1998 City Planning Work Program.
The Urban Environment and Development Committee recommends:
(1)the adoption of the report (March 6, 1998) from the Commissioner of Urban Planning
(a)amending section (3), entitled "Community Projects", sub-section (a), entitled "Local Area Studies and
Implementation", of the 1998 Research and Policy Program as follows:
(i)amending Project No. (7), Humber Bay Shores, by striking out the description embodied therein and inserting in
lieu thereof the following:
"Co-ordinates staff, agency, private sector, and consultant interests to create a comprehensive design for the
Central site within this area. Initiated by the former Etobicoke Council.";
(ii)amending Project No. (9), Downsview Secondary Plan, by striking out the description embodied therein and
inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"Responds to the closure of CFB Downsview and several specific applications, resulting in a Secondary Plan for the
Downsview lands and vicinity."; and
(iii)amending Project No. (11), Allen Sheppard Study, by striking out the description embodied therein and
inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"Primarily an urban design study addressing three corners on the north and south-east sides of Sheppard Avenue
at the W. R. Allen Road. Design guidelines and possible changes to the permitted mix of uses at the corners are
anticipated. An open process for the design of the City-owned land will be developed in consultation with the
community and local Councillors."; and
(iv)adding thereto the following new Project No. (48):
"Kingston Road Study. To develop a vision for the revitalization of Kingston Road between the Canadian National
Railway at the Guildwood GO Station easterly to Lawson Road; terms of reference to be similar to the first stage of
study between Brimley Road and the Guildwood GO Station."; and
(b)amending section (3), entitled "Community Projects", sub-section (b), entitled "Updating Planning
Regulations", of the 1998 Research and Policy Program by adding thereto the following new Project No. (17):
"Townhouse Zoning, Development Standards. Develops Comprehensive Standards for Townhouse Projects.
Initiated by the former Etobicoke Council in 1997."; and
(2)that the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services be requested:
(a)to include in the 1998 City Planning Work Program, the start of a planning review to determine:
(i)an appropriate redevelopment strategy for those lands and buildings which may become available as a result of
school closures within the City of Toronto; and
(ii)whether it is necessary to acquire some of these sites, in whole or in part, for municipal purposes;
having regard for community requirements such as parks and recreation, and noting that most school yards are
used by neighbours as a form of open, public space, in some instances acting as an extension of an adjacent public
park;
(b)to identify whether the Standards for Row Housing study is underway and should be included in this Work
Program; and
(c)in conjunction with the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, and in consultation with
the Scarborough community and businesses, to provide staff support for the co-ordination of a Business Creation
and Employment Centre at the Scarborough Civic Centre.
The Urban Environment and Development Committee submits the following report (March 6, 1998) from the
Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services:
Purpose:
This report presents the 1998 city planning work program for amalgamated Urban Planning and Development Services.
The work program seizes the opportunity produced by the creation of the new city to amalgamate the diverse planning
activities of the seven former departments. The program addresses both city-wide issues and local community concerns.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are sufficient resources to undertake the work within the budget submitted by the Department.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)the Urban Environment and Development Committee endorse the planning research and policy work program of Urban
Planning and Development Services detailed in this report; and
(2)request the Clerk to place this report on the April 1, 1998 agenda for all Community Council meetings with a request
that any comments from the Community Councils be forwarded to the April 20, 1998 meeting of the Urban Environment
and Development Committee.
Background:
At the January 12, 1998, meeting of the Urban Environment and Development Committee, you were notified that a report
from Urban Planning and Development Services regarding its proposed work program for planning policy and research
would be presented to the Committee in the first quarter of 1998. A substantial portion of this work program includes
ongoing work initiated by the former Councils.
Comments:
The Department=s city planning work consists of two major interrelated programs:
(1)the processing and approval of over 4,000 development applications; and
(2)a broad array of research and policy work, including the analyses needed to produce a new official plan.
About two-thirds of our efforts are devoted to processing development applications. The volume of applications grew in
1997, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. We anticipate that 1998 volumes will meet or exceed 1997 levels. As part of the
process of amalgamation we have determined the best practices for efficiently processing these applications, and these are
the subject of another report on this agenda.
