Gentrification In Scarborough: A Case Study Of The Markham And Ellesmere (me) Living Revitalization

Aiming to compete on a global level, local governments have become heavily invested in the development process. Encouraging gentrification through political terms such as revitalization, smart growth, and regeneration, numerous neighbourhoods have been gentrified. Observing gentrification in many parts of the world, academics are divided by the significance of the process. Some believe it is a beneficial practice, while others disagree stating that it is environmentally unjust. This paper argues that gentrification promotes environmental injustice and explores the negative impacts faced by the disadvantaged population. To conduct the primary analysis, city staff reports, newspaper articles, promotional advertisements and statistical data related to the ME Living revitalization project were reviewed. Examining different themes of impacts including of economic, lifestyle, neighbourhood and housing, the outcomes of the project were evident. Using an environmental justice framework, it became clear that the new residents would be able to redeem the benefits of the project while the current tenants would face the detriments of the development. With this understanding, the paper concludes with strategies to make the planning process environmentally just.