(1) City Building

People relate to their city at the neighbourhood level. A number of important issues affect the liveability of neighbourhoods, including choice, affordability, access to community services, and health and safety. Changing populations and economic conditions present a challenge to keeping our neighbourhoods liveable and vibrant. The emphasis in this program element is to identify and address pressing housing and community support issues affecting neighbourhoods across the city.

Projects

Addresses the potential threat to the city=s rental housing stock caused by the repeal of the Rental Housing Protection Act (link to Official Plan program).

Identifies demographic and social trends that affect the growth and composition of the city and its communities and neighbourhoods (link to Official Plan program).

Analyses key factors affecting the housing market in the city including: needs of families, seniors and immigrants, migration of households and the supply and production of alternative housing arrangements (link to Official Plan program).

A comprehensive municipal strategy addressing the cancellation of social housing programs, the trend for fewer families with children to live in the city, and increasing homelessness (with staff from other departments).

Builds on a Canada Mortgage and Housing Study underway in the former municipalities of York and Toronto to find ways to rehabilitate aging high rise apartment buildings.

Addresses zoning and maintenance issues with rooming houses, including how to distinguish and apply appropriate standards to Arooms@ and Adwelling units.@ Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

An annual process that recommends five year plans for the improvement, expansion and creation of community facilities, on the basis of need. Initiated by the former Toronto Council (coordinated with other departments).

Proposes criteria for identifying high need communities, and suggests a policy framework for the delivery of municipal services in these communities. Initiated by the Toronto Community Council (coordinated with the Community Services Department).

Explores economically viable alternative uses and redevelopment strategies for religious buildings while protecting and preserving their historical features. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

Identifies areas with potential safety problems and proposes solutions by working with local communities and other departments. Initiated by the former Scarborough and Toronto Councils.

(b) Environmental and Green Space Planning

The amalgamated city provides the opportunity to address more effectively a number of environmental issues, including protecting and regenerating green space and ensuring consistent approaches to developing contaminated sites. The Department=s environmental mandate balances promotion of growth and development with support for a clean, safe, natural and useable environment.

Projects

Preparing a protocol and supporting inventory for evaluating development applications on lands that could be potentially contaminated.

Involves preparing plans and ongoing projects to clean up the River and bring it back to its natural state. Initiated by the former Toronto Council and includes working with the Don River Task Force and other departments.

To work with the TRCA to develop concept plans for five areas, a management structure, and several demonstration projects.

A community based project; coordinated by the Department to reintroduce natural elements including storm water retention ponds along the route of these former waterways. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

Reviews and updates the York Official Plan Open Space policies. Initiated by the former York Council.

Establishes a common set of policies to provide guidance for development in areas that are vulnerable to flooding. To be undertaken in co-operation with the TRCA.

Provincial Cabinet soon will establish a new management structure for the Park which is a major element of the city=s green space system. Staff will report on possible planning implications and on a proposed development review protocol with the Park, as directed by the Scarborough Community Council.

Determines appropriate amendments to the Ravine Control By-law and zoning by-law to strengthen protection of ravine lands. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

Establishes a standard process for evaluating the environmental impact of developments adjacent to natural areas. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

(c) Urban Design

A high quality public realm in Toronto requires well-designed streetscapes and excellence in building form and design. Quality urban streetscapes create an environment for development and economic growth. A major challenge in 1998 will be to establish common design principles for the new city as a whole, based on best practices and reflecting shared values for the built environment. The current emphasis is to achieve high quality built environments and public spaces. Most of the projects promote local urban design objectives through development of policies, principles and guidelines, as well through input into the capital budget process.

Projects

Develops and implements streetscape design and capital improvement projects in particular parts of the city. Initiated by the former Toronto, Etobicoke and York Councils.

Testing of draft Guidelines against specific development projects to verify that the guidelines are both reasonable and effective leading to revised Guidelines. Well underway and nearly completed. Initiated by the former North York Council.

A special event recognizing the best contributions to urban form in the city. Continuing the tradition established in many former municipalities.

An ongoing initiative to develop and implement a plan for the provision of public art as part of private developments and in public areas. Initiated by the former Toronto Council and the Public Art Commission.

A publication illustrating urban design expectations for development in the city based on harmonizing, revising and extending guidelines now used by the former planning departments.

