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The Jane & Finch Redevelopment aims to transform the area into a more accessible community with higher-density mixed-use development, particularly through the redevelopment of the Jane Finch Mall. This initiative is driven by the implementation of the Finch LRT line, which will include additional stops at the Jane Finch intersection.
B+H, the lead landscape architecture firm, alongside a team of consultants, was engaged by Urban Strategies to create a mixed-use masterplan that revitalizes the commercial and retail landscape within a new residential context. Our involvement was not only due to design expertise but also because of our commitment to diversity, which is essential for engaging a community wary of gentrification and concerned about cultural, social, and economic representation.
The Jane Finch Mall serves as a pivotal community hub, reflecting predominantly Black cultural influences with a strong Caribbean heritage. Community members expressed a desire for the “colour and culture of the Caribbean” to be woven into the landscape and architectural designs.
They envisioned a large gateway plaza facing Finch that embodies their identity through art, greenery, seating, an open marketplace, and spaces for music and dance, complemented by a community-run center. Additionally, they sought two flexible park spaces: one for spontaneous activities and family gatherings, and another dedicated to children’s play, which would also include flower gardens for seniors and shaded seating.
From 2021 to 2022, a comprehensive pre-design engagement process involved over 1,000 community members to gather insights on their experiences and priorities for the mall’s future. This included one-on-one surveys, group discussions, workshops, walking tours, and community meetings. The feedback emphasized the need for public spaces that celebrate community identity and provide essential services.
Read more about the findings from our community engagement here.
Looking ahead, the jfm+ process proposes incremental changes that will introduce new homes, shops, services, and community facilities designed with transit-oriented densities. These changes will include diverse parks and open spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets with cycling paths and landscaping, and various communal spaces that foster interaction and meet daily needs.
Ultimately, the transformation underscores the site’s significance as a gathering place that provides new opportunities for the community to celebrate its rich diversity, history, and culture, beginning with the new intersection and a signature development that will offer both indoor and outdoor spaces tailored to community interests. This initiative is just the beginning of evolving opportunities for small businesses and expanding the community’s potential for new parks and services.