July 6, 1998

 To:Toronto Community Council

 From:Commissioner of Urban Planning & Development Services

 Subject:King-Spadina Community Improvement Plan (Ward 24 - Downtown)

  Purpose:

 This report is accompanied by the proposed Community Improvement Plan for the King-Spadina area. The plan is intended to assist the revitalization of King-Spadina in tandem with the recent changes to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. The plan outlines proposed changes to the infrastructure in the area including streets, parks and sidewalks, and addresses other matters such as implementation of public art objectives.

 Source of Funds:

 The proposed improvements will be funded from various sources. Street improvements are described in the City's yearly capital budget. Boulevard improvements will be achieved through the site plan approval process as development occurs. Facade restoration grants are provided through existing programs such as the General Facade Improvement Program.

 Recommendations:

 It is recommended that:

 1.City Council adopt the Community Improvement Plan for the King-Spadina Area, attached to this report.

 2.The Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services commence implementation of the Community Improvement Plan, including any necessary capital budgeting requests for individual Community Improvement Projects, once the Plan is approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

 3.The Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services consult with the relevant stakeholders regarding the implementation of the individual Community Improvement Projects.

Council Reference/Background/History:

 The City Council of the former City of Toronto, at their meeting held on October 6 and 7, 1997, approved the undertaking of a Community Improvement Plan for the King-Spadina Area. Accordingly, staff undertook a public process, including several public meetings, in preparing the attached report.

 Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

 Community Improvement Plans have been implemented in several areas of the City. These plans set out a strategy for upgrading the public areas either through public initiatives or through redevelopment of private property. Combined, these projects will enhance community safety and improve pedestrian amenities which will blend well with the increasing residential and retail activity moving into the King-Spadina area. The attached plan describes the objectives of the Plan and the various actions being recommended.

 Should City Council approve this plan, it will then be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval. Full implementation will take several years as funding becomes available through public and private sources.

 The local community will be consulted regarding the implementation of individual projects.

 The recommendations have been prepared in consultation with staff of Heritage Toronto and City Works Services.

 Conclusions:

 The improvements proposed in the plan will assist in the transformation of the King-Spadina Area into one of the most active neighbourhoods in the City.

Contact Name:Rollin Stanley

Telephone: 416-392-0424

Fax: 416-392-1330

E-Mail: rstanley@city.toronto.on.ca.

Beate Bowron

Acting Director, City Planning Division, Toronto Community

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