This is an interactive tool for TCBN and its members to help tell the story of the community benefits movement in Toronto. ;xNLx;;xNLx;- Members, contact the TCBN now and get your password to start adding to the timeline.;xNLx;;xNLx;- Guests, explore the timeline and learn about this exciting community-labour coalition.
Toronto’s Community Economic Development and Social Purchasing movement founds the Toronto Social Purpose Enterprise Network in 2006 (later to become Social Enterprise Toronto) for learning and marketing. Social enterprise is defined as a business operated by a charity or non-profit organization that sells goods and/or services in the market place, for the dual purpose of generating income and achieving a social, cultural and/or environmental mission. Social Purchasing Project is set up to build capacity and relationships with procurement systems of government and business.
Mount Dennis Community Association joins with neighbouring groups and organizations to form the Mount Dennis Weston Network. Community is organized to respond to closure of Kodak Plant for a big box mall. Transit City interested in the Kodak site and City initiates property purchase for a Maintenance and Storage yard. Community proposes revitalizing area’s employment base through green economy with Transit as an anchor industry. Metrolinx assumes control of transit infrastructure planning and implementation. Community organizes “Making Green Work” strategy session, looks for allies across the transit network.
Woodbine Live proposed development for Rexdale area as an Entertainment district including mixed-use residential/commercial and Casino. The owner sought approvals from City Council. A detailed design was forwarded to Council for approval early Fall, 2009. The organization, Community Organizing for Responsible Development (CORD) was formed soon after. City offers developer Tax Incentive. The economic recession takes hold across north America, the developer withdraws and the Project is abandoned.
In 2007, partners Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) and the Daniels Corporation, a land developer, unveiled community benefits as part of the City's Regent Park Social Development Plan. The Regent Park redevelopment incorporated a local employment plan, targeting 10% of new jobs to residents. New development unveiled at the Toronto Open Doors Festival in the summer of 2012.
Labour Supports Community Benefits. Labour Council President meets Metrolinx leaders to propose labour agreement with targeted hiring from diverse communities
Organizers show the flag at December 2012 Metrolinx Board Meeting
1st round of funding from Metcalf, Atkinson & United Way of Greater Toronto confirmed
Labour Council formally adopts policy calling for Community Benefits Agreement
1st TCBN General Meeting
2-day CBA workshop, including knowledge transfer from Los Angeles, Scotland & Vancouver April 27/28 2013 This meeting helped to define what the network is, who is in it, who is able to make decisions. This is where the first draft of core principles was established in a public meeting of community and labour.