The Unfinished City: After-School Program for Young Urbanists

Designed for curious and creative minds aged 9–14, invites young urbanists to explore the past, present, and possible futures of Toronto. The goal of the program is to empower participants to understand and influence concepts in urban design, city building, and placemaking through neighbourhood investigations, storytelling, art, data collection, and The Bentway as a case study.

The program will go beyond being “hands-on” — it will also be “minds-on.” During each session, young urbanists will ask questions, gather information, compare and collaborate, draw conclusions, and develop a point of view.

Interactive activities and experiences, designed in collaboration with youth education leaders Maximum City, will challenge participants to not only explore The Bentway, but critically examine the Gardiner Expressway’s history, current state, and potential future through skillbuilding in multidisciplinary fields.

Guided by principles of Indigenous placekeeping, ecology, storytelling, adaptation, and youth agency, the program empowers participants to ask critical questions about citybuilding and imagine what cities can become when everyone gets a say in how they’re built.

Working independently and collaboratively, participants will earn badges in a custom “City Passport,” build foundational skills across a variety of disciplines, and ultimately co-create a public experience that captures and communicates their vision for the future city.

What to expect:

• This program is for youth ages 9-14.
• Programming is held across The Bentway sites, including outdoor activities and walking tours.
• All materials will be provided.
• We have two registration options, for the full 10-week program, or the first 5-weeks of the program.
• A Participant Intake Packet will be sent following online registration.
• This program is a cumulative series and features weekly sessions.
• Programming is held across The Bentway sites, including outdoor activities and walking tours.
• Accessible and all-gender washrooms are available on-site.

Dates and Times: Tuesdays from 4:00pm-5:30pm
October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25, December 2, 9, 16

• 10-week program from October 14 to December 16
• 5-week program from October 14 to November 11
• Customizable single pay-per-week sessions from October 14 to December 16

Programming concludes at 5:30pm, with a pick-up window until 6:00pm

Payment and Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellation requests made at least three (3) weeks in advance are eligible for a refund.
• Cancellation requests made less than three (3) weeks in advance are eligible for a partial refund of 50% of program fees.
• Cancellation requests less than 10 days prior to the start date, or after the start date are not eligible for a refund.
• Please note that a cancellation fee will be applied to all refunds granted, and any approved refunds will not include Eventbrite fees. The additional administration fee for refunds will be: $25 for 5-week programs, $50 for full 10-week program

The Bentway is committed to supporting the full participation of all attendees. Please contact with any questions or access needs prior to the event.

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