The other one-third of our city planning work is an extensive program of research and policy initiatives to solve urban
problems and implement projects, city-wide and local. The program responds to the challenges inevitable in a large
dynamic city. These challenges, often brought to us by Council on behalf of communities, include meeting housing needs,
effective transportation, commercial revitalization, neighbourhood improvement, high quality urban design, environmental
protection and green space preservation.
The research and policy program develops both immediate solutions and broader policies and initiatives, including a
number of projects which could also provide input to a new official plan, the subject of another report on this agenda.
Effective policies guide the review of the development applications the Department receives, and these applications in turn
often point to issues to be addressed in this and future work programs.
The program:
(1)recognizes priorities for continuing to ensure a high quality of life in the city;
(2)includes a large number of local area projects dealing with individual neighbourhoods and locales throughout the city;
(3)addresses the city=s key role in the Greater Toronto Area, and recognizes the city=s potential to be a major influence in
provincial and national affairs;
(4)improves customer service through effective procedures to maintain up-to-date official plans and by-laws and provides
demographic and land use information to Members of Council, other municipal departments and the public;
(5)contributes to corporate policy development and decision-making, including capital budget priorities, development
charges, housing, the Olympics, and social services; and
(6)provides thorough research, solid information and technical capability to support development applications, policy and
plan development, local area projects and Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearings.
The program targets key priorities for the changing city as well as the essential services and activities which support the
Department=s mandate. The program consists of 131 projects, many merged as a result of amalgamation. The projects are
grouped in four broad categories:
(1)City Building:
(a)Liveable Neighbourhoods;
(b)Environmental and Green Space Planning; and
(c)Urban Design.
(2)The City in its Region:
(a)Planning in the GTA;
(b)Framework for Economic Growth and Investment; and
(c)Transportation Planning.
(3)Community Projects:
(a)Local Area Studies and Implementation; and
(b)Updating Planning Regulations.
(4)Research Support and Customer Service.
The approximate proportion of our work which falls into each of these categories is shown in Figure 3.
Research and Policy Program:
The program categories and their constituent 1998 projects are summarized below.
(1) City Building:
(a)Liveable Neighbourhoods:
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 |
|
| (1)Policies to Protect Rental Housing in the City |
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). |
| (2)Profiles of Population and Social Trends (1996 Census) |
Identifies demographic and social trends that affect the
growth and composition of the city and its communities
and neighbourhoods (link to Official Plan program). |
| (3)Analysis of Housing Needs and Production |
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). |
| (4)Strategy for Affordable and Family Housing |
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). |
| (5)Aging High-Rise Housing Maintenance Strategy |
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. |
| (6)Rooming House Policy for the Former City of Toronto |
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. |
| (7)Priority Setting and Needs Assessment for Community Facilities |
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 (co-ordinated with other departments). |
| (8)Identifying High Need Communities |
Examines potential implications of recreation fee
increases on high need communities. 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
(co-ordinated with the Community Services Department). |
| (9)Policy for the Re-Use of Churches and Other Places of Worship |
Explores economically viable alternative uses and
redevelopment strategies for religious buildings while
protecting and preserving their historical features. Initiated
by the former Toronto Council. |
| (10)Community Safety Audits |
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 |
|
| (1)Contaminated Sites Protocol and Inventory |
Preparing a protocol and supporting inventory for
evaluating development applications on lands that could be
potentially contaminated. |
| (2)Don River Regeneration Initiative |
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. |
| (3)Integrated Shoreline Management Plan Implementation |
To work with the TRCA to develop concept plans for five
areas, a management structure, and several demonstration
projects. |
| (4)Taddle Creek and Garrison Creek Restoration Initiatives |
A community-based project; co-ordinated 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. |
| (5)Open Space Policy Review |
Reviews and updates the York Official Plan Open Space
policies. Initiated by the former York Council. |
| (6)Policies for Development in Flood Vulnerable Areas |
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. |
| (7)Response to Changes in the Rouge Park Management Structure |
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. |
| (8)Nordheimer Ravine and Avondale Ravine Interim Control By-law
Studies |
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. |
| (9)Strategies for the Preservation of Natural Features |
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 |
|
| (1)Civic Improvement Projects for Pedestrian and Retail Areas |
Develops and implements streetscape design and capital
improvement projects in particular parts of the city.