(2) The City in its Region

(a) Planning in the GTA

To plan effectively it is necessary to understand the city=s role within the GTA and to advocate for the city with the province and the federal government. This program element emphasizes coordinated infrastructure investment across the city-region, support for a strong core rather than costly sprawl, resolving regional transportation issues, and making regional green space connections. Staff also protect the city=s interests in response to policy initiatives and development activities in adjacent municipalities and the region.

Projects

Assists development of a funding formula and technical documentation for GO Transit operating and capital expansion costs and provides advice to the CAO and Council regarding the implications for the city and GTA urban structure of the Board and its proposed responsibilities.

A City of Toronto position will need to be established on a comprehensive AOptions for the Future@ discussion paper. The city position will need to be supported and promoted in the subsequent consideration of all responses, and preparation of a firm plan and implementation strategy.

Actions by the Federal and the Provincial Government, directly affect city planning interests. For example, respecting the Canada Marine Act, a strategy will be prepared to protect city interests including land regulation and ownership in the Port area, as requested by the former Toronto Council. As Provincial and city relationships further evolve, advice will be given both to the CAO and Council as it relates to impacts on planning functions and urban structure.

A report for direction will be submitted once discussions are finalized with Provincial staff respecting the timing and conditions of delegation of approval authority for official plan amendments and respecting the transfer of the Provincial review function.

(b) Framework for Economic Growth and Investment

The Department provides the planning framework for economic growth and municipal decisions on infrastructure. Traditional industrial areas, mainstreets and commercial areas, mixed use employment areas, and live-work areas are all parts of an increasingly complex economy. The challenge is to accommodate this complexity and allow business to adapt to future economic changes. The emphasis in 1998, given the opportunities presented by amalgamation, is to address commercial sector issues on a city-wide basis, to develop a more flexible policy to encourage reuse of former industrial lands, and to undertake community economic development (CED) initiatives. Community economic development includes a variety of traditional projects, such as business improvement areas and industrial revitalization, as well as a number of projects that focus on socio-economic issues.

Projects

Assists the city to achieve maximum benefit from commercial development. Responds to continuing changes in the retail sector and recognizes that retailing is a cornerstone of neighbourhood life. Initiated by the former Scarborough, Etobicoke and North York Councils (link to Official Plan program).

Addresses the fragile economic prospects of many small local plazas as a result of changes in the retail sector. Initiated by the former Scarborough Council.

In coordination with Economic Development, planning staff provide support to Business Improvement Areas, includes a commercial facade improvement grant program and a commercial research grant program. Initiated by the former York and Toronto Councils.

Analyzes the trends in production, employment and labour force that affect the need for industrial, commercial and other employment space in the city and surrounding area (link to Official Plan program).

Identifies zoning, land use, property ownership and transportation requirements to facilitate redevelopment within Kipling-Islington Centre.

Collects data on the amount, type and location of employment in the city for use in the monitoring and analysis of land use, servicing, economic development and infrastructure requirements in the city.

Identifies those industrial areas that should be maintained for industrial purposes, those that could be used for a wider range of employment uses and those that could be converted to other uses , and evaluates the types of regulations that would be best suited for this broader use of industrial areas. Initiated by the former Metro Council (link to Official Plan program).

An improved method of assessing, monitoring and allocating infrastructure capacity in areas of new development is needed to ensure infrastructure is available to support development. The study will result in revised internal practices and new policies. Initiated by the former North York Council.

Monitors and responds to Provincial and Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) initiatives related to expansion of Pearson Airport, particularly related to noise and land use impacts. Representation on the GTAA Noise Management Committee.

Proposes an approach for undertaking area development plans and for streamlining the approval process for site specific developments near rapid transit stations (link to Official Plan program).

Implements actions to set up a loan fund, provide business advice and logistical support for local economic development initiatives in coordination with Economic Development. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

Provides grants to community groups who hire and train youth to remove or replace graffiti with wall murals. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

Identifies gaps and opportunities for municipal intervention to address youth unemployment, including administering innovative grant programs. Initiated by the former Toronto Council (with youth employment agencies and other governments). To be coordinated with Community and Neighbourhood Services staff.

Encourages and supports redevelopment of a 20 hectare waterfront site(s), including a Ahot line@, and information brochure. Working with Economic Development staff.

Prepares for Toronto=s bid for the 2008 Olympics, including facilities planning and urban design. (part of a corporate team).

Provides staff support to coordinate a business creation and employment centre at 761 Queen Street West aimed at psychiatric survivors and homeless persons. Initiated by the former Toronto Council. To be coordinated with Community and Neighbourhood Services staff.

