PARC Timeline

Easy rail access and a mix of large Victorian homes in Parkdale make this ‘Village by the Lake’ one of Toronto’s 1^st commuter suburbs; in the summer residents flock to Sunnyside Amusement Park.
The Depression puts an end to Toronto’s construction boom; many large homes in Parkdale are divided into multiple units, making way for a working-class; the neighbourhood is soon labeled a slum.
Gardiner Expressway built between 1955-1964 cutting off Parkdale from the lake; high-rise buildings are erected to house displaced middle-class however most families flee the neighbourhood.

1000’s of long-term patients are pushed into Parkdale after being discharged from nearby Queen Street Mental Health Centre (now CAMH) and Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital (closed for good).
PARC is created as a kind of sanctuary where psychiatric survivors can go, be heard and connect with peers. (1980)
1^st psychiatric survivor, Pat Capponi is hired at PARC; an outspoken writer and advocate, Pat brings much-needed attention to Parkdale’s housing disaster.
2 integral PARC programs start-up: Writers Group and trips to Camp Kandalore. (1988)
PARC members and staff develop a community based on dignity and respect (many cockroaches and mice are also along for the ride).
Meanwhile real-estate boom attracts 1^st wave of gentrifiers to Parkdale; buyers are drawn to the Victorian housing stock but lack understanding of neighbourhood’s internal workings.

PARC buys the building at 1499 Queen St. W.
2 members are hired as Drop-in workers.
PARC’s Writers Group publishes Kiss Me You Mad Fool – a full-length collection of prose and visually art.
The murder of PARC member, Patty Stewart, is a catalyst for the formation of a Members Steering Committee.
On the evening of February 20, 1997, beloved PARC member, Edmond Yu, is shot and killed by police on TTC bus while experiencing a mental health crisis.
PARC’s service delivery model expands to include housing, outreach, kitchen and employment.
Caribbean, South Asian and working artist communities are attracted to the cheap stock of loft and apartment-style housing in Parkdale.

Mobilized by the death of Edmond Yu, PARC creates 10 units of supportive housing on the 3^rd floor of 1499 Queen St. W.
In partnership with Working for Change (formerly Ontario Council of Alternative Businesses) 2 employment facilitators are hired, developing skills and creating wage-earning opportunities for PARC member.
PARC’s mission is solidified: “A community where people rebuild their lives.” (2006)
Peer crew leaders are hired to work in the kitchen helping to serve over 100,000 every year.
Harm reduction group Imperial Breakfast Club forms.
Knowledge is Power – a 14-week anti-oppression training program is created and offered to service-users @ 4 Toronto Drop-In Network sites, including PARC. For its work developing the curriculum, PARC is recognized with an Access, Equity and Human Rights Award. (2007)
PARC’s Drop-in opens 7 days/week.
194 Dowling Avenue is identified as site for supportive housing project; negative reaction from Parkdale residents sparks creation of Ambassadors Project, training PARC members as public speakers and changing attitudes around the neighbourhood.
Tibetan and Roma communities call Parkdale home; neighbourhood is now considered a ‘landing strip’.

Full-time chef hired in PARC’s kitchen.
Tenants move in to Edmond Place – a unique peer supported housing building for people with lived experience of mental health and addiction issues.
PARC’s Writers Group publishes a 2^nd collection of prose and visual art called Let’s Face It.
A Member’s Census is completed to better define the issues, experiences and specific needs of PARC members.
Gentrification moves west to Parkdale, introducing new cafés, restaurants and condos; Parkdale is popular for young singles, couples and families seeking active community as well as attractive and affordable property and rental rates.

After the Asylum