Urban Indigenous engagement summary report

The Villages Planning team participated in convening two Urban Indigenous Engagement Events, held as part of phase 1 and 2 of the Villages planning process:

1. Urban Indigenous Engagement Framework Pilot (Saturday, October 26, 2024)

2. Urban Indigenous Engagement Workshop (Tuesday, October 21, 2025)

Each event was designed to ensure that Urban Indigenous voices are not only heard but meaningfully reflected in the Villages planning and decision-making processes. The goal was to listen carefully and involve Urban Indigenous Peoples in a thoughtful and respectful way.

Read the Urban Indigenous engagement summary report (PDF 0.5 MB)

Key findings:

• Strong call for affordable, culturally grounded housing that supports Elders, families, and Indigenous ways of living, while addressing displacement and delivery barriers.
• Desire for community-led, identity-rich development with Indigenous design, cultural spaces, and inclusive engagement of underrepresented urban Indigenous residents.
• Support for mixed-use areas that meet daily needs, sustain small businesses, and improve access to food, including community gardens and local food systems.
• Concerns about mobility, transit affordability, and livability, alongside the need for accessible infrastructure, green space, and thoughtful planning approaches.