Purpose:

To provide Terms of Reference for an Urban Design Review of the Kingsway/Bloor Street District.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no funding sources or financial implications.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Terms of Reference for the Kingsway/Bloor Street Urban Design Review (Exhibit No. 1) be approved, in principle, subject to further consultation with the Kingsway Park Ratepayers= Association and the Kingsway BIA. Should no further changes be required, the attached Terms of Reference would form the basis for undertaking this review.

Background:

In a report to Etobicoke Council, dated October 6, 1997, staff indicated that, following a meeting with community groups and the BIA, Terms of Reference would be prepared for the Kingsway/Bloor Street District. The purpose would be to develop urban design guidelines for new development/redevelopment that will protect and enhance its distinctive characteristics and the prominence and attractiveness of its main focal points.

The Kingsway/Bloor Street District is designated in the Official Plan as a ACommercial-Residential Strip@. Such designations generally recognize the traditional commercial and mixed use Amainstreet@ areas that have developed in linear form along major arterial roadways in the City=s older areas, as well as identify them as appropriate areas for residential intensification, primarily in the form of apartment units above retail stores. Building heights in these areas are limited to six storeys and are subject to a 45-degree angular plane requirement from any adjoining residential lot line.

Comments:

The focus of this review would be the preparation of specific guidelines for new development/redevelopment which would respect the distinctive character of the area. Such guidelines would enhance existing Official Plan policies and the evaluative criteria currently used in reviewing new development proposals, to encourage a high quality of urban design and building treatment which is sensitive to significant features within this commercial- residential strip and the existing adjoining residential neighbourhoods. This exercise could result in design guidelines dealing with such matters as building setbacks and/or build-to lines, the stepping back of buildings at appropriate levels, and podium and landscape treatments.

Staff have meet with representatives of the Kingsway Park Ratepayers= Association (which has recently merged with the former Thompson Orchard Community Association) and the Kingsway BIA, who have indicated support, in principle, to recognizing the Kingsway/Bloor Street District as an AArea of Special Identity@ and developing specific urban design guidelines for this area.

Both community groups have agreed to be part of a Working Committee that will meet, as needed, to examine the relevant issues and to provide guidance and feedback throughout the review process. Representation from both north and south of Bloor Street will be included.

An open house and/or information session(s) will be held to inform interested people and agencies of the review=s progress, to explain urban design guidelines proposed for the area, and to solicit comments, prior to a recommendation report being forwarded to City Council for approval and a public meeting being held.

It is anticipated that this review will be completed within six months, depending on staffing commitments and departmental priorities. Staff will include a senior policy planner as project co-ordinator and urban design staff, e.g. architect, landscape architect and urban designer, as needed, to attend meetings and develop design guidelines.

Conclusion:

It is recommended that the Terms of Reference for the Kingsway/Bloor Street Urban Design Review be approved, in principle, subject to further consultation with the Kingsway Park Ratepayers= Association and the Kingsway BIA. Should no further changes be required, the Terms of Reference would form the basis for undertaking this review.

Contact Name:

L. Gary Dysart, Tel: (416) 394-8233 Fax: (416) 394-6063

Principal Planner, Policy and Information Services

(A copy of Exhibit No. 1, referred to in the foregoing report, was forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Etobicoke Community Council meeting of February 18, 1998, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)