton Campbell Layout Designer Who am I? My birth certificate states that I am Jamaican, and my passport says I am a Caricom National. The University of The West Indies embraces the concept that we are West Indians. My country’s motto is: “Out of Many, One People,” but I look melanated with kinky hair just like you. Who am I? My last name is Campbell. A Scottish name from a white slave master. Who are my great, great, great-grandparents? They were a family separated and renamed according to the last name of other white slave plantation owners who bought them during a Black Friday Sale. Does this mean that I am black? Who am I? The Queen of England is still the head of state in Jamaica, yet we celebrate Jamaica’s Independence on August 6, 1962. Am I British? Why do we call England our motherland? “Out of Many, One People”, but 95% of you in Jamaica look melanated like me despite some of you bleaching your skin.

Who am I? I grew up seeing asian and white kids allowed to wear their natural hair flowing like a free-spirited horse galloping in the wind. However, I was told to cut my hair, and the girls were told to chemically relax their hair because it is not manageable. Do I have bad hair? If I knew who I am, would I be able to appreciate and care for my natural hair? Who am I? I speak English and my closest neighbours speak French, French Creole, Spanish. Cuba: “Nos han dividido,” Haiti: “Ils nous ont divisés,” Jamaica: “Dem divide we!” Yes, they have divided us with their languages in the Caribbean, so we struggle to understand who our brothers and sisters are. Cuba, just 90 miles away from yawd! Who am I? I look like a Ghanaian, a Nigerian, an Ivorian… Hmmm, a West African? Should I do an Ancestry test…? Yes!? The results would make me feel slightly better. However, I would still feel like a grain of white sugar. Did you know I grew up seeing sugar looking melanated like us? The golden drug that the white colonizers used to build Europe and North America on the backs of my people…? Your people…? Our people…? Who am I?

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Untitled Jessica Kaur, @_jesswrites Contributor … and that’s how she convinced you, She told you what you wanted to hear. She spent time covering her bruises While she let you be her sightseer.

There were no excuses, no bad intentions, Only shadows of imperfection. She wasn’t afraid of the moonlight, It only strengthened her connection. Her’s wasn’t just a journey, it meant more, She lived more lives than she let on. She kept the sun close and the stars closer, as she walked through hell, hoping to be reborn.


Arts et divertissement

The Symbolism of Alex Janvier’s “Morning Star Gambeh Then’” Erica Thi Glendon Alumna I came across Alex Janvier’s “Morning Star - Gambeh Then’” while looking at the Canadian Museum of History’s online exhibits and was immediately attracted to its vibrant colours and abstract style. The mural was painted on the dome of the Haida Gwaii Salon in 1993 by Alex Janvier, assisted by his son Dean Janvier. The online view of this mural is absolutely stunning and eye-catching, it provides a close-up image of the entire piece and all of its elements. Various sections of the mural are labeled; the centre is labeled the Guiding Light and the circle surrounding it is labeled the Spiritual Circle and the Circle of Nations. There are four colour quadrants: Yellow, Blue, Red, and White, each representing a different historical period and meaning. Short videos, photographs of Janvier’s painting progress, and close ups of specific symbols are placed around various parts of

Review: Love Secrets by John Mark Pantana Eden Minichiello Editor in Chief Love Secrets — exactly what you’ll find if you choose to dive into John Mark Pantana’s intimate, unique, and Christ-filled novel. John Mark Pantana, one of my absolute favourite Christian musicians, released his first novel in July 2020. After promptly purchasing and reading it, my life and faith have never been the same. The book has 13 chapters that coincide with the 13 songs on his most recent album, also titled Love Secrets. His music is really incomparable to any worship or gospel I’ve ever heard — rich, raw melodies of acoustic sounds, stunningly unique vocals (with quite the range), and soul-grabbing metaphorical lyrics layered over it all. When listening, I have been brought to places of reflection, connection, deep conviction, and abounding joy. It’s the