Initiated by the former Toronto, Etobicoke and York
Councils. |
| (2)Sun/Shade Guidelines |
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. |
| (3)Urban Design Awards |
A special event recognizing the best contributions to
urban form in the city. Continuing the tradition established
in many former municipalities. |
| (4)Public Art Provision and Policy |
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. |
| (5)Updating Urban Design Guidelines |
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 Provincial and the Federal Governments. This program element emphasizes co-ordinated
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 |
|
| (1)Positioning the City Respecting the Greater Toronto Services Board
(GTSB) |
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. |
| (2)GTA Transportation Plan |
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. |
| (3)Response to Federal and Provincial Initiatives |
Actions by the Federal and the Provincial Governments,
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. |
| (4)Transfer of Provincial Planning Authority |
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 |
|
| (1)City-wide Commercial Strategy |
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). |
| (2)Scarborough Local Plazas Strategy |
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. |
| (3)Retail Revitalization |
Provides 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. |
| (4)Employment and Economic Change Analysis |
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). |
| (5)Etobicoke City Centre Plan Implementation - Zoning |
Identifies zoning, land use, property ownership and
transportation requirements to facilitate redevelopment
within Kipling-Islington Centre. |
| (6)Employment Survey |
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. |
| (7)Policy for Changing Uses in Industrial Areas |
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). |
| (8)Sewer and Water Allocation Strategy |
An improved method of assessing, monitoring and
allocating infrastructure capacity in areas of new
development is needed to ensure that infrastructure is
available to support development. The study will result in
revised internal practices and new policies. Initiated by the
former North York Council. |
| (9)Bridge to City Centre Airport: Environmental Assessment Review and
Recommended Action |
Reviews the environmental assessment report and
recommends a response including possible changes to the
Tripartite Agreement. Initiated by the former Toronto
Council.
|
| (10)Pearson Airport (Noise Issues) |
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. |
| (11)Planning Framework for Development Near Rapid Transit Stations |
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). |
| (12)Implementation of a Local Economic Development Strategy |
Implements actions to set up a loan fund, provide business
advice and logistical support for local economic
development initiatives. Initiated by the former Toronto
Council. |
| (13)Graffiti Transformation Grant Program |
Provides grants to community groups which hire and train
youth to remove or replace graffiti with wall murals.
Initiated by the former Toronto Council. |
| (14)Youth Employment Policy and Program Development |
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). |
| (15)Humber Bay Shores Promotion |
Encourages and supports redevelopment of a 20 hectare
waterfront site(s), including a Ahot line@, and information
brochure. Working with Economic Development staff. |
| (16)Olympics Bid for 2008 |
Prepares for Toronto=s bid for the 2008 Olympics,
including facilities planning and urban design (part of a
corporate team). |
| (17)Community Resource Employment Centre Co-ordination and Staff
Support |
Provides staff support to co-ordinate a business creation
and employment centre at 761 Queen Street West aimed at
psychiatric survivors and homeless persons. Initiated by
the former Toronto Council. |
| (18)Strengthening the Vitality of the Downtown Core |
Proposes planning policies to promote a flourishing
downtown core and a strong regional centre. Initiated by
the Toronto office (link to Official Plan program).
|
| (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 |
|
| (1)Assessment of City-wide Transportation Policies and Plans |
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). |
| (2)Downtown Rapid Transit Access to Pearson Airport |
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. |
| (3)Preservation of Rail Corridors |
Basis for Council to determine whether, and with which
partners, it wishes to acquire abandoned rail corridors.
