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Provincial Decision on OPA 406 – the “Downtown Plan”
On June 5, 2019, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued a Notice of Decision approving Official Plan Amendment No. 406 (the Downtown Plan) with 224 modifications. The Minister’s approval is final and not subject to appeal.
Click here for the In-Force Downtown Plan which incorporates the modifications, as well as a redline version which shows the Minister’s modifications. City planning staff prepared a report (staff report) which summarizes the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s modifications of Official Plan Amendments 406 (Downtown Plan) as well as OPA 405 (Yonge-Eglinton). It also provides a preliminary assessment of the potential effect of the Decisions and the impact associated with Bill 108 on the Secondary Plans.
Priority Retail Streets Zoning By-law Consultation
A city-led amendment to update the Priority Retail Streets Zoning By-law to reflect the retail policy framework in the Downtown Plan. Priority Retail Streets are identified in the former City of Toronto Zoning By-law 438-86 and they require a minimum 60% of the frontage of development on designated streets to be dedicated to street related retail and service uses. The Downtown Plan updates and expands the number and locations of Priority Retail Streets to include area that are a focus for growth within Downtown.
City Planning is holding public consultation on the draft Zoning By-law amendment. Please come and provide your input into the by-law on:
Date: September 5, 2019
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Place: Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Room 310
Additional Community Consultations – Open Office Hours:
Date: August 22, 2019
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Place: Toronto Reference Library,789 Yonge St., Rm B1
Date: August 26, 2019
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Place: Lillian H Smith Library, 239 College Street, Auditorium BC
Date: August 30, 2019
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Place: Fort York Library, 190 Fort York Boulevard, Meeting Room
Read more about Priority Retail Streets By-law, or contact Igor Dragovic at igor.dragovic@toronto.ca, 416-392-7215 for further information.
During the development of the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan, the City conducted a Public Space Public Life (PSPL) study. The findings of this study are now available for download. The PSPL study surveyed 16 locations in the Downtown to better understand how people are using public spaces and what characteristics invite use, activity and social interaction. The results will be used to inform future public realm improvements in our growing Downtown. Please visit the TOcore website or contact Kristina Reinders, kristina.reinders@toronto.ca or 416-338-5780 for additional information.
In May 2018, City Council directed City Planning to undertake a review of the King-Parliament Secondary Plan, building on the Downtown Plan and providing specific direction on built form, the public realm and heritage. Concurrent with the King-Parliament Secondary Plan review, City Planning will also undertake a built form, public realm and heritage study for the north side of Queen Street East, in the area generally between Jarvis and River Streets. Public consultation for the review will begin in January 2019. Please visit the King-Parliament Secondary Plan website or contact Michelle Drylie, michelle.drylie@toronto.ca or 416-392-3436 for additional information.
The final community meeting on the new King-Spadina Secondary Plan was held on December 4th. Consultation materials and the draft plan are available for download on the King-Spadina Secondary Plan Website. Please send your comments and feedback to Sarah Phipps, sarah.phipps@toronto.ca or 416-392-3078 by January 31st, 2019.
Email: TOcore@toronto.ca
Telephone: 416-392-3436
Twitter:
Stay tuned for future updates!
On July 27, 2018, City Council adopted the new Downtown Plan by way of Official Plan Amendment 406 (“OPA 406”) through By-law 1111-2018. OPA 406 has been submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for review and approval pursuant to Section 26 of the Planning Act. If you would like to submit comments to inform the Provincial review process, please do so by November 29, 2018, through the Environmental Registry of Ontario under EBR Registry number 013-3485.
The final community meeting on the new King – Spadina Secondary Plan will be held on December 4th at 6:30 at Metro Hall (55 John Street). Please contact Sarah Phipps, sarah.phipps@toronto.ca or 416-392-3078 for additional information.
The Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan has won a 2018 National Urban Design Award in the category of urban design plans. The award is issued by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, Canadian Society of Landscape Architects and the Canadian Institute of Planners. You can read more about the award and other recipients on the RAIC website.
Email: TOcore@toronto.ca
Telephone: 416-392-3436
Twitter:
Stay tuned for future updates!
City Council adopted the Downtown Official Plan Amendment (OPA 406) and the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan with amendments. Council adopted the Downtown Mobility Strategy and Downtown Community Services and Facilities Strategy without amendments. Two other infrastructure strategies – the Downtown Water Strategy and the Downtown Energy Strategy – were adopted by Planning and Growth Management Committee at its May 1st meeting.
In addition to the materials that were presented to Planning and Growth Management Committee on May 1, 2018, a supplementary staff report on the Downtown OPA and its attachments are available on the agenda item webpage. These documents summarize staff-recommended additional amendments to the Downtown Plan as a result of further discussions with deputants, and addresses other topics identified in communications received by the Committee, as appropriate.
Council is videotaped and archived on YouTube. You can now watch the entire May 22, 2018 Council event. The discussion on the Downtown OPA and the Downtown infrastructure strategies begins at the one hour 6 minute mark of part 3 (scroll down to item PG29.4).
Email: TOcore@toronto.ca
Telephone: 416-392-8761
Twitter:
Know someone who might be interested in the study? Help us spread the word about TOcore!
The Downtown OPA will be submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs for review and approval pursuant to Section 26 of the Planning Act. Stay tuned for future updates!
The Downtown Official Plan Amendment and three of the Downtown infrastructure strategies – Parks and Public Realm, Mobility, and Community Services and Facilities – will be considered by City Council on May 22-24, 2018 (please note date change), which starts at 2:00 p.m. on May 22. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
In addition to the materials that were presented to Planning and Growth Management Committee on May 1, 2018 (see below), a supplementary staff report and its attachments are available on the agenda item webpage. These documents summarize staff-recommended additional amendments to the Downtown Plan as a result of further discussions with deputants, and addresses other topics identified in communications received by the Committee, as appropriate.
To submit written comments on these agenda items, contact:
Marilyn Toft
12th floor, West Tower, City Hall
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
email: clerk@toronto.ca
phone: 416-392-7032
fax: 416-392-2980
Please submit any written comments by Friday, May 18 at 12:00 noon. Please be sure to quote the item number you wish to comment on:
The Downtown Plan Official Plan Amendment (OPA) has been adopted with amendments by the Planning and Growth Management Committee at its May 1, 2018 meeting. The accompanying staff report and attachments are available on the agenda item website. The recommended Official Plan Amendment includes:
The five infrastructure strategies that will guide implementation of the Downtown Plan were also presented to the Committee as separate items. Staff reports for these items include:
Planning and Growth Management Committee is videotaped and archived on YouTube. You can now watch the entire May 1, 2018 Committee event. The presentation on the Downtown OPA, presented by Gregg Lintern, Chief Planner, begins at the one hour 51 minute mark.
Some of our earlier work has now been uploaded to our website, including the:
Email: TOcore@toronto.ca
Telephone: 416-392-8761
Twitter:
Know someone who might be interested in the study? Help us spread the word about TOcore!
If Council adopts Planning and Growth Management Committee’s recommendations, the OPA would be submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs for approval pursuant to Section 26 of the Planning Act.
Stay tuned for future updates!
Check out our website at toronto.ca/tocore. There’s lots happening, so check back often for updates!
On May 1, 2018, the recommended Downtown Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and its associated infrastructure strategies will be considered by Planning and Growth Management Committee (PGMC).
Six staff reports with supporting materials are now available on the PGMC website as follows:
The Downtown Plan OPA includes a new Downtown Plan and amendments to Section 2.2.1 and Map 6 of the Official Plan. Staff are also recommending amendments to existing Secondary Plans and Site and Area Specific Policies (SASPs) located within the Downtown area once the OPA comes into force and effect. This proposed OPA and the infrastructure strategies that guide its implementation will set the course for Downtown Toronto over the next 25 years. As part of the City of Toronto’s Five Year Official Plan Review under Section 26 of the Planning Act the Official Plan Amendment is an important component of the work program to bring the Official Plan into conformity with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2017.
PGMC will be held on May 1 at City Hall (100 Queen St. W) on the second floor in Committee Room 1. Check it out in person or on the livestream on the City of Toronto website on May 1st! As per page 3 of the meeting notice, if you would like to address the Committee in person or in writing, please contact:
City Clerk, Attention: Nancy Martins
Administrator, Planning and Growth Management Committee
City Hall, 10th Floor West
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Phone: 416-397-4579
Fax: 416 392-1879
e-mail: pgmc@toronto.ca
To assist with scheduling, you are requested to call the City Clerk’s Office by 12:00 noon on April 30th, 2018, if you plan to make comments at the meeting.
The final TOcore Open House was held on April 23, 2018 at Metro Hall. Members of the public were invited to view the recommended Downtown Plan OPA, the infrastructure strategies, and other supporting materials. Lynda Macdonald, Director of Community Planning for Toronto and East York, delivered a presentation, which was followed by a question and answer period. Display boards were also posted showing the recommended policy changes to Section 2.2.1 of the Official Plan and the maps in the recommended Downtown Plan.
Thank you to all who attended and asked questions. Materials from the Open House will be posted on the TOcore website shortly.
Email: TOcore@toronto.ca
Telephone: 416-392-8761
Twitter:
Know someone who might be interested in the study? Help us spread the word about TOcore!
If the Planning and Growth Management Committee adopts the recommendations in the OPA Staff Report, the OPA would be considered by City Council. If Council adopts the recommendations, the OPA would be submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs for approval pursuant to Section 26 of the Planning Act.
Stay tuned for future updates!
The TOcore team has now posted all of the infrastructure strategies that will implement the Downtown Plan on our Infrastructure Strategies webpage. The infrastructure strategies include:
As mentioned in our last newsletter, on May 1, 2018, the proposed Official Plan Amendment (OPA) for the recommended Downtown Plan will be considered by Planning and Growth Management Committee (PGMC). The infrastructure strategies will be presented to PGMC as separate items on May 1, 2018. The draft Official Plan Amendment and its supporting material can be found on our Reports to Council page.
Our upcoming open house on the Official Plan Amendment for the recommended Downtown Plan is coming up soon!
When: April 23, 2018
Where: Metro Hall Rotunda (Main Floor, 55 John St., Toronto)
Contact Us
Email: TOcore@toronto.ca
Telephone: 416-392-8761
Twitter:
Know someone who might be interested in the study? Help us spread the word about TOcore!
Check out our website at toronto.ca/tocore. There’s lots happening, so check back often for updates!
On May 1, 2018, the proposed Official Plan Amendment (OPA) for the recommended Downtown Plan will be considered by Planning and Growth Management Committee (PGMC). Check it out in person or on the livestream on the City of Toronto website on May 1st! Please refer to the notice for information on making a deputation before the committee.
The Downtown OPA includes a new Downtown Plan and amendments to Section 2.2.1 and Map 6 of the Official Plan. Staff are also recommending amendments to existing Secondary Plans and Site and Area Specific Policies (SASPs) located within the Downtown area once the OPA comes into force and effect. This proposed OPA and the infrastructure strategies that guide its implementation will set the course for Downtown Toronto over the next 25 years. As part of the City of Toronto’s Five Year Official Plan Review under Section 26 of the Planning Act the Official Plan Amendment is an important component of the work program to bring the Official Plan into conformity with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2017.
Supporting material now available include:
After months of consultation with stakeholders and the public, and after careful internal review of the proposed Downtown Plan, the TOcore team has released the recommended Downtown Plan. It provides detailed direction on the appropriate scale and location of future growth. The Plan also links this growth with infrastructure provision to ensure the creation of ‘Complete Communities’, addressing the requirements under the Provincial Policy Statement (2014) and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2017).
The proposed amendments to Section 2.2.1 (Downtown: The Heart of Toronto) and Map 6 (Downtown and Central Waterfront Boundaries), and a new Map 6A, achieve conformity of these parts of the Official Plan with the Growth Plan. Certain amendments are also necessary to ensure that Section 2.2.1 aligns with findings and recommendations of the TOcore Study, as the Downtown context has changed significantly since this section of the Official Plan was originally written. For clarity, a version of Section 2.2.1 incorporating the amended text is also available.
Staff are recommending to delete certain policies within existing Secondary Plans and Site and Area Specific Policies (SASPs) within Downtown to ensure that these policies align and do not conflict with the Downtown Plan. Staff recommend that these Secondary Plan and SASP policies be deleted when the Downtown Plan comes into force and effect.
A series of five infrastructure-related strategies have been developed to implement the Downtown Plan. The five infrastructure strategies will work together to ensure infrastructure planning is aligned with long-term growth. The strategies will be presented to Planning and Growth Management Committee as separate items on May 1:
*Please note that the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan is currently available in hard copy only. Hard copies of this document and the recommended Downtown Plan will be available for viewing on April 11th at Metro Hall, 22nd Floor Lobby (55 John St.). Hard copies and the electronic version of the Mobility Strategy will be available shortly. We will send out an update when the electronic version of these strategies are available online.
Additional supporting materials are also available:
Staff reports for the Official Plan Amendment and for each Infrastructure Strategy will be made available on the Planning and Growth Management Committee website on April 24, 2018.
Please join us at our upcoming open house on the Official Plan Amendment for the final Downtown Plan. Come learn about:
When: April 23, 2018
Where: Metro Hall Rotunda (Main Floor, 55 John St., Toronto)
Email: TOcore@toronto.ca
Telephone: 416-392-8761
Twitter:
Know someone who might be interested in the study? Help us spread the word about TOcore!
If the Planning and Growth Management Committee adopts the recommendations in the OPA Staff Report, the OPA would be considered by City Council. If Council adopts the recommendations, the OPA would be submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs for approval pursuant to Section 26 of the Planning Act.
Stay tuned for future updates!
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The proposed Downtown Plan builds on three years of public engagement that has seen input on our vision, goals, and directions from tens of thousands of Torontonians who care about the future of their Downtown. We are almost at the end of our last phase of public engagement, but we are still accepting feedback until January 19, 2018. Don’t miss this last change to tell us what you think! We have several ways for you to get involved in TOcore:
We are looking for your feedback on the proposed Downtown Plan policies. Which policies do you think will most improve quality of life in our Downtown? Are there any changes that you’d like to see? Please tell us what you think with our proposed Downtown Plan survey.
Our Social Pinpoint page is a digital engagement tool that allows you to provide feedback, ideas or concerns on specific policies within the proposed Downtown Plan that have a spatial dimension. In other words, those policies associated with a map. Please review the policy text associated with our maps, then drop a pin and leave us a comment.
We are also looking for your feedback on the Infrastructure Strategies that will implement the Downtown Plan. Tell us what you think of our proposed actions! Separate surveys are available for each of our five Infrastructure Strategies:
Feel free to drop us an email with your input at TOcore@toronto.ca.
Share your thoughts with staff by calling 416-392-8761.
Share your thoughts on social media using the following:
Follow: @CityPlanTO
Hashtag: #TOcore
Know someone that might be interested in the study? Help us spread the word about TOcore!
The TOcore team is currently reviewing all of the feedback received on the proposed Downtown Plan. Staff will report back to the Planning and Growth Management Committee with a final Recommendations Report in Spring 2018. Stay tuned for more updates!
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Our website has been updated! Check out our new look. There’s lots happening, so check back often for updates!
Our final public open house was held on December 2, 2017. Participants shared their thoughts about our proposed Downtown Plan policies and were among the first to see new details on how our Infrastructure Strategies will implement the Plan. Check out our overview presentation and display boards on our Meetings and Event page.
Our Infrastructure Strategy summaries are now available! A series of five infrastructure-related strategies are being developed to implement the Downtown Plan. These strategies cover community facilities, parks and public realm, mobility, energy and water. Take a look at the summaries to see how we’re make sure that infrastructure will support growth in Downtown.
The proposed Plan builds on three years of public engagement that has seen input on our vision, goals, and directions from tens of thousands of Torontonians who care about the future of their Downtown. Now we are looking for your feedback until January 19, 2018. We have several ways for you to get involved in TOcore:
We are looking for your feedback on the proposed Downtown Plan policies. Which policies do you think will most improve quality of life in our Downtown? Are there any changes that you’d like to see? Please tell us what you think with our proposed Downtown Plan survey.
Our Social Pinpoint page is a digital engagement tool that allows you to provide feedback, ideas or concerns on specific policies within the proposed Downtown Plan that have a spatial dimension. In other words, those policies associated with a map. Please review the policy text associated with our maps, then drop a pin and leave us a comment.
We are also looking for your feedback on the Infrastructure Strategies that will implement the Downtown Plan. Tell us what you think of our proposed actions! Separate surveys are available for each of our five Infrastructure Strategies:
As our last round of public consultation winds down towards mid-January, the TOcore team has decided to make our display boards available to the public one last time. Our boards will be displayed in the Metro Hall Rotunda (55 John St.) from December 18-22, 2017, and in the City Hall Rotunda on January 8 and 9, 2018. Staff will be on hand from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on January 9th to answer questions and to hear your feedback about the proposed Downtown Plan and the Infrastructure Strategy summaries. You can also leave your comments on sticky notes on the boards themselves. Come down and tell us what you think!
Feel free to drop us an email with your input at TOcore@toronto.ca.
Share your thoughts with staff by calling 416-392-8761.
Share your thoughts on social media using the following:
Follow: @CityPlanTO
Hashtag: #TOcore
Know someone that might be interested in the study? Help us spread the word about TOcore!
The TOcore team will report back to the Planning and Growth Management Committee with a final Recommendations Report in Spring 2018. Stay tuned for more updates!
You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up for our e-updates email list. To be removed from the list please click unsubscribe.
Our website has been updated! Check out our new look. There’s lots happening, so check back often for updates!
Proposed Downtown Plan Now Available
The proposed Downtown Plan was considered at Planning and Growth Management Committee on September 7, 2017. The proposed Downtown Plan provides detailed direction on the appropriate scale and location of future growth. It also links this growth with infrastructure provision to ensure the creation of ‘Complete Communities’, addressing the requirements under the Provincial Policy Statement (2014) and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2017). Check out the video on the City of Toronto website starting at the one hour 41 minute mark.
The proposed Plan builds on three years of public engagement that has seen input on our vision, goals, and directions from tens of thousands of Torontonians who care about the future of their Downtown.
Now we are looking for your feedback on the proposed policies. We have five ways for you to get involved in TOcore:
You’re invited! Our upcoming public open house will be held on December 2, 2017. Share your thoughts about our proposed Downtown Plan policies, and come see how our infrastructure strategies will make it happen!
Date: December 2, 2017
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (drop in at your convenience)
Location: Toronto YWCA, 87 Elm St.
Survey
Which policies do you think will most improve quality of life in our Downtown? Are there any changes that you’d like to see? Please take a look at the proposed Plan, then complete our short survey.
Our Social Pinpoint page is a digital engagement tool that allows you to provide feedback, ideas or concerns on specific policies within the proposed Downtown Plan that have a spatial dimension. In other words, those policies associated with a map. Please review the policy text associated with our maps, then drop a pin and leave us a comment.
Feel free to drop us an email with your input at TOcore@toronto.ca
Share your thoughts on social media using the following:
Follow: @CityPlanTO
Hashtag: #TOcore
Know someone that might be interested in the study? Help us spread the word about TOcore!
September 5, 2017You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up for our e-updates email list. To be removed from the list please click unsubscribe.
You can however get involved today! Email or tweet us using our contact information below. Know someone that might be interested in the study? Help us spread the word about TOcore!
Contact us
Email: TOcore@toronto.ca
Twitter: Follow: @CityPlanTO Hashtag: #TOcore
November 8, 2016You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up for our e-updates email list. To be removed from the list please click unsubscribe.
Proposals Report Now Available
The TOcore team has been busy working on the TOcore Proposals Report. The report outlines a comprehensive set of policy directions for the new Downtown Secondary Plan. This is not the plan itself. The draft Secondary Plan will be based on these proposed directions and the public and stakeholder consultation that will begin in early 2017. The Proposals Report will be presented at Toronto and East York Community Council on November 15th. Check out the livestream on the City of Toronto website on November 15th!
Phase 2 Engagement Report Now Available
In addition to the Proposals Report, Swerhun Facilitations and Studio Jaywall, a team of consultants retained by the City to work on the TOcore Communications and Engagement Strategy have published a comprehensive report summarizing the wide range of engagement that took place between April and September, 2016. Thanks to everyone who has participated so far!
We still need your help! Further engagement will take place over the remaining phases of the study. To get involved, check out the TOcore website!
On September 18th, the TOcore team took part in the Open Streets Festival. Thanks to everyone that stopped by our booth!
We encourage active involvement through each phase of the study. In early 2017 we will be holding various consultation events. You can however get involved today! Have your say with the TOcore Toolkit. Help us spread the word about TOcore! Know someone that might be interested in the study?
Email: TOcore@toronto.ca
Twitter: Follow: @CityPlanTO
Hashtag: #TOcore #DTadvice
July 19, 2016
Newsletter 1
Date: Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Place: Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Room 308
As part of the TOcore study, City Planning is hosting a community consultation meeting on the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Bylaw Amendments regarding tall building setbacks. This community consultation will present the Official Plan Amendment policies and Zoning Bylaw Amendments that will set out required setbacks from property lines, as well as between two or more towers on a single site.
Appropriate separation distances between towers minimizes negative impacts on the public realm and neighbouring properties, such as adverse shadowing, pedestrian-level wind and blockage of sky view. A presentation will be given followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and provide feedback.
The June 2016 Toronto and East York Community Council report is available here.
For more information contact:
George Pantazis
tel: 416-392-3566
email: gpantaz@toronto.ca.
The TOcore Expo was a great success! Over the course of three days, the City Planning Division hosted an open house Expo at Metro Hall’s Rotunda. We had nearly 1,500 visitors! To see our information boards please visit the TOcore website.
Join the conversation with our Engagement Toolkit! The toolkit is now available until July 31st!
Join at Toronto’s Complete Streets Festival on August 21st and September 18th! More details to come!