Child-Friendly Cities

Canadian Perspectives

Abstract

This article highlights a research project entitled, Child-Friendly Cities and Participatory Planning and Design in Canada. The article describes a graduate course, Child-Friendly Cities in Canada, which supported the research. Highlighted is a protocol (based on 15 factors) for collecting examples of best practices—including the degree of young people’s participation, intended goals of fostering independence, recognition of diverse groups of young people, issues around safety and security, innovative use of existing resources, operational sustainability, replicability, and innovative development or implementation process and structures, among others. Highlighted is a series of case studies spanning different scales—from individual activism, to initiatives on the part of non-profit organizations, to neighborhood-based initiatives and municipally-led initiatives. The case studies also feature a range of spheres including children’s roles in arts and urban revitalization, young people and environmentalism, young people’s involvement in community development, educational programming and civic participation.