Rhythms of Change

Reflections on the Regent Park Revitalization

Mitchell Cohen

In the early 2000s, a remarkable renewal of Toronto’s Regent Park neighbourhood began. Designed as a “garden city” in the 1940s, the area gained a reputation over the decades as a “no go” zone. In 2005, Toronto’s City Council approved a revitalization that would effectively turn Regent Park into one of the city’s “go to” neighbourhoods.

Through captivating narrative that transcends urban planning, architecture, community development, and business, Rhythms of Change explores the revitalization journey through the eyes of Mitchell Cohen—a social activist, a musician, and the visionary CEO of The Daniels Corporation.

The Regent Park revitalization is now the gold standard for reimagining and transforming stigmatized neighbourhoods. Cohen’s firsthand account unveils key elements underlying an extraordinary metamorphosis into a healthy, resilient, and inclusive community.

Rhythms of Change brings you into the heart of strategic decision-making. It explores possibility, is a testament to the resilience of local residents facing upheaval, and offers a roadmap for those eager for positive changes within their communities.

Regent Park’s success is a world-renowned phenomenon. This extraordinary neighbourhood has become home to the World Urban Pavilion—a global Knowledge Exchange Hub established by UN Habitat, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the Urban Economy Forum, sharing transformative city-building practices internationally.

Rhythms of Change is a must-read for anyone eager to be inspired, enlightened, and engaged in the change they wish to see in our cities.

Reviews

“This book is a revolutionary ray of sunshine. Mitchell Cohen’s herculean story of the revitalization of Regent Park provides an antidote to a world weighed down by seemingly insurmountable social problems. Read it and reignite your idealism.”

Denise Donlon CM Music and media executive

“Rhythms of Change chronicles the Regent Park revitalization story, but also the personal journey of a true champion of progressive urban change. This gem of a book is essential reading for anyone interested in building strong, resilient communities.”

Meric Gertler President, University of Toronto

“Artisan: a disciplined, determined practitioner of their craft. Living it so fully and completely, lifting it to an art. Miles Davis to jazz. The Beatles to rock and roll. Bialetti to espresso machines. Jane Jacobs to urban planning. Dare I say, add Mitchell Cohen to community building.”

Daniele Zanotti CEO, United Way Greater Toronto

Mitchell Cohen is president and CEO of The Daniels Corporation, steering the organization’s strategic and long-term vision since 1984.

Under his leadership, Daniels has become known for building residential offerings for people at all stages of life, and for its commitment to building a healthy social infrastructure within each new community. Over the past four decades the company has also created innovative affordable rental programs as well as programs that help tenants become first-time homeowners.

Cohen has a master’s in social psychology from the London School of Economics and a bachelor of science in psychology from McGill University. In 2019, Cohen was appointed to the Order of Canada in recognition of “his contributions to urban development and for his commitment to community building.”

In 2013, he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Faculty of Community Services at Toronto Metropolitan University. In addition, Cohen has received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and an Award of Merit from the St. George’s Society.

A songwriter and musician as well as a socially conscious real estate developer, Mitchell Cohen seamlessly bridges the intersection of business and the arts.

ISBN 9781774585054
40.00 CAD • 35.00 USD
Published 11/12/2024

7.5 x 8.5 • 264 Pages
Hardcover