Implementation Strategy for Business Improvement Area Streetscape Master Plans - by Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll

There is significant opportunity to rethink how we allocate the limited public space on streets to complement growth and change in Toronto's main commercial areas, be it for wider sidewalks, room for patios, traffic safety improvements or new green infrastructure. There is a real opportunity to not just futureproof City streets, but to reduce long-term capital costs, if Business Improvement Area Streetscape Master Plans are advanced through new development that replaces adjacent sidewalks, or through planned capital work. Without adopting a shared vision and action plan with Business Improvement Areas, City staff may miss opportunities that arise. Three Business Improvement Areas in Toronto Centre-the Cabbagetown Business Improvement Area, the Church Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area and the Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area-all have created documents that envision how their streets could be better utilized for the benefit of both residents and businesses. Other Business Improvement Areas may have similar documents or future plans as well. By formally adopting these documents, the City could work with developers to build out portions of these plans, and ensure future capital work uses these documents as a starting point for building a resilient city.

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to review Business Improvement Area Streetscape Masterplans for consideration when designing current and future capital work, thereby ensuring a cohesive urban design vision, consistent guiding principles and recommendations for high-quality streetscape improvements.