Initiated by the former Metro Council. |
| (4)Master Plan and Implementation Strategy for Improved Union Station |
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. |
| (5)Richmond Hill GO Rail Service - Preferred Diversion Route |
Determining which of two routes now shown in the
Metropolitan Official Plan is preferred. |
| (6)Garrison Common Transportation Implementation Strategy |
A framework for this area of significant activity and
import to the city to ensure that private and public
initiatives proceed co-ordinated with the provisions of
supporting infrastructure. |
| (7)Pro-Transit Strategy |
Promotes the use of transit in the city and identifies
options for funding and promoting transit use. Directed by
the new Council. |
| (8)SustainableTransportation Economic Development Initiative (Moving
the Economy Conference) |
A major international conference to be held in July, 1998,
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). |
| (9)Five-year Cycling Master Plan |
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. |
| (10)Cycling Safety Campaign |
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. |
| (11)Cordon Count Survey |
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 |
|
| (1)O=Connor Employment Area Plan Review |
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). |
| (2)New Official Plan for York Community |
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). |
| (3)Eglinton Avenue West Community Improvement Plan |
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. |
| (4)Mount Dennis, Oakwood/Vaughan and Weston Secondary Plan
Implementation Committees |
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. |
| (5)Kingsway Park Heritage Conservation District Designation |
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. |
| (6)Bloor Street West Commercial/Residential Strip Study |
Reviews the special character of the area and establishes
built form guidelines for intensification projects. Initiated
by the former Etobicoke Council. |
| (7)Humber Bay Shores |
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. |
| (8)Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital/Humber College Master Plan |
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. |
| (9)Downsview Secondary Plan |
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 Road and Sheppard Avenue. The study will result in
a Secondary Plan for the area, as well as rezonings to
permit specific developments. |
| (10)Keele Corridor Study |
Improvements along the length of the corridor from
Wilson Avenue to Sheppard Avenue 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. |
| (11)Allen/Sheppard Study |
Primarily an urban design study addressing two corners on
the north side of Sheppard Avenue at Allen Road. Design
guidelines and possible changes to the permitted mix of
uses at the corners are anticipated. |
| (12)Wilson Corridor Revitalization Strategy |
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. |
| (13)City Centre Yonge Street Boulevard Study |
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. |
| (14)Jane and Finch Streetscape Design |
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. |
| (15)Sheppard Parks Plan and Alternative Dedication Requirement |
A framework for achieving the Sheppard East Subway
Corridor Plan=s parkland objectives as development
occurs. The study will result in amendments to the Official
Plan. Initiated by the former North York Council. |
| (16)Yonge Street Median (Phase 2) Project Management |
Construction of the second phase of the Yonge Street
Median to extend it approximately 550 metres north.
Initiated by the former North York Council. |
| (17)Sheppard East Corridor Streetscape Improvements |
Construction of the first phase of the Sheppard East
Corridor Streetscape Concept Plan. Initiated by the former
North York Council. |
| (18)Scarborough City Centre Strategy Plan |
Facilitates further development of the Scarborough City
Centre. |
| (19)Kingston Road Study |
Implements the vision for the revitalization of Kingston
Road between Brimley Road and the CNR at the
Guildwood GO Station. Directed by the former
Scarborough Council. |
| (20)Future Development of Morningside Heights |
Develops a plan and defends planning policies before the
OMB. Initiated by the former Scarborough City Council. |
| (21)Updated Planning Policies and Zoning Regulations for the Kennedy
Road Commercial Area |
Establishes consistent regulations throughout the entire
commercial strip. Directed by the former Scarborough
Council. |
| (22)Guidelines for Maintaining the Rural Character of Rouge Park and
Hillside Community |
Project work may result in a Heritage District Plan and
Guidelines for development and design. Directed by the
former Scarborough Council. |
| (23)Future Use of the Scarborough Transportation Corridor: Phase 3 - St.
Clair to Eglinton |
Official Plan and zoning changes to identify future uses.
