Little Jamaica & Oakwood Vaughan Planning Framework

Study Area

While the influence and impact of Little Jamaica spans well beyond the geographic boundary, the area of focus for the Little Jamaica and Oakwood Vaughan Planning Framework is proposed to be bounded by the properties on the north side of Eglinton Avenue West to the north, Keele Street to the west, Rogers Road to the south and Cedarvale Park to the east. The area includes the diverse neighbourhoods of Oakwood Village, Little Jamaica, Eglinton West, Cedarvale, Caledonia-Fairbank, Briar Hill-Belgravia, Beechborough-Greenbrook, and Keelesdale. These neighbourhoods have played an important role in bringing together different cultures to create a vibrant and inclusive community.

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Area Overview

The Eglinton West corridor is a commercial main street that has been of great cultural heritage significance to the City of Toronto as a distinct ethnic and cultural hub for Caribbean and African immigrants for many decades. Commonly known as both “Little Jamaica” and “Eglinton”, the area is recognized for the clusters of Black-owned businesses of cultural relevance, including barber shops, restaurants specializing in Caribbean-cuisine, Black aesthetics and hair shops, recording studios, and music stores. The corridor plays an important role as a commercial and cultural destination for both local residents and visitors from other parts of the city and the surrounding Greater Toronto Area.

Oakwood Village is defined by its strong community identity and long-standing residential character. Situated just south of Eglinton West, this diverse neighbourhood is anchored by a vibrant commercial corridor that hosts a unique mix of independent businesses, community services, and cultural organizations. As a central hub for neighbourhood-scale activity, Oakwood Village plays a vital role in supporting the daily needs and social lives of its residents. It serves as an essential transition area between residential streets and busier commercial zones, woven deeply into the social and economic fabric of the broader community.

Planning Framework

The Planning Framework is a non-statutory planning tool that responds to significant transit investment, development interest, and reflects community priorities. Although it is not a policy document, it will serve as a useful guide for the review of development applications and City-initiatives once finalized:

• Centering equity and inclusion in growth
• Making space for culture and successful local retail
• Designing complete communities
• Building sustainability and resiliency into development

The draft Planning Framework has a number of directions:

Centering Community Priorities

Community priorities in the draft Planning Framework are based on what has been heard to date from diverse residents and businesses in the planning framework area. The priorities focus on fostering sustainable growth, enhancing resiliency, and addressing the diverse needs of the local population like the need for affordable retail, intergenerational and accessible spaces, affordable housing and space to grow culturally relevant food.

Supporting Culture and a Vibrant Retail Community

Retail within the planning framework area is defined by its small-scale community-oriented nature, serving as a cultural hub for the Caribbean and Black community, while gradually evolving to embrace and welcome a diverse range of cultures. Small-scale retail and the surrounding spaces not only facilitate businesses but also provide third spaces for community gathering and support to act as extensions of community services.

Making Space for Music

Business owners – from record and beauty supply stores to restaurants – often use their spaces for multiple purposes, including recording studios, rehearsal spaces and small live-music venues. The multipurpose nature of spaces along Eglinton Avenue West has created a network of third spaces for gathering and community building. The continued use of commercial spaces for multiple purposes maintains and strengthens the area’s role as a cultural hub.

Designing a Beautiful and Accessible Public Realm

As the area grows, it is essential to expand and improve public spaces through development – wider sidewalks, improved lighting, seating, landscaping, street trees, public open spaces and cultural squares – ensuring they are accessible, high-quality, and support both formal and informal interactions.

Enhancing Cultural Corridors

There are three key corridors within the planning framework area (Eglinton Avenue West, Oakwood Avenue, and Vaughan Road) that contribute to its vibrancy. Specific direction is needed for development along these streets to help ensure the spirit of the spaces are retained and sustained.

Improving Focus Areas

The draft Planning Framework identifies key areas with deep rooted ties to community, where the function and spirit of these spaces should be maintained and strengthened as the community grows and evolves. Four Focus Areas are identified in the draft Planning Framework: Vaughan Hub, Oakwood Vaughan Centre, Reggae Lane, and Dufferin and Eglinton Apartment Neighbourhoods.

Council Decision History

April 14, 2026

• Planning and Housing Committee requested the following of the Executive Director, Development Review:
  • To undertake community and stakeholder consultation on the draft Little Jamaica and Oakwood Vaughan Planning Framework in Attachments 1 and 2 to the report (March 27, 2026) from the Interim Executive Director, Development Review, and report back with final recommendations in the fourth quarter of 2026. Agenda Item History – 2026.PH29.2
  • As a part of upcoming stakeholder and community consultations, to establish a stakeholder advisory committee to support the delivery of a final Little Jamaica Planning Framework that is culturally responsive and reflects the principles, shared understandings, and boundaries of the Little Jamaica community. Agenda Item History – 2026.PH29.2

