17 Apr Expanding 8 80 Cities’ Professional Involvement

While we at 8 80 Cities have transitioned to working from home amidst COVID-19 physical distancing guidance, we wanted to share updates from our team members who are taking on new roles and supporting creative solutions in response to COVID-19.

Candice Leung, Project Coordinator

Candice has joined the Steering Committee of Jane’s Walk, the Urban Land Institute’s Pathways to Inclusion program, and the International WELL Building Institute’s Task Force on COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Infections.

Jane’s Walk

Jane’s Walk is a nonprofit organization inspired by Jane Jacobs, who was a writer, urbanist and activist who championed the voices of everyday people in neighbourhood planning and city-building. Jane’s Walks are free, volunteer-led walking conversations that make space for people to observe, reflect, share, question and re-imagine the places in which they live, work and play. Each year, cities across the world host Jane’s Walks of their own. As a Steering Committee member, Candice will support the organization’s mission and the success of the annual Jane’s Walk Festival, which this year will take on a new form in response to COVID-19.

ULI Pathways to Inclusion

Candice was named one of 25 Pathways to Inclusion recipients by the  Urban Land Institute Toronto Chapter (ULI). The Pathways to Inclusion program recognizes individuals and supports their efforts in the real estate development, land use, and city-building fields. ULI is a nonprofit education and research institute. It is driven by the mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and increasing and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Although COVID-19 has suspended much of ULI’s in-person programming, Candice will continue to engage with other industry professionals to work towards equitable thinking and policymaking.

IWBICOVID-19 Task Force

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) leads the WELL certified building standards that transform buildings and communities in ways that help people thrive. In response to COVID-19, IWBI assembled the Task Force on COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Infections to define the critical role buildings, organizations and communities play in prevention and preparedness, resilience and recovery. The Task Force takes a broad approach under the leadership of renowned experts and populated by a diverse group of thought leaders and authorities from across public health, medicine, design, real estate, government, and academia.

Siva Vijenthira, Project Manager

Siva has joined the Board of Directors of Charlie’s Freewheels.

Charlie’s FreeWheels

Charlie’s FreeWheels (CFW) is a youth-focused charity founded by a group of friends in memory of Charles Prinsep, a profoundly generous person, environmentalist, artist, and urban explorer who was struck by a car on his bike at the age of 23. Inspired by his ideals, CFW aims to foster urban access and a spirit of exploration in Toronto’s youth by offering programs and resources to improve youth access to bicycles and support their development as empowered community leaders. For over 10 years, CFW has offered a free Build-a-Bike program in which youth aged 12-25 learn how to assemble, fix, and safely ride their own bike, which they then get to take home. CFW is also working with other Toronto community bike collectives to foster grassroots community building and share virtual resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.