Wellington Walk Urban Geography Tour
Students will evaluate the livability and sustainability of a downtown neighborhood featuring a new mixed-use development, examine how community needs evolve over time, and engage in a simulated public meeting.
Students will evaluate the livability and sustainability of a downtown neighborhood featuring a new mixed-use development, examine how community needs evolve over time, and engage in a simulated public meeting.
Tour Info
Wellington Walk
Students walk in the shoes of Residents, Developers and City Planning staff as they assess the livability & sustainability of King West Village, a rapidly evolving neighbourhood in downtown Toronto.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Explore The Well, one of Toronto’s latest mixed use developments, and evaluate how well it serves the needs of local residents
• Debate the impact of public services and infrastructure: transportation networks, health and social services, recreational and cultural facilities, educational opportunities, heritage recognition
• Visit a historic housing block in the neighbourhood to discover how community needs and land uses change over time, and how residents respond to that change
• Take part in a mock public meeting to gain insight into how public participation and civic engagement help to drive change in our shared communities
Available in English & French.
Start Location: Spadina & Wellington
End Location: Front & Spadina, by the Well, which has a number of food outlets.
Curriculum Connections
Geography – Human Geography: students explore the physical and human geography of Canada and the world
Social Studies – People and Environments: students explore the interrelationship between people and their environment, including the impact of human activity on the natural world
English – Oral Communication: students develop their oral communication skills through a variety of activities, such as storytelling, role-playing, and group presentations.
Science – Sustainability and Stewardship: students explore the interrelationship between humans and the environment and learn about the importance of stewardship.
Geography – Human Geography: students explore the processes and patterns of human settlement, including urbanization, globalization, and sustainable development.
Social Studies – People and Environments: students explore global issues related to sustainability, social justice, and human rights.
English – Oral Communication: students further develop their oral communication skills through activities such as debates, speeches, and media presentations.
Science – Sustainability and Stewardship: students explore global environmental issues related to sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity.
Need To Know
When teachers book a tour for their class they will receive an information package that will:
-> outline any in-class preparation activities to be done prior to the tour
-> list materials & items that students should bring on the day of the tour
Book A Walk Today
Testimonials
“Our students enjoyed all aspects of the walk, but if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the reporter-on-the-street activity. We were amazed how they took to it and the courage they demonstrated in approaching the public. The follow up assignments were excellent also. We had them complete the news article as individuals and the advertising assignment in their groups. The rubrics were also well thought out.”
–Alison D, Grade 8 Teacher, Bloordale MS, Etobicoke, ON
“The guides were knowledgeable, the content was engaging, and the activities were relevant. My students loved it! The tour was a great way for my students to learn more about the media industry while exploring various types of media found in an urban setting.”