|
|
 |
 |
|
| |
|
Session 2: Local Planning Demystified |
|
|
 |
|
| |
|
Toronto Civics 101 – Sessions 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6
October 1, 2009
Torontonians are most actively engaged with the City when it is about something that directly affects their neighbourhood. However, this can be difficult as the development approval process can be complicated with many stakeholders involved. This session gave an outline of the neighbourhood planning process, and the roles of residents, City staff, Councillors in the process.
 You may need the free Window Media Player.
Resources
City of Toronto
- City of Toronto City Planning
Visit the City of Toronto City Planning website to find a wealth of information on the planning. It includes links to the Official Plan, the draft Zoning By-law, the Committee of Adjustment, development applications, heritage preservation and the Toronto Green Standard. In addition, find out what consultations are going on in your Ward.
- How Does a City Grow? City of Toronto, 2009 (PDF)
An overview of City Planning and its practices to help the public gain an understanding of planning and what the Division does.
- Planning at the City of Toronto, City of Toronto, 2008
A short guide planning at the City of Toronto, including the role of stakeholders and the planning process.
- Toronto Official Plan, City of Toronto, 2007
The Official Plan is Toronto's main policy vision to manage and direct physical change. Development applications are evaluated against the policies and criteria of the Plan, and all bylaws must reflect the intent of the Plan
- Toronto Development Guide - Glossary of Terms, City of Toronto, 2007 (PDF)
A handy guide that provides definitions to a long list of terms used in planning and development work, including "Committee of Adjustment", "Minor Variance", and "Zoning By-Law."
Province of Ontario
- Citizen's Guide to the Planning Act, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2008
This guide discusses the Planning Act, a piece of provincial legislation that regulates land use planning in Ontario. The Act sets out how land uses may be controlled, and who may control these uses.
- Citizen's Guide to Official Plans, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2008
An Official Plan describes the visions and policies a municipality has regarding its land and how it should be used. The goal of an Official Plan is to make sure that future planning and development will reflect the needs of the community. This guide explains how an Official Plan accomplishes these objectives.
- Citizen's Guide to Zoning By-Laws, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2008
Zoning by-laws regulate property in the city - how the land can be used, and what can be built on it. Zoning typically falls into categories such as residential, industrial, or commercial, but the details of zoning by-laws are what spell out the specific rules and requirements that are legally enforceable. They are a way of administering the plans of visions of an Official Plan. This guide provides more information.
- Citizen's Guide to the Ontario Municipal Board, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2008
The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), is a special tribunal set up by the provincial government to hear appeals and make decisions on contentious municipal issues - particularly related to land use planning and developments. Board members are appointed by the provincial government. This guide provides more information on its structure and why it exists.
- Citizen's Guide to The Plan Review and Approval Process, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2008
The process through which plans are reviewed and approved can involve both municipal and provincial input, depending on the proposal to be approved and the type of municipality. These processes are outlined in the Planning Act. This guide provides more information on the process.
- Citizen's Guide to Making Mediation Work for You, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2007
Land use planning can sometimes lead to conflict and disputes based on competing interests or visions for the land in question. Legal action can be complicated and costly. Mediation and working together towards a mutually-agreeable resolution can save time, money, and can ultimately improve the end results of the project. This guide gives readers information on where to start with the mediation process.
- A Guide to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2006 (PDF 2.5 Mb)
The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe is a 25-year plan that aims to: Revitalize downtowns to become vibrant and convenient centres; create complete communities that offer more options for living, working, learning, shopping and playing; provide housing options to meet the needs of people at any age; curb sprawl and protect farmland and green spaces; and reduce traffic gridlock by improving access to a greater range of transportation options.
Planning in Canada
- Planning Canadian Communities: An Introduction to the Principles, Practice and Participants. Gerald Hodge, David L. A. Gordon. 5th ed., Toronto: Nelson Thomson, 2008.
Available through the Toronto Public Library
Provides a comprehensive view of the needs, origins, contemporary practices, and future challenges in planning Canadian cities, towns, and regions. The text describes the history of community planning in Canada, how it works today, and who participates in it.
You may need the free Adobe Acrobat Viewer to view PDF files. 
|
|
|
