City Planning Division - Study Work Program

Maintaining and creating housing that's affordable ; In partnership with the Housing Secretariat and CreateTO, in 2019 City Planning advanced the Housing Now initiative to create affordable housing and mixed-use, mixed-income, transit-oriented communities on City-owned sites. City Planning also advanced policies related to Inclusionary Zoning and dwelling rooms, and zoning related to second suites and municipal shelters for Council approval. 2. Keeping Toronto moving ; Following the Province's introduction of Bill 107 - Getting Ontario Moving Act, City Planning has and will continue to play an important role in the articulation and advancement of city-building objectives related to provincial priority transit projects. City Planning also advanced Transportation Master Plans in support of large studies including the Golden Mile Secondary Plan and an evaluation of the King Street Transit Pilot. 3. Investing in people and neighbourhoods ; City Planning supports the development of complete communities through large-scale city building and infrastructure studies. Council's adoption of the Don Mills Crossing, Laird in Focus and Sherway Area Secondary Plans establishes local planning frameworks to guide ongoing investment in employment opportunities and community services and facilities to support existing and future residents in these areas. 4. Tackling climate change and building resilience ; Working with interdivisional and agency partners, City Planning developed the Toronto Biodiversity Strategy to support healthier, more robust biodiversity and increase awareness of nature in Toronto. 5. Responding to changes in Provincial legislation : In 2019, the Division responded to significant changes in Provincial legislation to ensure the City is positioned to deliver sustainable infrastructure, ranging from watermains and public roads to parkland and child care centres, and create complete communities that enhance quality of life city-wide. Looking ahead in 2020, the Study Work Program reflects Council's direction and the Division's commitment to advancing a suite of activities in response to Toronto's affordable housing challenges; further strengthening the alignment between local planning frameworks and transit investment; and constructive engagement with the Province to understand and begin to implement changes resulting from Bill 107 - Getting Ontario Moving Act , Bill 108 - More Homes, More Choice Act , Bill 138 - Plan to Build Ontario Together Act , and changes to the Provincial Policy Statement and the Growth Plan, 2019. In addition, larger planning studies, such as the newly-initiated Woodside Square Planning Review, the Gerrard-Carlaw Transit-oriented Precinct Plan, the Mount Dennis Planning Framework Study, the Christie's Planning Study and the Yorkdale Application Mall Lands Study will continue to be a focus for 2020. A range of implementation and financial strategies that support the objectives of larger planning studies are also ongoing. City Planning will continue with local area studies and a range of planning initiatives, including the Kensington Market Heritage Conservation District Plan, that establish frameworks to enhance opportunities for place-making, growth-supported investment and social equity in all areas of the city.