the piece. Viewers can check out one of the videos in the centre that features the architect, Douglas Cardinal, speaking about the piece. A wider view of the mural is shown from ground level and how it looks as painted on the dome of the museum. There are several videos of Janvier speaking about “Morning Star - Gambeh Then’”, how he drew inspiration from the abstract designs of Native artwork, and the first brush strokes in creating the piece. Additionally, Janvier mentions his process and how the mural addresses various periods of relations between First Nations and non-First Nations peoples. Within each quadrant is a smaller circle that reflects a specific theme. The blue quadrant’s circle represents the weakening of Indigenous cultures through the imposition of European beliefs and practices. The red quadrant’s circle represents “the strengthening of Aboriginal beliefs and traditions,” as explained by the exhibit. The circle in the white quadrant has a white outer circle, a green circle overlaid with burgundy, red, orange, and yellow lines that taper to the centre, and the innermost circle has a marble effect of various colours. The circle in the white quadrant is “the gateway to spiritual revival and symbolizes the return to traditional practices by many Aboriginal peoples today.”

This online exhibit of “Morning Star - Gambeh Then’” allows viewers to rotate the mural and explore the different quadrant periods accompanied by Janvier speaking about his work and its meaning. There is also the depiction of a city that is actually hidden from view but can be seen by clicking on the information button

kind of music you listen to in the car, shouting the lyrics and feeling the full love of the Father shining on your face, or the kind that brings cathartic comfort when His breakers and waves are crashing over you. Each chapter of JMP’s book is chock-full of sound theology and doctrine, but gracefully balanced with lived experience, intimacy, and a casual, personal writing style that makes Christian-ese suddenly feel a lot more accessible. Most important of all, the entire novel has loads of biblical backing, with direct verse references, citations, and paraphrasing for every proposed idea. The content is relevant to unbelievers, new believers, and bereans alike, offering the most basic and foundational Christian doctrines, as well as some more intricate heart-knowledge that would even benefit beloved John as a reminder. Not to mention, the artwork for the entire book, crafted by Daniel Neuman, is absolutely beautiful and encapsulates the essence of every chapter in traditional linework illustrations. At the end of each chapter is a series of prompts JMP provides to help the reader reflect on the chapter and connect with God — this is where things get seriously convicting, or super encouraging.

He offers the reader space to write down any thoughts, prayers, or revelations, or to doodle any images that enter their mind’s eye. Finally, he lists the song that coincides with each chapter at the very end, which the reader is encouraged to listen to while or after they reflect and connect with God. Let me tell you — listening to these songs after being held in the tender love of the Father, or after coming to the realization that the Holy Spirit literally dwells in you, is a spiritual, emotional, and physical experience you’re hard pressed to find anywhere else. In short, goosebumps. Love Secrets is really more of an experience than a book. It is several intricately designed and carefully placed puzzle pieces that come together to form a heart-exploding whole. In my experience with Love Secrets, I came to know and love each person of the Trinity much more fully and intimately, I found a better understanding of the sometimes abstract-sounding concept that Christ is one with me, and because of all of that, I have a more gracious and loving relationship with myself as well. If you’re intrigued and want to experience this goodness for yourself, John Mark Pantana has chapter 2, “This is Love”

in its location. It is on the edge of the red quadrant under the red quadrant’s circle. Janvier’s mural is visually astounding and I encourage those interested to take their time going through the various quadrants, and to look out for the symbols sprinkled throughout the piece.

available to read on his website at https:// www.johnmarkpantana.com/book. There, you can also read loads more of his writing, including his “Grace Story” (his testimony) and other fun facts about him and his music. Love Secrets the book is available for purchase on Amazon in either digital or physical copy.

Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • le 25 novembre 2020 5


The Art Gallery of Glendon (The AGOG)

Shilpa Ahluwalia

Ameer Shash

 Ginny Côté

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The Art Gallery of Glendon (The AGOG)

Andrea Lei

Sakanie Karunakaran

Nicole Jung

 Natalia Santilli Sabah Hasan

Alyssa Winder

Shannon Terry

MJ Koukako

Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • le 25 novembre 2020 7


Metropolis

Storm Crow Manor: O Come All Ye Nerds Adam Kozak Assistant English Editor If you’re anything like me, meaning you like both house parties and 12-hour nonstop D&D sessions, you don’t see the appeal of spending a Friday night at a sports bar. Sure, you want to go out with your friends and have a good time with your old pal alcohol, but you’re not too keen on the male-centric and ear-piercingly loud atmosphere of your garden-variety pub. Maybe you wish the walls were lined with posters from old horror movies and classic fantasy adventures instead of cars, women, and a picture of that one famous guy who happened to wander into the bar 30 years ago. What if I told you that such a place exists? No, no, not in heaven or Amsterdam, but right on Church and Wellesley. As some of you may have guessed already, I’m talking about Storm Crow Manor in downtown Toronto. Starting out as

a tavern in Vancouver (now permanently closed), Storm Crow opened its first Toronto location in late 2018. I’d heard about the place previously, but I didn’t have the pleasure of visiting the location myself until last Wednesday. And believe me when I tell you, if you’re a fan of any kind of role-playing and/or enjoy sci-fi, fantasy or horror… it’s Candyland. From walls of horror-themed posters and a picture of Nosferatu gracing the front window, to the blast doors in the bathrooms, straight out of Alien, it’s enough to bring a tear to the eye of any species of geek. And it’s not just the decor — the menu is nerdy too. Players … I mean, guests, have the option of rolling a 20-sided die to determine what kind of shot the house will serve them. Moreover, if you want to try one of their signature Dungeon Burgers, you’ll get a full-blown character sheet on which you can either choose or roll for your burger toppings. You’ll even get to name your sandwich, and receive a collectible card to take home! They also recently added pizza to their menu, so you can now enjoy such creations as the Vatican Vegan, Garden of Eatin’, or Pope Prosciutto the Pie-ous. Yes, I’m serious. Everything on the menu just sounds … divine.

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The Toronto Storm Crow is still open for outdoor seating, as well as takeout and delivery. If you too, appreciate the “nerd bar” concept and want to support small, local businesses, I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend you give this place a

shot. Just try not to roll a natural 1 on your first shot. I won’t spoil it, but … it hits like a Fireball spell straight to the face.


Santé et bien-être

The Benefits of Mindfulness Josée Philips Health and Wellness I think it’s safe to say it has been a crazy year. Some days it can be hard to find motivation. It can be hard to get outside. It can be even harder to stay positive and find things to be grateful for, given that it sometimes feels like the world is falling apart in front of our eyes. Mindfulness is a way to cope with these feelings. Mindfulness finds it origin in Buddhist and Hindu tranditions, where the term and idea of “sati” was translated to mindfulness. It found its way to the West mainly through Jon Kabat-Zinn, who studied mindfulness under several Buddhist teachers and combined the more historic, eastern methods of mindfulness, with westernized, scientific approaches. Mindfulness is our ability to be fully present, aware of our feelings and our situation, and not feeling overwhelmed by things around us that we cannot control. Mindfulness is also judgement-free. It is taking your thoughts and reactions into account, but just letting them go by; this also helps with letting go of self-criticism. When we live mindfully, we are living in the present moment, not thinking anxiously of the past or the future. Mindfulness has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, as well as pain. Based on the Mindfulness page of Psychology Today, mindfulness englobes two main components: awareness and acceptance. Awareness of the present moment, of our emotions and of our inner workings, and acceptance, meaning that we are able to observe and accept these things, rather than internalize or judge them. It increases positivity and reduces negative thoughts. Additionally, with all this time we are spending on our computers, it can be hard to keep on task. Mindfulness has also been proven to help with focus. It can be very hard to appreciate the present as it is. In order to achieve that grateful awareness, let your thoughts happen, and ask yourself why these thoughts are happening, but the second part is very important: accepting those thoughts. Though they may be negative, do not judge yourself for having them. We all have emotions. It is important to learn to allow them to happen, it will help you to better understand yourself. One of the great things about mindfulness is that it can be practiced