(c) Transportation Planning

Transportation Planning is an integral part of the Department=s mandate. It considers all modes of travel (including bicycle and pedestrian) at a variety of geographical scales (including regional, city-wide, local area and corridor). Multi-modal transportation studies provide the context for environmental assessments, the efficient review of development applications, and sound decisions on transportation infrastructure improvements. The overall challenge is to find solutions that balance the different needs of transportation system users, developers, operating agencies and other planning and environmental interests.

Projects

Assesses the relevancy of existing policies and plans with recommendations for new directions in the preparation of a new Official Plan (link to Official Plan program).

Support for a task force created by former Metro Council and responds to specific requests for mechanisms to protect rights-of-way for rapid transit, implementation options and cost sharing arrangements, and proposals for interim transit improvements.

Basis for Council to determine whether, and with which partners, it wishes to acquire abandoned rail corridors. Initiated by the former Metro Council.

Basis for protection of numerous public interests, including expansion of GO Rail services, pedestrian connections to the Maple Leafs/Raptors stadium and a new inter-city bus terminal, expansion of Union Subway Station, and provision of rapid transit service to Pearson Airport and high speed inter-city rail service.

Determining which of two routes now shown in the Metropolitan Official Plan is preferred.

A framework for this area of significant activity and import to the city to ensure that private and public initiatives proceed coordinated with the provisions of supporting infrastructure.

Promotes the use of transit in the city and identifies options for funding and promoting transit use. Directed by the new Council.

A major international conference to be held in July which will explore how to integrate sustainable transportation with economic development. Organized by planning staff with a host of other sponsors. Initiated by the former Toronto Council (with other Departments).

A strategy for developing cycling facilities and programs that would promote cycling as a viable transportation alternative with other departments. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

A campaign to reduce cycling accidents and deaths, including education and sending cycling ambassadors onto the streets. Initiated by the former Toronto Council and involves the Police, hospitals, Boards of Education, corporate sponsors and community groups.

Collects data on traffic trends across the GTA for use in evaluating transportation and land use policies and development proposals.

(3) Community Projects

(a) Local Area Studies and Implementation

Local area studies and implementation work address the city=s wide diversity of communities, each with its own issues and solutions. These studies are initiated in a number of different ways including Council direction, community requests, and staff initiatives. This program element also carries forward the Department=s mandate to create better communities by implementing community planning initiatives through municipal action, public-private partnerships and working with communities. This work recognizes that solutions and responses should be tailored to local needs and circumstances.

Projects

Establishes new policies for the O=Connor Employment Area which experienced a number of development applications which do not conform to its designation for traditional industrial uses. Initiated by the former East York Council (link with Official Plan program).

Reviews the current Official Plan to develop a new Official Plan for the area to serve as a cohesive, policy document to guide development in the community. This project will be postponed if a new city-wide Official Plan is undertaken. Initiated by the former York Council (link to Official Plan program).

Develops a comprehensive Community Improvement Plan to revitalize Eglinton Avenue West between Bathurst and Keele Streets. The area suffers from high retail vacancies, and turnover rates and a poor image. This project will address what needs to be done to attract investment to the area. Initiated by the former York Council.

Brings together residents and businesses to provide input and advice on projects to implement the recommendations of the Secondary Plans, such as streetscape improvements, property standards enforcement program, festivals and special events and safety audits. Initiated by the former York Council.

Reviews historic and architectural features within Kingsway Park to designate the area as a Heritage Conservation District and establish a building permit process. Initiated by the former Etobicoke Council.

Reviews the special character of the area and establishes built form guidelines for intensification projects. Initiated by the former Etobicoke Council.

Co-ordinates staff, agency, private sector, and consultant interests to undertake an urban design competition for the key redevelopment site within this area. Initiated by the former Etobicoke Council.

Implements a Master Plan initiated by the former Etobicoke Council in response to an OMB hearing. Co-ordinating staff, agency, consultant and public input to the development.

Responds to the closure of CFB Downsview and several specific applications. Included in the study are the city (formerly Metro) owned lands at the south east corner of Allen and Sheppard. The study will result in a Secondary Plan for the area, as well as rezonings to permits specific developments.

Improvements along the length of the corridor from Wilson to Sheppard to take maximum advantage of the reinvestment in the area that is expected as a result of the Downsview park development. Urban design guidelines, and possible adjustments to planning regulations are expected from the study.

Primarily an urban design study addressing two corners on the north side of Sheppard at Allen. Design guidelines and possible changes to the permitted mix of uses at the corners are anticipated.

