Volunteer Role: Laneway coLabs Selection Committee (2026 Cohort)

Time Commitment: ~10 hours/month (January–February 2026)
Training: Early January 2026
Application Deadline for Volunteers: December 20, 2025
Eligibility: Individuals who have applied to Laneway coLabs 2026 are not eligible.

Role Overview

The Laneway coLabs Selection Committee is a small group of community-minded volunteers who will help select the 2026 cohort of laneway revitalization projects. Members will review applications submitted by resident groups across Toronto and participate in in-person site assessments of laneways under consideration.

Volunteers will receive training on how to use TLP’s standardized assessment matrix, which includes evaluating community readiness, site conditions, potential impact, and alignment with the coLabs values of co-design, social connection, and community stewardship.

This role is ideal for people who care about public space, neighbourhood cohesion, and equitable community-led design.

Key Responsibilities

  • Review written applications from resident groups using the provided assessment matrix.

  • Conduct laneway site visits to assess physical conditions and neighbourhood context.

  • Participate in a Selection Committee meeting (late February) to discuss findings and recommend final selections.

  • Maintain impartiality and adhere to TLP’s conflict-of-interest guidelines.

  • Uphold coLabs values and commit to fair, transparent assessment practices.

Time Commitment

  • Virtual Training (mandatory): 2 hours in early January (week of Jan 12).

  • Application review: ~4 hours/month (January & February).

  • Site visits: ~4–6 hours/month (January & February).

  • Committee discussions: 1.5-hour meeting (late February).

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must not be an applicant or part of an applying resident group for the 2026 coLabs program.

  • Comfortable doing short outdoor site visits in winter weather.

  • Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-driven design (no professional background required).

How to apply

Please send an email to info@thelanewayproject.ca with the subject line “Laneway coLabs Selection Committee” and include a brief expression of interest that answers the following:

  • Why are you interested in joining the Selection Committee?

  • What skills or perspectives would you bring to the assessment process?

  • Are you available for the required time commitments in January and February?

  • Do you have any conflicts of interest (e.g., involvement with groups applying to coLabs)?

Please also indicate your availability for the mandatory virtual training taking place the week of January 12. Include a few dates/times that work for you during that week.

We will contact all applicants in late December to confirm whether they have been selected and to confirm the date for the mandatory training.