anywhere, and you can take as long or 5. as little time as you want. It can be done through meditation, breathing exercises, or simple pauses from what you are do ing. Mindfulness does take some practice, however. Incorporating it into your regular 6. routine, practicing it daily, or setting some time aside in your schedule for it will help the results greatly. It can be done as you wake up, maybe by taking some time to feel your breath and your body wake from a night’s sleep, or on your break at work, or during a meal, focusing on the food you are eating and appreciating what is on the plate in front of you. There are also many apps to help with mindfulness and guided meditation such as ‘The Mindfulness App’, ‘Calm’, ‘Headspace’, ‘Mindfulness Coach’ and many more, as well as just looking some resources up on the internet or Youtube. However, always remember that if you are going through a hard time, or just need someone to talk to, there are many resources at your disposal through York University and through the people in your life that care about you. Below, you will find a mindfulness breathing exercise you can do at home. 1. Get into a comfortable position. 2. Breathe in and out slowly, tune into your breath, relaxing your body with each breath. 3. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, letting the air flow gently in and out. 4. Let go of your thoughts. Let go of what you did this morning, and what you have to do tonight. Let your thoughts flow with your breath, accept them as they come, and let them flow by.

Accept that your mind is wandering, and be kind to yourself. Once you notice your mind is wandering, accept it and return to focus on your breathing. Focus on your breath, how your chest rises and falls as you breathe in and out slowly.

7. Do this for as long as you want, or until you feel relaxed and present in your current moment and state of mind. Check in with yourself before you continue with your day, notice that you have done this exercise, and give yourself appreciation for taking the time to do this today.

Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • le 25 novembre 2020 9


Issues and Ideas

The Importance of Disseminating Urban Planning Terminology Ameer Shash Contributor

framework. It also ensures that the projects implemented suit the needs of a neighborhood or community. A planning team should not only explain the word, but also contextually apply the word to the project’s specific meaning. For instance, the word ‘cohort’ refers to an age group. In attempting to foster inclusion in developmental spaces, developers face the challenge of

Toronto — a mixture of green spaces, “ghettos”, and luxury shopping centres. The terminology involved in building and planning these spaces is often misconstrued. That’s why it’s imperative to be educated on terminology in the realm of urban planning. Urban planners gather vital information for their projects through feedback from communities. However, an urban planner has much different knowledge than community members, and their diction may not be accessible or understood by the general public. It’s important to unpack linguistic complexities, because simplifying language promotes accessibility and allows community members to be involved in the various stages of urban planning. This, in turn, helps urban planners make better-informed decisions on how to implement redevelopment plans. Unpacking urban planning terminology removes ambiguity for the general public. When urban planners consult with the general public, they may conduct surveys or give speeches that are open to the public. A terminological buzzword in one of these surveys or speeches could be the term ‘sustainable’. ‘Sustainable’ is a word that is frequently misconceptualized. To many, it means ‘good for the environment’, but that doesn’t cover the full sense. Sustainable infrastructure comprises social, environmental and economical components to ensure something can remain, or be sustained, at a certain level or standard. When the public is fully aware of what this term means, they are in a better position to impart their thoughts and opinions, and surveyors can better implement it. This in turn enhances the services and infrastructural projects created for and delivered to the community. Failing to actively involve communities in the planning of their spaces can lead to political exclusion — the public not being involved in political matters. Furthermore, determining and disseminating the meaning of buzzwords in policy and planning proposals is crucial. This dissemination and involving the general public in policies and planing allows for infrastructure to be implemented in an ethical manner that conforms to a legal

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striking a balance between leisure spaces and residential spaces. Condominium developers, especially those downtown, face increased difficulty in enabling children to grow up with leisure spaces nearby. Questions such as “How do we include [a youth] cohort in this space?” and “Who is this space for, and who is it excluding?” are important for developers to ask themselves

and the community. But in order to do so, all parties involved first need to understand the meaning of ‘cohort’. To conclude, unpacking terminology is extremely important. So Glendonites, be mindful of the words you use, and consider taking part in urban planning consultations if you are able to.


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