RioCan Yonge Eglinton Centre: Making Space for Youth

How can the Yonge Eglinton Centre be shaped to include a space for youth?

In the spring of 2024, Urban Minds hosted a workshop for RioCan and kg&a to engage youth in the Yonge Eglinton neighbourhood on how Yonge Eglinton Centre could be shaped to include a space for youth. 

The workshop began with an introduction to the idea of Third Places, followed by a tour of the mall led by RioCan. Youth then participated in an Idea Jam to brainstorm and pitch ideas for creating a welcoming and inviting space within Yonge Eglinton Centre to RioCan executives.

Seven key themes emerged from our Idea Jam:

• Trendy and Social Media Friendly: This includes trendy stores, decorations, social media engagement (like trendy posts and “IG moments”), and marketing specifically targeting Instagram.
• Engaging Activities: Youths crave activities like movie nights, karaoke nights, workshops, teen markets, and an arcade.
• Comfortable and Inviting Space: Ample seating with natural lighting, improved patio lighting (potentially with a covered option), and creative seating options are all desired.
• Lively Entertainment: Live music with a “teen vibe,” buskers, performers, and showcasing student artwork are all ways to create a more vibrant atmosphere.
• Community Hub: The youths see the shopping centre as a central point for the community. This includes features like school and job fairs, vendor opportunities for local teens, and showcasing student artwork.
• Functional and Easy to Navigate: To make the space user-friendly, electronic maps, clear signage, and multiple entry points (especially to the patio) are all desired.
• Focus on Well-being: Quiet study zones with refreshments are a way to cater to students needing a focused space. This can be complemented by a “fun space” for relaxation and socializing.