Geary Works Planning Study

The Geary Avenue corridor is an employment neighbourhood in Ward 9, Davenport that has evolved from a mixture of industrial/warehouse space and automotive uses, to one that is now a burgeoning hub for creative enterprises, offices, food production, commercial and retail uses, restaurants, community arts, recording studios and recreational uses, in addition to light industrial and automotive uses. The animation from the existing mix of eclectic uses makes it a desirable destination in addition to a productive employment area. Land use regulations, rapidly increasing land prices, development and growth pressures within the study area are a potential threat to the continued viability of many small businesses and cultural uses on Geary Avenue.

Geary Works is a study led by City Planning and Economic Development & Culture to determine how to best support businesses and creative enterprises on Geary Avenue and improve the public realm.

The Geary Works study is now complete. A Final Report on the findings and recommendations of the study was brought forward to the Planning and Housing Committee meeting held on May 20, 2021. The Committee deferred a decision until the next Planning and Housing Committee meeting scheduled for June 11, 2021, where the staff recommendations will be further considered and there will be further opportunity for public comments.

The study area comprises Geary Avenue and all properties on Geary Avenue.

Study Area:

Geary Avenue study area between dufferin and dupont

Study origin:

Deupty Mayor and Councillor Ana Bailão brought forward a motion to Planning and Housing Committee on April 30, 2019, that directed City Planning and Economic Development & Culture to initiate a study as detailed in the Committee Decision (Item No. PH5.8).

Study Process & Timelines

Work Plan – Process and Timing

 

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4
August – October 2019 September 2019 – October 2020 February 2020 – March 2021 March–May 2021
Project Planning Background Review & Visioning Analysis and Draft Planning Framework and Economic Development & Culture Strategy Final
Report

 

Work Plan – Deliverables

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4
Project Planning Background Review & Visioning Analysis and Draft Planning Framework Final Report
  • Work Plan
  • Project Schedule
  • Area profile and community visioning report
  • Draft Official Plan Amendment – Site & Area-Specific Policy (SASP)
  • Draft area-specific Zoning By-law Amendment
  • Draft urban design guidelines
  • Draft parks and public realm strategy
  • Draft economic Development & culture strategy
  • Final Report with study findings and recommendations:
    • Proposed Official Plan Amendment – SASP
    • Proposed area-specific Zoning By-law Amendment
    • Proposed urban design guidelines
    • Proposed parks and public realm strategy
    • Proposed economic development & culture strategy

Three rounds of consultation are planned with stakeholders and the local community.

The first round was done in November 2019 – February 2020 and involved a survey and roundtable discussions to determine a common vision for the future of Geary Avenue.

The second round of consultation was done in December 2020 where 19 emerging themes were presented that reflect the community’s vision and staff’s findings.

The third round of consultation is in March 2021 where a draft planning framework will be presented based on the emerging themes.

Stakeholder Consultation Meetings

Community Consultation Meetings

Planning and Housing Committee Meetings

  • Planning and Housing Committee Meeting – Thursday, May 20, 2021, 9:30 a.m.
  • Planning and Housing Committee Meeting – Friday, June 11, 2021, 1:30 p.m.

You can follow the meeting at www.youtube.com/TorontoCityCouncilLive