Ontario Construction News staff writer
For more than 10 years, Innocon, a subsidiary of Lafarge Canada in the Greater Toronto Area, has supported the revitalization of Regent Park, Canada’s oldest and largest social housing project.
In addition to supplying building materials for the construction of Daniels Spectrum, Regent Park’s arts and cultural hub, Innocon and Lafarge have invested over $800,000 through the People & Planet Fund since 2013. This fund supports “The Journey Musical,” which depicts Regent Park’s 70-year history and transformation. The People & Planet Fund aims to drive social and environmental change in Eastern Canada through targeted charitable investments.
This summer’s edition of the musical, titled “Songs from The Journey,” was once again produced by The Daniels Corporation and supported by the People & Planet Fund.
Presented in collaboration with The Royal Conservatory of Music, with Innocon and Lafarge as the presenting sponsors, the show featured local artists and renowned Canadian performers.
The 2024 edition raised nearly $1.2 million, with net proceeds reinvested in the arts at Daniels Spectrum and The Royal Conservatory. Since 2013, the fundraising musicals have raised over $5.6 million, driving significant community change.
“It has been extremely rewarding to be part of this vibrant community-building program in Toronto through our People &Planet Fund,” said David Redfern, President and CEO of Lafarge Canada (East). “The fund’s mission is to drive positive social and environmental change in our communities, and the revitalization of Regent Park aligns with our goal of building progress for people and the planet.”
The fund focuses on five key areas – affordable housing solutions, leaders of tomorrow scholarship, ECOPact – low-carbon concrete champions, Planetwise Innovators, and biodiversity conservation.
“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of this city-building project throughout my career. It’s an honour to be part of an organization that invests in the community,” said Andy Unger, VP of Ready-Mix at Lafarge Canada (East) and former president of Innocon. “Each production amazes me with its talent and storytelling, raising awareness and joy for audiences.”
In 2012, Innocon provided about 25,000 cubic metres of concrete for Daniels Spectrum, a 60,000-square-foot facility that includes a 3,400-seat performance venue and space for 15 arts and community organizations. The cultural hub has supported creativity and learning for local youth and families, contributing to the neighbourhood’s growth.
“Lafarge Canada and Innocon have been true leaders in this area. Their long-standing support for The Journey Musical and Songs from The Journey has significantly contributed to youth programming and sustainability at Daniels Spectrum,” said Heela Omarkhail, VP of Social Impact at The Daniels Corporation. “Their recent support also promotes equitable access and inclusion through the My Piece of the City initiative at The Royal Conservatory.”