Directed by the former Scarborough Council. |
| (24)Future Use of the Scarborough Transportation Corridor: Phase 4 -
Victoria Park to Clonmore |
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. |
| (25)Revised Development Standards in Birchcliff |
Zoning by-law changes to better reflect existing lots and
buildings. Directed by former Scarborough Council. |
| (26)Surplus Hydro Corridor Lands in Scarborough |
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. |
| (27)Classical Chinese Garden at the Scarborough Community Complex |
Design and build an authentic classical Chinese garden at
no cost to the city. Approved by the former Scarborough
Council. |
| (28)Scarborough Theatre Art Gallery |
Zoning changes to facilitate the Scarborough Theatre Art
Gallery in the Scarborough City Centre. Initiated by the
former Scarborough Council. |
| (29)Master Plan for the CNE and Ontario Place |
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. |
| (30)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). |
| (31)Bloor Junction Plan Review |
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. |
| (32)North Toronto Plan for Community Services |
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. |
| (33)Bloor Junction Plan for Community Services |
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. |
| (34)King/Spadina Community Improvement Plan |
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. |
| (35)Yonge -St. Clair Plan Review |
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. |
| (36)Dundas/Carlaw Plan Review |
A review of zoning and Official Plan policies regarding
live-work facilities for recently vacated former industrial
lands. Initiated by the former Toronto Council. |
| (37)Chinatown/Toronto Area Revitalization Strategy |
Addresses community issues, including street vending, a
night market, and new residential zoning along Spadina
Avenue. Initiated by the Toronto Community Council. |
| (38)Grand Addex (Railway Lands) Urban Design Workshop |
Addresses built form and open space design issues
through design guidelines and design review processes,
including competitions. Initiated by the former Toronto
Council. |
| (39)South Riverdale Plan for Community Services |
A study and action plan to address the community
services needs in a changing community. Initiated by the
former Toronto Council. |
| (40)Applegrove Community Centre Location Study |
A study to find a new location for the Applegrove
Community Centre. Initiated by the former Toronto
Council. |
| (41)Proposal Call for a Rail Museum in the Former Roundhouse |
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. |
| (42)Harbourfront Action Plan Implementation |
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. |
| (43)St. Jamestown Revitalization (St. Jamestown 2000) |
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. |
| (44)Dundas Street West Regeneration |
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. |
| (45)Kensington Market Revitalization |
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. |
| (46)Implementation of Canada Malting Proposal |
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. |
| (47)King/Parliament Improvement Plan Implementation |
An implementation strategy to make this reinvestment
area a more attractive location for residential and business
development. Follows approval of the former Toronto
Council of the King/Parliament Community Improvement
Plan. |
| (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 |
|
| (1)Introducing a Development Permit System |
To assist the Province to 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. |
| (2)Sign By-law Harmonization and Consolidation |
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. |
| (3)Review of Parkland Dedication Policies |
Compares and evaluates various existing policies and
recommends a preferred new policy for use across the city
(link to Official Plan program). |
| (4)Residential Care Facilities Policy Review |
Analyzes 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. |
| (5)Automobile Service Station/Gas Bar Study |
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. |
| (6)Comparing Policy Approaches in Existing Official Plans |
Compares various approaches to determine whether new
and/or common policy approaches are needed (link to
Official Plan program). |
| (7)Interim Control - Adult Entertainment Commercial Zones |
Develops new standards for adult entertainment facilities.
Initiated by the former Etobicoke Council. |
| (8)Permanent Charity Casinos Zoning Study |
Develops a city-wide strategy to regulate permanent
charity gaming clubs and video lottery terminals. Initiated
by the Urban Environment and Development Committee. |
| (9)Correction of Zoning Non-Conformities |
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. |
| (10)Review of the Office to Residential Conversion Policy |
Updates current policy in the former City of Toronto with
the possibility of extending the policy to other areas of the
city. The review may result in zoning amendments
respecting parking provisions, residential standards and
consistent policy. |
| (11)Harmonize Zoning Policy for Properties Along Boundaries of Former
Municipalities |
A study to recommend resolutions to zoning conflicts for
properties located in more than one of the former
municipalities. |
| (12)Cemeteries/Crematoriums Zoning Study |
A study to create appropriate zoning categories for
cemetery sites and new crematorium and/or mausoleum
sites. Initiated by the former Toronto Council. |
| (13)Restaurant Parking Zoning By-law Review |
Part four of an ongoing 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. |
| (14)Eating Establishments, Definitions and Standards (Parking) |
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. |
| (15)Provisions for Temporary Sales Offices in Residential Projects |
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. |
| (16)Review of Bicycle Parking Provisions |
A study to review recent experience with multi-storey
residential and live-work developments in response to
builders concerns with the existing provisions. 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 that 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 |
|
| (1)Public and Corporate Information Requests |
Responds to requests for planning, development and land
use information from Councillors, other departments,
governments, agencies, businesses and the public. |
| (2)City Planning Information Systems |
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). |
| (3)Forecasting Future Changes |
Forecasts future growth and requirements for land use,
development, servicing and infrastructure (link to Official
Plan program). |
| (4)Development Portfolio |
Collects and summarizes in a consistent format
information on planning applications and development
proposals being considered by the City. |
| (5)Development Permitting and Tracking System |
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. |
| (6)Program and Policy Evaluation |
Evaluates the effectiveness of Official Plan policy
objectives and other municipal policies in accommodating
growth and meeting planning, servicing and environmental
targets. |
| (7)Maintenance and Enhancement of Zoning By-laws |
An ongoing 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. |
| (8)Maintenance and Enhancement of Official Plans |
An ongoing 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. |
| (9)Improving Access to City Services and Buildings for People with
Disabilities |
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. |
| (10)Harmonizing Development Charges |
Assists corporate efforts to bring about a new
development charges by-law for the City. |
| (11)Preparation of a Streamlined Development Review Process |
Establishes a common approach for processing
development applications across the new city to ensure
that they are handled in a consistent and equitable manner.