February 5, 2025

• City Council, as part of the Housing Action Plan implementation, adopted Official Plan Amendment 778, updating the Official Plan’s Avenues policies and Map 2 to include new Avenues, including Oakwood Avenue and Dufferin Street. City Council also directed the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to bring forward phased amendments to land use designations and zoning along new Avenues. Agenda Item History – 2025.PH18.5

July 19 to 22, 2022

• City Council directed the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to work with the Ward Councillors for Ward 9 – Davenport and Ward 12 – Toronto St. Paul’s to establish a community consultation process for an Oakwood Vaughan Planning Strategy and to report back to the Toronto and East York Community Council in the second quarter of 2023. Agenda Item History – 2022.TE34.234

September 30 to October 2, 2020

• City Council directed the City Manager to report to the Executive Committee on several urgent actions required to help the survival of small businesses on Eglinton Avenue West affected by a decade of Eglinton Crosstown construction. City Council also directed the City Manager, in consultation with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, along with the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit to report back as soon as possible on the immediate actions required to establish the Eglinton Avenue West area as a Little Jamaica Heritage and Innovation Heritage Hub that recognizes and promotes the local Black History and culture of the area. Agenda Item History – 2020.MM24.17
• City Council directed several divisions to form an inter-divisional working group to address recommendations related to the development of a Cultural District Plan, an affordable housing strategy for the area, and a comprehensive planning framework study and plan. Agenda Item History – 2020.MM24.36
• City Council directed the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to include Eglinton Avenue West station as part of the Phase 1 Protected Major Transit Station Area Study being conducted and to develop a Housing Strategy so that inclusionary zoning permissions can be achieved within the new cultural district and to work with Community Planning to incorporate the Protected Major Transit Stations Area requirements into a new planning framework. Agenda Item History – 2020.MM24.36
• City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to collaborate with the inter-divisional team to conduct a comprehensive planning framework study and plan that will reflect the new Little Jamaica Cultural District designation and to report back to the Planning and Housing Committee. Agenda Item History – 2020.MM24.36

Related Initiatives

The Planning Framework is one of several initiatives being developed alongside projects from Economic Development and Culture, City Planning, and Transportation Services.

Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment (Ongoing)

Heritage Preservation Services, City Planning, in consultation with Community Planning, and as part of the Planning Framework Study, is currently undertaking a Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment (CHRA) for the draft Planning Framework area.

Building on previous surveys and community studies, the CHRA will begin by establishing an understanding of the area’s historic evolution and cultural identities. This work will inform the identification of places with cultural heritage value. The results of the CHRA will inform policy development related to the conservation of cultural heritage resources and will more broadly inform the development of the Little Jamaica and Oakwood Vaughan Planning Framework.

Consultation on the draft Planning Framework will be integrated with Heritage Planning’s engagement on the CHRA to ensure that efforts are coordinated to mitigate over-consultation and achieve coordinated outcomes, and so that both pieces of work can inform each other. Where the CHRA would identify ways to preserve and conserve built heritage resources using legislated tools such as the Ontario Heritage Act, the planning framework would work as a complementary tool to guide development that enhances the community’s cultural heritage. The project team previously conducted a Community Study Gathering consultation event on December 7, 2025, to understand the Study Area through storytelling and living history. Further consultation will occur from the second quarter to the end of the third quarter of 2026 in alignment with the Planning Framework.

City-wide Cultural Districts Program (Ongoing)

An interdivisional project team led by Economic Development and Culture has been developing a city‑wide Cultural Districts Program to address cultural erasure and displacement by formally recognizing and strengthening culturally significant neighbourhoods. Cultural Districts are defined as culturally distinct, mixed‑use areas with a strong concentration of cultural spaces and institutions, culturally significant businesses, and community spaces created and stewarded by cultural communities, and are widely recognized as places of shared history and identity that foster a sense of belonging while serving local communities and attracting visitors from across the city and beyond.

As part of the development of the Cultural Districts Program, the City held a stakeholder workshop on September 29, 2025 to gather feedback on draft program criteria, cultural space requirements, proposed Cultural District and Community Improvement Project Area boundaries, and the potential use of Community Improvement Plans (CIPs) to support implementation of a future Cultural District Program. This was followed by a virtual public meeting on October 28, 2025, to further refine the proposed program guidelines, Cultural District and CIP boundaries, and the role of CIPs. These meetings provided an opportunity for community members from Little Jamaica, West Chinatown and Church-Wellesley Village to share their perspectives and help shape the future of cultural districts in Toronto.

On March 25 and 26, 2026, City Council directed staff to report to June 9, 2026, with the necessary recommendations and bills to formally recognize and designate Little Jamaica, Church-Wellesley Village, Chinatown, Little Iran, and Banglatown as Cultural Districts. Agenda Item History – 2026.MM39.83

This on-going work is being coordinated with the Little Jamaica Planning Framework and Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment (CHRA) to ensure a consistent and integrated approach to land use planning, cultural heritage, and place‑based economic and cultural development.

