Public Life Study Volunteer, Mel Lastman Square

We are guided by the simple but powerful idea that if everything we do in our cities is great for an 8 year old and an 80 year old, then it will be better for all people. We envision healthy, happy, and sustainable cities for people to grow up and grow old in; where all people have the right to safe and active mobility, welcoming and accessible public spaces, and inclusive city-building processes.

A Public Life Study (PLS) is a form of real-time data collection that includes simple counting, mapping, and surveying tools to measure how people use, pass through, and engage with public spaces.

This data helps city builders assess how a space measures up before a public space transformation begins!

Now, we’re looking to measure how these programming and space improvements will impact community use and wellbeing. As a volunteer, you can expect a short 4-hour shift in which you will map movement and activity using templated data-collection tools and survey community members about their experiences at Mel Latman Square.

Responsibilities Include:

• There will be a mandatory virtual PLS Training on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 (TBD)
• Public Life Studies will take place at Mel Lastman Square in North York, Toronto, on Friday, 17 July 2026, Saturday, 18 July 2026 & Tuesday, 21 July 2026.
• There are 4 time slot options for each day:
  • 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (noon)
  • 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • 8:00 pm – 12:00 am

Volunteers should be familiar with or interested in developing skills in placemaking, urban planning, spatial design, data analysis, and community engagement. Individuals from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are encouraged to apply.

On a rolling basis until July 18, 2026.

Interested volunteers should complete the following Sign Up form to indicate their availability.

If you require more information, send us an email at volunteer@880cities.org with the subject line “Public Life Study, Mel Latman Square

If selected, we’ll share a link to the training and provide additional details.