Abstract

The success of neighbourhood revitalization initiatives ultimately depends on an understanding of the concerns and aspirations of resident populations and the resources available to them. The following thesis serves to advance an ethnographic approach to understanding the impacts of one form of revitalization namely, gentrification. Although often associated with negative outcomes, this study shows how gentrification may be influenced to mitigate such potential consequences. First, a review of the literature provides a better understanding of gentrification, its various forms and the characteristics of those initiating the process and their motivations for doing so. This is followed by a review of the main benefits and disadvantages of gentrification. Finally, the related literature serves to outline some of the policy orientations, which have evolved through time. The second component in this thesis centres on a specific neighbourhood study in Montreal's St. Henri district and its potential for a remediated form of revitalization. Since most of the literature has sought to study the displaced or the gentrifiers, this study uses information derived from personal interviews to evaluate the impacts of changes brought about by gentrification on the remaining residents, and their perceptions of the spatial and social relationships they have within their local environment. The thesis concludes with a consideration of how an assessment of the weaknesses and available resources in the community may inform progressive, local policies, which respect the principles of sustainability and inclusiveness and which maybe employed in future regeneration efforts.