Designed for curious and creative minds aged 9–14, The Unfinished City invites young urbanists to explore the past, present, and possible futures of Toronto. The goal of the program is to empower participants to understand and influence concepts in urban design, city building, and placemaking through neighbourhood investigations, storytelling, art, data collection, and The Bentway as a case study.
The Unfinished City is a new 10-week after-school program for students in grades 4–8 starting in September 2025.
The program will go beyond being “hands-on” — it will also be “minds-on.” During each session, young urbanists will ask questions, gather information, compare and collaborate, draw conclusions, and develop a point of view on city building and placemaking.
Interactive activities and experiences, designed in collaboration with youth education leaders Maximum City, will challenge participants to not only explore The Bentway, but critically examine the Gardiner Expressway’s history, current state, and potential future through skill building in multidisciplinary fields.
Guided by principles of Indigenous placekeeping, ecology, storytelling, adaptation, and youth agency, the program empowers participants to ask critical questions and imagine what cities can become when everyone gets a say in how they’re built.
Cities are perpetually unfinished, and every generation gets to have a kick at the can, which will mean constant changes in the urban landscape.
– Ken Greenberg
Working independently and collaboratively, participants will earn badges in a custom “City Passport,” build foundational skills across a variety of disciplines, and ultimately co-create a public experience that captures and communicates their vision for the future city.
What to expect:
- This program is for youth ages 9-14.
- Programming is held across The Bentway sites, including outdoor activities and walking tours.
- All materials will be provided.
- We have two registration options, for the full 10-week program, or the first 5-weeks of the program.
- A Participant Intake Packet will be sent following online registration.
- This program is a cumulative series and features weekly sessions.
- Programming is held across The Bentway sites, including outdoor activities and walking tours.
- Accessible and all-gender washrooms are available on-site.
Dates and Times: Tuesdays from 3:30pm-5:30pm
September 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11
- 10-week program from September 9 to November 11
- 5-week program from September 9 to October 7
- 5-week program from October 14 to November 11
Programming concludes at 5:30pm, with a pick-up window until 6:00pm
Program Fees:
- $450 (full 10-week program, September 9-November 11)
- $250 (5-week program, September 9-October 7)
- $250 (5-week program, October 14 to November 11)
- Eventbrite fees will apply separately of program fees.
Payment and Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellation requests made at least three (3) weeks in advance are eligible for a refund.
- Cancellation requests made less than three (3) weeks in advance are eligible for a partial refund of 50% of program fees.
- Cancellation requests less than 10 days prior to the start date, or after the start date are not eligible for a refund.
- Please note that a cancellation fee will be applied to all refunds granted, and any approved refunds will not include Eventbrite fees. The additional administration fee for refunds will be:
- $25 for 5-week programs
- $50 for full 10-week program
collaborators
This program is generously supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
