Pluralistic Planning for Multicultural Cities

The reading this week focuses on the idea of multiculturalism in Canada, although the ideas are particularly relevant to Australia, and how multiculturalism impacts the planning process. The article emphasises that planning for multiculturalism requires the planner to focus on social aspects and issues of equity and welfare rather than just physical elements. It reinforces the idea, and acts as an important reminder, that the planning process directly impacts on the wellbeing of people- something planners have been criticised for neglecting consider.
A recurring theme throughout the text is the importance of communicative planning in relation to multiculturalism. On a practical level, the planner must be sensitive to the needs of various groups and individuals and overcome challenges like language barriers. The case study of Kingsview Park in Toronto provides an example of a dispute regarding ethnic differences that was dealt with by reviewing security and management of the housing estate- not addressing the root cause of the problem. So it seems a communicative approach is important when dealing with multiculturalism to allow all parties to express their views, needs and concerns. Although, as mentioned previously, there are limitations associated with this approach. Namely the exclusion of certain groups from participation in the planning process (this is a particular threat where there may be groups with different language needs) and the occurrence of NIMBYISM.

Ethnic enclaves and the implication they have on planning decisions is mentioned, as well as some of the negatives and positives of such concentrations of certain ethnicities. Of course there are examples of enclaves that have had positive social and economic outcomes such as Leichardt in Sydney and those that have resulted in negative outcomes such as violence and gangs.

Chinatown, Sydney
Source: Wikipedia 2005

   
My question to you is, where is the line for a planner between accommodating the needs of different cultural groups and enforcing segregation?