Through the eyes of the people being impacted, this film chronicles the redevelopment of an inner city neighbourhood, the displacement of its low income residents and the ultimate loss of a community that has nurtured and supported its members for decades. While this particular story is set in Seattle, WA, the process of gentrification that it examines is playing out in urban areas in Canada and across the globe.
The lesson is designed to have the students weigh the promise of economic progress (updated buildings, improved green spaces, reduced crime) against the benefits of living in a supportive multigenerational and multicultural community.
A lesson plan is available to accompany the film. It provides 'before, during and after' viewing suggestions and activities to promote the discussion of the social justice and quality of life considerations when creating sustainable communities.
This resource will support those units in high school social studies and human/urban geography that deal with social justice, quality of life and sustainable cities.
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.