Investigates opportunities to support and improve local business and facilitate re-investment through redevelopment. The study will result in urban design guidelines, a possible BIA, Official Plan policies and a streetscape improvement plan and strategy.

A comprehensive municipal streetscape program for the Centre. The project will produce detailed design drawings, specifications and implementation strategies. Initiated by the former North York Council.

A preliminary streetscape design concept for the Jane Finch area must now be advanced to the detailed planning stage. The project will result in detailed design drawings, specifications and implementation strategies. Initiated by the former North York Council.

A framework for achieving the Sheppard East Subway Corridor Plan=s parkland objectives as development occurs. The study will result in amendments to Official Plan. Initiated by the former North York Council.

Construction of the second phase of the Yonge Street Median to extend it approximately 550 metres north. Initiated by the former North York Council.

Construction of the first phase of the Sheppard East Corridor Streetscape Concept Plan. Initiated by the former North York Council.

Implements the vision for the revitalization of Kingston Road between Brimley and the CNR at the Guildwood GO Station. Directed by the former Scarborough Council.

Develops a plan and defends planning policies before the OMB. Initiated by the former Scarborough City Council.

Establishes consistent regulations throughout the entire commercial strip. Directed by the former Scarborough Council.

Project work may result in a Heritage District Plan and Guidelines for development and design. Directed by the former Scarborough Council.

Official Plan and zoning changes to identify future uses. Directed by the former Scarborough Council.

Prepares terms of reference and commences analysis and public process to change Official Plan and zoning in this area. Directed by the former Scarborough Council.

Zoning by-law changes to better reflect existing lots and buildings. Directed by former Scarborough Council.

Protects the city=s interests in the sale and re-use of surplus corridors in western Scarborough. Official Plan amendments for the lands were adopted by the former Scarborough Council.

Design and build an authentic classical Chinese garden at no cost to the city. Approved by the former Scarborough Council.

Zoning changes to facilitate the Scarborough Theatre Art Gallery in the Scarborough City Centre. Initiated by the former Scarborough Council.

The study will be undertaken in conjunction with other departments as well as the CNE and Ontario Place to determine a plan for street layout, open space connections, protection of historic features, and pedestrian circulation systems.

Parkdale Revitalization

Identifies opportunities for addressing the physical and social problems in the Parkdale neighbourhood. Initiated by the former Toronto Council (in consultation with community).

A review of the zoning and Official Plan policies in light of changes brought about by recent developments in the area. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

A study and action plan to address community service needs generated by new developments and the changing composition of the community. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

A study and action plan to address the need for community services in an area experiencing considerable physical and social change. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

A plan to determine strategies to improve the public realm and make the area more attractive as a location for residential and business investment. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

A review of zoning and Official Plan policies to guide development and redevelopment in the face of intense development pressures. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

A review of zoning and Official Plan policies regarding live-work facilities for recently vacated former industrial lands. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

Addresses community issues, including street vending, a night market, and new residential zoning along Spadina Avenue. Initiated by the Toronto Community Council.

Addresses built form and open space design issues through design guidelines and design review processes, including competitions. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

A study and action plan to address the community services needs in a changing community. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

A study to find a new location for the Applegrove Community Centre. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

Assesses applications for operating a rail museum on the site of the former roundhouse in a manner that enhances the historical integrity of the roundhouse complex and is integrated into Roundhouse Park. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

Addresses issues such as bicycle lanes, parking provisions, public transit, illegal bus and vending truck parking, streetscape improvements, local parks improvements and community services. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

Addresses the development of a multi service community facility, a parks and open space improvement strategy, a high rise apartment preservation strategy and possibly placing constraints on further residential development in the area until community service needs are met. Based on an approved Action Plan by the former Toronto Council.

A retail strip revitalization project based on an approved action plan by the former Toronto Council. Response to competition from big box commercial competition in the Stockyards area.

Implements the previously approved revitalization plan including physical improvements, street marketing issues, promotional activities, traffic solutions, garbage and other problems. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

Working with an interdepartmental team to resolve planning and property issues to implement the actions of the former Toronto Council which approved further discussions with Metrohome for the development of Music City Canada.

(b) Updating Planning Regulations

To facilitate development the Department must ensure that effective, efficient and easy-to-understand planning and zoning regulations are in place. This means bringing old regulations up-to-date in response to changing circumstances, or reviewing and adjusting regulations in response to new issues, such as the conversion of offices to residential use.

