The organization was created in response to the negative impacts faced by the once thriving Little Jamaica neighbourhood in Eglinton West as a result of the Crosstown LRT construction. The disruptions caused by the construction led to the displacement of residents and businesses, and a significant decline in the local ecosystem.
Since its founding, BUTO has been dedicated to promoting and advancing Black urbanism in Toronto, with a focus on empowering and supporting Black communities in the city. Through advocacy, education, and action, BUTO is working to address the systemic barriers that prevent Black individuals from participating fully in community development and to promote equitable and inclusive urban growth in Toronto.
Guided by a vision of Black self-reliance and a commitment to community-driven change, BUTO develops policy recommendations and advocates on behalf of Black communities to improve our governments' response to our needs.
We focus on creating inclusive planning and development processes, fostering innovation, and supporting entrepreneurship.
As such, our initiatives celebrate the rich culture of African-Caribbean people and aim to create environments where the community can not only sustain but thrive.
Advancing Black urbanism + equity
Black Urbanism Toronto (BUTO) was established in 2018 with a mission to enhance the involvement of Black individuals in community development and further the cultural, economic, and social interests of Black communities in Toronto.
The organization was created in response to the negative impacts faced by the once thriving Little Jamaica neighbourhood in Eglinton West as a result of the Crosstown LRT construction. The disruptions caused by the construction led to the displacement of residents and businesses, and a significant decline in the local ecosystem.
Since its founding, BUTO has been dedicated to promoting and advancing Black urbanism in Toronto, with a focus on empowering and supporting Black communities in the city. Through advocacy, education, and action, BUTO is working to address the systemic barriers that prevent Black individuals from participating fully in community development and to promote equitable and inclusive urban growth in Toronto.
We work to amplify the voices, and advance the cultural, economic and social interests of Black communities in the GTA.
Our STORY
Who We Are, Where We Came From, and Where We’re Headed
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Our STORY
Contact US!
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2020
Collaborated with University of Toronto's Urban Studies Program to develop Place-Keeping in Little Jamaica: Commercial Displacement Prevention Strategies.
2020
BUTO released its report, A Black Business Conversation with recommendations for the City of Toronto on supporting Little Jamaica's businesses and residents.
2020
BUTO hosted the Black Business Conversation event, the first to explore Community Land Trusts (CLTs) in Little Jamaica.
2018
BUTO established to address threats of displacement faced by Little Jamaica's Black business owners and residents.
Advancing Black urbanism + equity
Black Urbanism Toronto (BUTO) was established in 2018 with a mission to enhance the involvement of Black individuals in community development and further the cultural, economic, and social interests of Black communities in Toronto.
The organization was created in response to the negative impacts faced by the once thriving Little Jamaica neighbourhood in Eglinton West as a result of the Crosstown LRT construction. The disruptions caused by the construction led to the displacement of residents and businesses, and a significant decline in the local ecosystem.
Since its founding, BUTO has been dedicated to promoting and advancing Black urbanism in Toronto, with a focus on empowering and supporting Black communities in the city. Through advocacy, education, and action, BUTO is working to address the systemic barriers that prevent Black individuals from participating fully in community development and to promote equitable and inclusive urban growth in Toronto.
Guided by a vision of Black self-reliance and a commitment to community-driven change, BUTO develops policy recommendations so that our governments better respond to the needs of Black communities. We focus on creating inclusive planning and development processes, fostering innovation, and supporting entrepreneurship. Our initiatives celebrate the rich culture of African-Caribbean people and aim to create environments where the community can not only sustain but thrive.
2020
Collaborated with University of Toronto's Urban Studies Program to develop Place-Keeping in Little Jamaica: Commercial Displacement Prevention Strategies.
2020
BUTO released its report, A Black Business Conversation with recommendations for the City of Toronto on supporting Little Jamaica's businesses and residents.
2020
BUTO hosted the Black Business Conversation event, the first to explore Community Land Trusts (CLTs) in Little Jamaica.
2018
BUTO established to address threats of displacement faced by Little Jamaica's Black business owners and residents.
Advancing Black urbanism + equity
Black Urbanism Toronto (BUTO) was established in 2018 with a mission to enhance the involvement of Black individuals in community development and further the cultural, economic, and social interests of Black communities in Toronto.
The organization was created in response to the negative impacts faced by the once thriving Little Jamaica neighbourhood in Eglinton West as a result of the Crosstown LRT construction. The disruptions caused by the construction led to the displacement of residents and businesses, and a significant decline in the local ecosystem.
Since its founding, BUTO has been dedicated to promoting and advancing Black urbanism in Toronto, with a focus on empowering and supporting Black communities in the city. Through advocacy, education, and action, BUTO is working to address the systemic barriers that prevent Black individuals from participating fully in community development and to promote equitable and inclusive urban growth in Toronto.
Guided by a vision of Black self-reliance and a commitment to community-driven change, BUTO develops policy recommendations so that our governments better respond to the needs of Black communities. We focus on creating inclusive planning and development processes, fostering innovation, and supporting entrepreneurship. Our initiatives celebrate the rich culture of African-Caribbean people and aim to create environments where the community can not only sustain but thrive.