Integrates best practices from across the city to achieve a
streamlined, open, accessible and understandable
development application process. |
This program will require full use of the Department=s existing resources for 1998, which are contingent on budget
approval for staffing and other costs. Council and Committee requests for additional policy work throughout the year may
result in shifts in project priorities or delays in some outputs.
Conclusions:
The amalgamated work program reflects the shared objectives and priorities of the seven former municipalities. It responds
to the demands of the unified city as well as to the needs of the city=s constituent communities.
Contact Name:
Mr. David Gurin, Metro Hall Office, 392-8771.
The Urban Environment and Development Committee also submits the following Committee Transmittal (April 4,
1998) from the City Clerk:
Recommendations:
The Etobicoke Community Council on April 1, 1998, recommended to the Urban Environment and Development
Committee that:
(a)project (3)(a)7. (Pg. 11), Humber Bay Shores be modified to read: ACo-ordinates staff, agency, private sector, and
consultant interests to create a comprehensive design for the Central site within this area. Initiated by the former Etobicoke
Council.@; and
(b)the project Townhouse Zoning, Development Standards, originally moved back to 1999, be brought forward to the 1998
Work Program, under (3)(b)17. (Pg. 16) Updating Planning Regulations, with the following description: ADevelops
comprehensive standards for townhouse projects. Initiated by the former Etobicoke Council in 1997.@.
Background:
The Etobicoke Community Council had before it a Committee Transmittal (March 24, 1998) from the City Clerk, advising
that the Urban Environment and Development Committee on March 23 and 24, 1998, during consideration of the 1998
City Planning Work Program, concurred with Recommendation No. (2) embodied in the report (March 6, 1998) from the
Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services, viz:
"(2)that the City Clerk be requested to place a copy of this report on the April 1, 1998 agenda for all Community Council
meetings, with a request that any comments from the Community Councils be forwarded to the April 20, 1998 meeting of
the Urban Environment and Development Committee.".
The Urban Environment and Development Committee also submits the following Committee Transmittal (April 4,
1998) from the City Clerk:
The North York Community Council on April 1, 1998, concurred with the recommendation of the Urban Environment and
Development Committee embodied in the Committee Transmittal (March 24, 1998) from the City Clerk, save and except
for the description of Project No. (9) appearing in Part (1)(a)(ii) of the Committee's recommendation which it recommends
be amended to read as follows:
AResponds to the closure of CFB Downsview and several specific applications. Included in the study for the purposes of
establishing appropriate principles of land use and density are the City (formerly Metro) owned lands at the south east
corner of Allen Road and Sheppard Avenue West. The study will result in a Secondary Plan for the area, as well as
rezoning to permit specific developments on the CFB Downsview lands.@
Background:
The North York Community Council had before it a Committee Transmittal (March 24, 1998) from the City Clerk
forwarding a copy of a report (March 6, 1998) from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services to all
Community Councils for their comments on the 1998 City Planning Work Program, and requesting that any comments be
forwarded to the Urban Environment and Development Committee for consideration at its meeting of April 20, 1998.
