This resource for community leaders and facilitators is a collaborative project by members of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS) Advisory Group and Social Planning Toronto (SPT). This toolkit is the outcome of community consultations, carried out between August and December 2022, on best practices for resident engagement.

The consultations aimed to centre resident leaders’ expertise and current realities, identify which tools and approaches facilitate meaningful engagement and partnerships, and support enhanced community development outcomes for sustainable, resident-led neighbourhood work in Toronto.

The main findings of the consultation emphasized that when residents are recognized and trusted as equal peers in the design, planning, and implementation of engagement processes, more meaningful partnerships and collaboration are possible.