Projects

To assist the Province finalize legislation to enable municipalities to implement a development permit system for development control in certain areas of the city, including policies and guidelines for flexible zoning envelopes, and pilot test areas.

A best practices approach for the regulation of signs including the review of sign policy, jurisdictional responsibilities, administrative matters (such as uniform fees and application forms), sign variance processes and enforcement. Requires convening a multi-disciplinary team of planning, buildings and transportation staff.

Compares and evaluates various existing policies and recommends a preferred new policy for use across the city (link to Official Plan program).

Analyses the implications of a recent court case in the former City of Toronto, reviews the different policies across the city, recommends any needed changes to the zoning by-law and summarizes the results of updating the registry of facilities.

Reviews zoning regulations and definitions, as well as the impacts of these operations on surrounding areas and whether these uses should be subject to site plan control. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

Compares various approaches to determine whether new and/or common policy approaches are needed (link to Official Plan program).

Develops new standards for adult entertainment facilities. Initiated by the former Etobicoke Council.

Develops a city-wide strategy to regulate permanent charity gaming clubs and video lottery terminals. Initiated by the Urban Environment and Development Committee.

Zoning changes to eliminate repetitive non-conformities of existing development in Scarborough Community in response to problems identified through the monitoring of minor variance applications.

Updates current policy in the former City of Toronto with the possibility to extend the policy to other areas of the city. The review may result in zoning amendments respecting parking provisions, residential standards and consistent policy.

A study to recommend resolutions to zoning conflicts for properties located in more than one of the former municipalities.

A study to create appropriate zoning categories for cemetery sites and new crematorium and/or mausoleum sites. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

Part four of an on-going project to review parking standards for restaurants in the East York Community. After an analysis of supply and usage, zoning by-law amendments to reduce parking standards may be initiated. Approved by the former East York Council.

Reviews the definitions and parking standards associated with eating establishments. The current standards are complex and difficult to understand. An Interim Control By-law is associated with this project. Initiated by the former York Council.

Addresses a problem with the current zoning by-law which prohibits temporary sales pavilions/offices/model suites on residential development sites. Initiated in the former City of Toronto.

(4) Research Support and Customer Service

An important part of the Department=s mandate is the planning research essential for policy direction, local area initiatives and development application decisions. The Department also provides information and analysis to our various client groups (both within municipal government and outside of it) and staff are called upon to provide advice on the planning implications of projects and studies of other departments and external agencies. Research activity requires comprehensive databases encompassing the major physical, demographic, social, economic and environmental components of the city and population, employment and travel demand forecasting. The customer service challenge is to provide consistent service levels across the city and to develop new systems and procedures to ensure information can be distributed to a wide customer base. Systems to track development must be consolidated to realize long term benefits from amalgamation. Information publications, such as ward and community profiles, assist Councillors, planners, service agencies and citizens to understand emerging trends on a city-wide and local area basis.

Projects

Responses to requests for planning, development and land use information from Councillors, other departments, governments, agencies, businesses and the public.

Maintains data on demographic, economic, land use and development matters. Publishes and distributes planning, demographic and economic information in formats including: Wards Profiles, Key Facts, City Facts and Web Page publications (link to Official Plan program).

Forecasts future growth and requirements for land use, development, servicing and infrastructure (link to Official Plan program).

Collects and summarizes in a consistent format information on planning applications and development proposals being considered by the city.

Develops an integrated system for tracking development applications, building permits and inspections outputting information capable of immediately updating property mapping and land use and assessment information.

Evaluates the effectiveness of official plan policy objectives and other municipal policies in accommodating growth and meeting planning, servicing and environmental targets.

An on-going service to monitor by-law changes, consolidate amendments and recommend new amendments to correct minor problems. This ensures that the zoning by-laws are up-to-date and are more useful to Council, the public and staff.

An on-going service to monitor changes to the Plans, consolidate amendments and recommend new amendments to correct minor problems. This ensures that the Official Plans are up-to-date and are more useful to Council, the public and staff.

A plan to make public buildings fully accessible by the year 2000. Working with other departments to develop coherent policies and a structure for addressing access issues across the city. Initiated by the former Toronto Council.

Assists corporate efforts to bring about a new development charges by-law for the city.

Establishes a common approach for processing development applications across the new city to ensure that they are handled in a consistent and equitable manner. Integrate best practices from across the city to achieve a streamlined, open, accessible and understandable development application process.