March 8, 1999
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services
Subject:Urban Design Guidelines for Parking Facilities in The Kings, Downtown
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval for the following urban design guidelines for parking facilities in The
King-Parliament and King-Spadina districts of the city.
Source of Funds: Not Applicable.
Recommendations:
1.That Council adopt the urban design guidelines for parking facilities in The Kings districts.
Background:
In the spring of 1996, the former City of Toronto Council approved changes to land use controls in the King-Parliament and
King-Spadina districts. This initiative was aimed at attracting new investment to these districts, creating new residential
opportunities including legalizing live/work. The initiative has been very successful and has resulted in a significant
rejuvenation of these areas as mixed use districts within the City. Community Improvement Plans are also currently
underway.
The zoning changes also permitted the introduction of above-grade parking structures into these districts, subject to a
number of controls. At the present time, such structures are not permitted elsewhere in the City. To ensure the continued
high level of amenity in these areas in light of the introduction of this building type and to ensure that the new structures fit
in well with neighbouring buildings, urban design guidelines for The Kings have been prepared for Council approval.
Comments:
Consistent with the King-Parliament and King -Spadina Part II policies, parking structures should be designed with the
following objectives in mind:
1. Parking facilities should be sited to fit and reinforce the existing area context.
2.The street lines of existing buildings should be respected.
3.New development should contribute to the achievement of an attractive, inviting, comfortable, and safe public realm
which meets high standards of urban design.
4. New development should address the primary street with its main entrance close to the front property line.
5.New structures should occupy the majority of the lot frontage along a public street.
6.Parking structures should be landscaped with trees along the primary street frontage and other plantings should extend
along the street wall.
The proposed guidelines are consistent within these policies and objectives.
Conclusions:
With the addition of the parking structure guidelines for the districts, the issue of parking facilities will be well defined and
properly addressed to encourage compatible design within the community. These public initiatives dovetail with the recent
private investment within the two districts, and strengthens the vitality and amenity of these emerging neighbourhoods.
Contact Name:Deborah Porte
Telephone (416) 396-7007
Fax (416) 396-4265
E-Mail:dporte@toronto.ca
Robert Glover
Director
Urban Design
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