Public Realm Improvements for the King-Sumach Plaza Belt - by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton

The King-Sumach Plaza Belt was identified for revitalization, as outlined in the King-Parliament Secondary Plan, in September 2019. The plan outlines public realm improvements such as: Pedestrian and cyclist safety, comfort and accessibility under or adjacent to the overpass network; Pedestrian and cyclist connectivity under or adjacent to the overpass network between the West Don Lands, Distillery District, Corktown and Queen Street Policy Areas; and Meaningful opportunities for placemaking and gathering. It also outlines improvements that will be achieved over time through development and capital investment like: streetscape improvements, including but not limited to, new trees, seating and landscaping along King Street East, Sumach Street and Cherry Street; and high quality paving materials, new trees, seating, lighting, public art, heritage interpretation, programming, landscaping and integration of stormwater capture where possible, on City-owned lands located under the overpass network. These are very welcomed public realm improvements, yet it is concerning that they will not be realized for many years. Recently, 1 Sumach Street became a development site under review for rezoning. This creates an unexpected opportunity to accelerate the design work and public consultation to determine new urban design options post-rehabilitation. Given the size and great potential of the King-Sumach Plaza Belt, the unsafe condition and poor maintenance can not be allowed to persist. Residents of Corktown, Distillery and the West Don Lands deserve to know how the City is proactively meeting the official public realm objectives in the King-Parliament Secondary Plan.

interim and/or permanent public realm improvements and to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee as soon as possible and no later than the First Quarter of 2023.