Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Toronto, in partnership with eight post-secondary institutions, is continuing the free CivicLabTO discussion series this fall, including a two-day virtual Academic Summit, Nov. 23 and 24, focused on renewal and resilience.
Centennial, Humber, Seneca, and George Brown colleges are participating with York, Toronto, OCAD and Ryerson.
Centennial College President Craig Stephenson says the discussions are important as institutions look for innovative ways to rebound from the pandemic.
“Centennial will be engaged in this series every step of the way,” he said. “Enhancing, for example, access to learning through flexible pathways and community engagement . . . and promoting innovative programing to strengthen employability and research support in such key areas as clean technology.”
Speakers will focus on key themes to support Toronto’s recovery and rebuild strategy, including:
- Climate Change and Green Recovery – Sept. 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The session will explore how academic and municipal collaboration, such as in the Toronto Ambient Air Quality Impacts from COVID-19 Study, can generate targeted, timely and useful research to inform public policy and address the climate crisis.
- Economic Resiliency Culture, Innovation, Inclusion – Oct. 7 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The panel discussion focuses on the human side of economic resilience. Panelists will assess opportunities and highlight key concerns around inclusion, as governments and organizations begin to focus on recovery and resilience.
- Stronger, Safer, More Just Communities – Oct.14 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The discussion focuses on a better understanding of the youth justice system and community well-being.
- Art, Culture and Recovery – Oct. 15 from 1 to 2 p.m. The discussion looks at insights into the impacts the pandemic has had on the cultural sector, opportunities presented for post-pandemic recovery.
The initiative is part of the CivicLabTO programming.
