Undoing White Settler Designed Cities: The Agency of Mapping with Racialized Immigrant and Refugee Women in Canada

Although urban populations are becoming increasingly diverse, most cities are not designed to provide equitable access to urban amenities and infrastructure. Twentieth- century Western urban design standards were rooted in Eurocentric ideals, primarily addressing the needs of White, economically secure, able-bodied, neurotypical, cis-gender, heterosexual males. As a result, one key aspect of designing equitable cities is understanding the different embodied experiences of marginalized populations. However, at present, city planners rely on quantitative and abstract urban studies that continue to render other social groups invisible. This issue is particularly relevant in countries such as the settler state of Canada, where projections estimate that by 2041, one in three people will be a current or former immigrant. In addition, two in five people and one-third of the total female population will belong to racialized populations. This study focuses on Ottawa-Gatineau, two neighboring cities that mirror national demographic trends. I combine two mapping methods to document the distinct urban experiences of diasporic communities. The first method involves using Geographic Information System (GIS) to map census data, creating demographic maps of Ottawa-Gatineau. The goal is to select neighborhoods with a high density of economically insecure and racialized immigrant and refugee women, where the study of urban equity is more relevant. The second method involves a participatory mapping workshop to document the first-hand urban experiences of community members. The goal is to assess the adequacy and accessibility of urban infrastructure in their neighborhoods. Participants overwrite a map with their comments as an empowering technique that emphasizes their capacity to lead changes. The assessment, driven by the interests of participants, addresses topics such as transportation, amenities, services, and housing. The study reveals that beyond mere physical presence and proximity, questions about cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity, gender and age inclusivity, safety, affordability, schedule flexibility, maintenance, transit reliability, and social diversity and connectivity were crucial in assessing the adequacy and accessibility of urban infrastructure.

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