Considering Young and Socially Marginalized People in Urban Revitalization : Evidence on Enablers and Barriers from a Mid‑Size Canadian City

Abstract

Objective: This study explored what enabled and constrained consideration of young and socially marginalized people's needs and interests in the downtown revitalization of a mid-size Canadian city. Methods: In this interpretive descriptive study, we conducted nine semi-structured interviews with 10 key informants from the municipal, community organization and private sectors involved in the revitalization initiative. We analyzed interview transcripts following the framework method to identify main themes. Results: According to participants, young and socially marginalized people's needs and interests were not explicitly considered since the initiative predominantly aimed to improve the downtown physical and economic environment. Participants were, however, open to collaborate for a more equitable and inclusive revitalization, but diverging perspectives on (1) reasons for revitalizing the downtown, (2) how "young" and "socially marginalized" people were implicitly defined, (3) collaborative structures and mechanisms, and (4) public participation processes and strategies, constrained fulsome consideration of these groups. Conclusions: The factors we identified as enabling and constraining consideration of young and socially marginalized people who experience neighbourhood revitalization firsthand can help devise solutions for inclusive and health-promoting urban planning.