Today, the City of Toronto launched a new online Application Submission Tool, as part of improvements being introduced to the development review process by the Concept 2 Keys (C2K) program office.
Created in 2020 to implement recommendations in the City’s End-to-End Review of the Development Review Process, C2K is transforming development review from pre-application consultation to occupancy by reimagining organizational structures, processes and technology. Improvements to the development review process will play a vital role in supporting affordable housing and Toronto’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
The tool allows development applicants to submit applications and supporting materials digitally, simplifies and improves application circulation and review and facilitates better communication between City staff and applicants. An easy and secure way for applicants to upload their applications, the tool also enables real-time application status updates.
Members of the development community helped the City test and refine the tool, by using it to submit affordable housing applications prioritized as part of C2K and development applications in the Etobicoke York District.
City Council’s first priority for C2K was to expedite the review process for affordable housing applications. Since C2K launched its priority affordable housing development review stream in January of this year, newly created interdivisional review teams have approved 15 affordable housing developments and three private purpose-built rental projects. This has resulted in a proposed total of 1,211 new affordable and supportive rental homes.
Information about C2K and the End-to-End Review of the Development Review Process is available here
Quotes:
“Transforming how the City delivers effective and coordinated development review services and competes globally for development is vital to Toronto’s prosperity and will help us recover economically from this pandemic. Concept 2 Keys is already helping get more affordable housing built and making sure those applications are expedited. The introduction of this new Application Submission Tool is one of the many process and technology improvements being made by the C2K program to transform how development review is conducted at the City.”
– Mayor John Tory
“The launch of the new Application Submission Tool is an exciting step in the transformation of development application review at the City of Toronto and the technologies used in the circulation and review of applications. The Concept 2 Keys team worked with the City’s Customer Experience Transformation and Innovation program, City Planning, Toronto Building and the Technology Services Division to design, create, test and refine the AST, delivering an easy and intuitive online tool that will contribute to a better experience for both development applicants and City staff.”
– City Manager Chris Murray
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca