Geary Works Planning Study

The Geary Avenue corridor is an employment neighbourhood in Ward 9 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 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 – January 2020 December 2019 – April 2020 April – June 2020
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
  • Background report
  • Community and stakeholder 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

 

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

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

The second round will be done in May 2020, where a draft planning framework and economic development strategy will be presented for discussion and feedback.

Stakeholder Meetings

Community Consultation Meetings