Exploring Indigenous Newcomer Relations in the City of Toronto: Changing Demographics Reconciliation and Potential of City Planning

Toronto’s urban Indigenous and newcomer populations are rapidly increasing. As a result, the City is facing a new demographic reality that will change how the municipal government implements its plans, designs, and programs. Indigenous and newcomer groups often have similar lived experiences of marginalization and discrimination as equity-seeking groups and can work together towards a more just city. This paper lays at the intersection of this new demographic reality, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Calls to Action, and how planning might play an important role in supporting Indigenous-newcomer relations. A qualitative approach was used to explore the City’s current level of engagement with the TRC’s Calls to Action and the City’s Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal Communities in Toronto. Data collection included semi-structured interviews with City staff in the following divisions: City Planning; the Indigenous Affairs Office; the Newcomer Office; Economic Development and Culture; and Parks, Forestry, and Recreation.