February 9, 1999
To:Budget Committee
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:Bloor-Yorkville BIA - Bloor Street Transformation Project - Update
Purpose:
The Budget Committee at its meeting held on January 13, 1999 requested the Commissioner
of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report back on the status of the
Bloor-Yorkville BIA- Bloor Street Transformation Project.
Source of Funds:
The Bloor Yorkville BIA is currently planning a $ 6 Million Streetscape Project Proposal for
Bloor Street West within their BIA. At this time the geographical limits of the project have
not been finalized.
Funding for this project, according to the BIA, is to be raised through several sources: major
property owners, BIA levies, Canada Millennium Partnership and the possibility of using
development related funding.
The balance of funds will be realized through BIA levies and other funding sources.
As this project is currently in the planning stages, there are no funding implications at this
time.
Recommendations:
That this report be received for information purposes only.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
Economic Development staff are assisting in the co-ordination of a Working Committee set
up to explore funding options and to review the design proposal in the context of what is
proposed within the street allowance and on private property.
The Working Committee consists of representatives from the Bloor-Yorkville BIA, the BIA's
Design Consultants, and includes Urban Planning and Development Services and Works and
Emergency Services staff.
The Working Committee has been meeting on regular basis to advance this project for
possible consideration in the year 2,000 as part of my Department's Capital Cost-shared
Commercial Area Infrastructure Improvement Program. At this stage the BIA's design
consultants on behalf of the Bloor-Yorkville BIA are preparing functional plans identifying
any impacts on vehicular traffic, loading, parking, cyclists and the pedestrian environment.
Following receipt of such data, Works and Emergency Services staff, as well as other
concerned staff and interest groups will provide their comments on the design proposal.
The BIA has applied for $ 2 Million from the Canada Millennium Partnership Program. This
request is still under consideration by the Federal Government. The BIA has also held several
public meetings in the community including both residents and businesses to receive
comments on the concept plan and is planning on having further public meetings as the
project develops.
Conclusions:
The Bloor Street Transformation project proposal as presented by the BIA is an exciting new
approach to providing an improved pedestrian and shopping environment on Bloor Street. The
proposed new streetscape elements and landscaping features will give Bloor Street a new
image and unique identity. As this project progresses, we will be reporting back to your
Committee at significant points in the development.
Contact Name:
Danny Bellissimo, Community Partnership Advisor - Designer,
392-0623.
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
ECO-99-06
