Concept 2 Keys (C2K) is improving the development review process and the experience for both City staff and development applicants. This includes improving processes, fostering consistency, resolving application issues early and introducing digital resources. These improvements build on recommendations from the End-to-End Review of the Development Review Process.
The systemic improvements being implemented by C2K continue to be tested and refined through expedited reviews of affordable housing projects and are now being implemented on a wider scale in the Etobicoke York District.
The City’s new online Application Submission Tool (AST) is available for use by all development applicants in Toronto.
The AST was tested and refined by applicants in the Etobicoke York District and those with affordable housing applications that are part of Concept 2 Keys. An easy and secure way for them to upload new applications and supporting materials, the AST also gives applicants the ability to check the status of applications in real time.
At this time, the tool only supports the initial submission of development review applications. All resubmissions will still be handled in the same manner as they are today.
Questions about the AST may be sent to appsubmission@toronto.ca.
Application Submission Tool – Getting Started Tip Sheet
Application Submission Tool – How-To Guide
Release date: January 4, 2023
To improve the review process for the Site Plan Application in line with the Bill 109 policy change, the Site Plan Application type will now be a standalone application and will no longer be combined with other applications.
If you’ve received a temporary password enabling you to reset your password, but you’re unable to change that temporary password before the seven-day expiration period, you’ll see an on-screen notification of what you need to do to change your expired temporary password.
Release date: October 28, 2022
Any additional people that you include in the ‘Add People’ page will receive automated AST email notifications based on the contact information you have provided. You no longer have to add them to the ’email recipients list’ for them to be notified whenever there is an update in application status.
This new feature will also allow them to see the application on their dashboard if they are signed into AST. At this time, the view capability is only for submission status, not the submission itself.
Once payment has been confirmed and processed, you will receive an email notification that your application intake is now complete. The status on your dashboard will also be updated to ‘Intake Complete.’ This informs you that your payment has been processed and what the next steps in the development review process are.
There are now additional buttons on the top of the ‘Add Supporting Documents’ page to enable easier navigation. You no longer need to scroll to the bottom of the page if you want to go to a previous page or return to the dashboard.
Release date: July 25, 2022
You will receive notification when City staff have reviewed your submission materials and determined that additional information is required. This will include clear instructions on what needs to be updated. You will no longer need to wait for City staff to request additional files through email when additional information or documentation is required during the intake process.
You will now be able to log in to the Application Submission Tool and see which applications have been marked as “Upload Documentation / Information Required.” Rather than having to wait for a secure link from City staff to provide your materials, you can now click ”Update”’ on your dashboard and provide the required documents. Once that process is complete, you can then submit your updated application.
Once you have updated your materials on the Application Submission Tool and submitted your application to the City again, your application status on the dashboard changes from ”Upload Information / Documentation Required” to ”Application Updated.”
Release date: March 30, 2022
You can now add up to five people from your team who are associated with the file submission. By doing so, they will also receive email notifications updating them on the progress of the application submission and informing them of status changes. You will no longer be required to forward the email updates, if you have had to do so in the past.
This feature can be found on the ‘Add People’ screen.
You can now include any additional details that you want the City’s planning consultant to be aware of as part of your submission. There is a limit of 2,000 characters in this field.
A new file circulation tool will enable City staff and commenting partners to review planning applications, provide comments and revise planning drawings in a coordinated and collaborative manner. The City will be collaborating with the development industry and staff in the design of this tool.
Collaborate with the City in the building of effective development review tools by providing your input directly to C2K’s Customer Experience and Technology Team. Engagement opportunities include:
Application Submission Tool
File Circulation Tool
To find out more or sign up to participate in any of the options above, please email Ankita Verma, Manager, Customer Experience & Technology at Ankita.Verma@toronto.ca.
Newly formed application review teams made up of City staff from commenting divisions are working on applications for affordable housing and in the Etobicoke York District. Working as a team, they ensure applicants are provided with clear and consistent information and guidance.
Application coordinators are fostering collaboration and issues resolution among the City’s new application review teams. They are also working closely with affordable housing applicants to meet expedited timelines related to various forms of funding.
A Mandatory Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) meeting is a formal meeting between a development applicant, City staff and relevant external commenting partners, held at the beginning of the development review process.
Pre-application consultation between applicants and other stakeholders, including Councillors and the public, is also encouraged, but not mandatory, under Chapter 5.5 of the Official Plan.
A pre-application consultation meeting with City staff prior to submitting a development application will be mandatory as of April 3. Making pre-application consultation meetings mandatory provides an opportunity to improve and formalize an already well-used practice and support timely review of a development application.
Improvements to the early stages of the development review process, beginning with mandatory pre-application consultation meetings, result in the submission of higher-quality applications, increase the number of applications moving from pre-application consultation to actual submission, reduce the overall number of circulations and help to establish mutual accountability between applicants and staff early on. See upcoming changes to the City’s Pre-Application Consultation process.
Information & Reports
On June 11, 2021, Planning & Housing Committee adopted a Proposals Report directing City staff to use the proposed Official Plan Amendment and by-law principles related to mandatory pre-application consultation as the basis for further consultation and report back with recommendations in Q4 2021.
On January 12, 2022, Planning & Housing Committee held a statutory meeting where the recommended Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and implementing Municipal Code amendment were adopted. On February 3, 2022, City Council adopted the OPA and Municipal Code amendment. The OPA came into force and effect on March 8, 2022.
On April 27, 2022, Planning & Housing Committee adopted an amendment to the effective date of the Municipal Code amendment to implement mandatory pre-application consultation to April 3, 2023.
Mandatory Pre-Application Consultation is scheduled to go into effect on April 3, 2023.
If you would like more information about the Official Plan Amendment or associated Municipal By-law Amendment, please email Michelle.Drylie@toronto.ca.
Mandatory Pre-Application Consultation Open House – September 14, 2021
The presentation and a meeting summary from the City’s virtual public Open House are available for review.
If you would like a link to the video recording of the Open House, please email Michelle.Drylie@toronto.ca.