The Urban Environment and Development Committee also submits the following Committee Transmittal (April 6,
1998) from the City Clerk:
Recommendation:
The Scarborough Community Council, at its meeting held on Thursday, April 2, 1998, recommended to the Urban
Environment and Development Committee that:
(1)the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services be requested to provide staff support to co-ordinate a
Business Creation and Employment Centre at the Scarborough Civic Centre, in conjunction with the Scarborough
community and businesses; and
(2)the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services be requested to modify Section (3) (a), entitled:
ACommunity Projects - Local Area Studies and Implementation@, of the 1998 Research and Policy Program - Projects, by
adding thereto the following:
"Kingston Road Study - to develop a vision for the revitalization of Kingston Road between the Canadian National
Railway at the Guildwood GO Station easterly to Lawson Road; terms of reference to be similar to the first stage of study
between Brimley Road and the Guildwood GO Station".
Background:
The Scarborough Community Council had before it correspondence from the City Clerk, dated March 24, 1998, forwarding
a copy of the report (March 6, 1998) from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services, respecting the
1998 City Planning Work Program, and advising that the Urban Environment and Development Committee on March 23
and 24, 1998 concurred with Recommendation No. (2) embodied in the report, viz:
A(2)that the City Clerk be requested to place a copy of this report on the April 1, 1998 agenda for all Community Council
meetings, with a request that any comments from the Community Councils be forwarded to the April 20, 1998 meeting of
the Urban Environment and Development Committee.@
The Urban Environment and Development Committee also submits the following communication (April 17, 1998)
from Councillor Lorenzo Berardinetti, Scarborough Civic Centre:
On Monday April 20, 1998, the Urban Environment and Development Committee will have before it Item No. 2(c),
referred by the Scarborough Community Council.
At the time this issue was considered at the Community Council meeting of April 2, 1998, the position of Commissioner,
Economic Development, Culture and Tourism had not been confirmed. However, given the recent confirmation of Mr. Joe
Halstead to the above position, I would respectfully suggest that the issue of a Business Creation and Employment Centre
at the Scarborough Civic Centre should be referred to his attention.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of this report.
The Urban Environment and Development Committee also submits the following Committee Transmittal (April 6,
1998) from the City Clerk:
The East York Community Council reports, for the information of the Urban Environment and Development Committee,
having received the Committee Transmittal (March 24, 1998) from the City Clerk requesting comments from the East York
Community Council on the 1998 City Planning Work Program.
The East York Community Council reports having requested the Interim Functional Lead for Planning to report on policies
for the O=Connor Employment Area in conjunction with the planning application submitted by Mr. Goldman for 1590
O=Connor Drive.
Background:
The East York Community Council, at its meeting held on April 1, 1998, had before it a communication (March 24, 1998)
from the City Clerk requesting comments from the East York Community Council to the April 20, 1998, Urban
Environment and Development Committee meeting regarding the 1998 City Planning Work Program.
Mr. Murray Goldman, The Goldman Group, appeared before the East York Community Council in connection with the
foregoing matter:
The Urban Environment and Development Committee also submits the following Committee Transmittal (April 14,
1998) from the City Clerk:
The York Community Council reports having requested the York Commissioner of Development Services to report to the
April 20, 1998 meeting of the Urban Environment and Development Committee, on York=s proposed work program in
relation to the 1998 City Planning Work Program.
Background:
The York Community Council, at its meeting held on April 1, 1998, had before it a communication (March 24, 1998) from
the City Clerk requesting that all Community Councils submit comments to the April 20, 1998 meeting of the Urban
Environment and Development Committee with respect to the 1998 City Planning Work Program.
The Urban Environment and Development Committee also submits the following Committee Transmittal (April 9,
1998) from the City Clerk:
The Toronto Community Council, on April 1, 1998, had before it a communication (March 24, 1998) from the City Clerk,
respecting the 1998 City Planning Work Program.
The Toronto Community Council requested the Chief Planning Official for the Toronto community to provide a briefing
note to Members of the Toronto Community Council on the impact of the Planning Department's budget on the planning
initiatives in the area covered by the Toronto Community Council, such briefing to be provided after consideration of the
Operating Budget by the Budget Committee and prior to its consideration by City Council.
The Urban Environment and Development Committee reports, for the information of Council, also having had before it a
communication (March 25, 1998) from the City Clerk submitting the action taken by the Committee at its meeting on
March 23 and 24, 1998.
(A copy of Figures 1-3, referred to in the foregoing report dated March 6, 1998 from the Commissioner of Urban Planning
and Development Services, has been forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the April 20, 1998, meeting
of the Urban Environment and Development Committee, and a copy thereof is also on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