Little Jamaica Community Improvement Plan (Ongoing)

An interdivisional project team, led by City Planning, has been developing a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and Program. Authorized under Section 28 of the Planning Act, CIPs allow the City to designate Community Improvement Project Areas (CIPAs) and provide tailored financial and non‑financial incentives to help retain and attract independently owned, culturally significant businesses.

Within the Cultural Districts Program, CIPs are positioned as a key implementation mechanism to support inclusive economic development, community land stewardship, and long-term cultural resilience, particularly in areas experiencing rising land values, redevelopment pressure, and gentrification. They are developed in close partnership with local stakeholders and guided by Council direction, ensuring that cultural main streets can adapt and grow while maintaining their unique identity, social function, and economic role within the city.

On March 25 and 26, 2026, City Council directed staff to report to June 9, 2026, with the necessary recommendations to initiate Community Improvement Plans in Little Jamaica, Church-Wellesley Village, Chinatown, Little Iran, and Banglatown. Agenda Item History - 2026.MM39.83

A Community Improvement Plan in Little Jamaica would respond to long‑standing displacement pressures and the impacts of infrastructure investment and redevelopment along the Eglinton Avenue West corridor. Through the designation of a Community Improvement Project Area, the CIP will support the retention and growth of independently owned, culturally significant businesses, help advance access to affordable commercial space, and reinforce the area’s cultural identity, while supporting revitalization in a manner that reflects community priorities and Council direction.

This on-going work is being coordinated with the Little Jamaica Planning Framework and Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment (CHRA) to ensure a consistent and integrated approach to land use planning, cultural heritage, and place‑based economic and cultural development.

Oakwood Village Streets Plan (Ongoing)

Transportation Services staff are developing the Oakwood Village Streets Plan (OVSP) for the area bound by Eglinton Avenue West to the north, Dufferin Street to the west, St. Clair Avenue West to the south, and Arlington Avenue, Vaughan Road and Winnett Avenue to the east. The OVSP will identify, prioritize, and recommend short-term actions and long-term changes to traffic operations and road design to support safety for all modes of transportation (e.g., turn prohibitions, traffic calming, intersection safety improvements, enhanced pedestrian crossings, etc.).

The OVSP recommendations will be informed by the City’s Traffic Calming Guide, Vision Zero Action Plan, and Complete Streets Guidelines.

Transportation Services conducted a comprehensive, two-phase consultation process. During Phase 1, which concluded in March 2024, community members shared their concerns through meetings with community interest groups, a public drop-in event, and an interactive mapping tool. In Phase 2, which wrapped up in October 2025, proposed changes were shared with the community for feedback. The final recommended plan will be brought to the Toronto and East York Community Council in Spring 2026.

The Little Jamaica Oakwood Vaughan Planning Framework has been informed by community feedback gathered through the OVSP that could be appropriately addressed in this planning tool. In addition, the planning framework will align with recommendations from Transportation Services staff advanced through the OVSP.

Little Jamaica Cultural District Study (September 2023)

Through the creation of the Little Jamaica Cultural District study, several engagement sessions were held with local leaders, different stakeholders, and local residents. The Little Jamaica Cultural District Study was completed in September 2023. The plan highlights the unique cultural assets of the neighborhood and presents strategies to reduce cultural displacement and erasure, while strengthening local culture and communities by supporting small businesses, retail outlets, and promoting community-owned spaces. Strategies within the plan were informed by community engagement exercises including open houses, virtual meetings, and ‘Deep Listening Circles’.

PDF Accessibility NoticeThe PDF version of the Final, Background and Preliminary Consultant’s Report may contain information that you have difficulty viewing. If you require a more detailed explanation, please email LJCulturalDistrict@toronto.ca

Meetings & Events

Community and stakeholder engagement is paramount to the development process of the Little Jamaica and Oakwood Vaughan Planning Framework. The community consultation process will inform the principles and directions of the Planning Framework to ensure that it reflects the needs, priorities, and aspirations of residents, businesses, cultural stakeholders, and the broader community.

Community consultation activities will take place from the second quarter to the end of the third quarter of 2026, and will include an interactive virtual mapping tool, in-person and virtual community consultation meetings, pop-up booths at community events, and targeted discussions with key stakeholders through the Stakeholder Advisory Committee, which consists of residents, business owners, cultural organizations, and other interested parties.

Opportunities to participate in consultation activities, including public meetings and online engagement, will be updated here as they become available.

Phase 1 Consultation

• Virtual Community Consultation Meeting #1: Microsoft Teams – June 2, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  Register for the Virtual Consultation Meeting
• Public Drop-In Event #1: Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre – June 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.            Drop in anytime; no registration required
• Public Drop-In Event #2: New Generation Youth Recreation Centre – June 10, 2026, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
  Drop in anytime; no registration required

Phase 2 Consultation

• Virtual Community Consultation Meeting #2: Microsoft Teams – Date TBD
• Public Drop-In Event #3:  Location and Date TBD
• Public Drop-In Event #4: Location and Date TBD