Planning and Housing Committee
The full agenda, as filed
All 4 items in the clerk’s order. Each carries the city’s own words: the staff recommendation, what the body decided, and its status. Nothing below is written by us.
PH12.1amended
Provincial Consultation on Ontario's Building Code Service Delivery
The purpose of this report is to provide City Council with a summary of the staff response to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's recent consultation on proposed changes to how the Province delivers its services related to the Ontario Building Code. The Province is responsible for administering the Ontario Building Code Act and Building Code, while the City of Toronto is responsible for enforcement within its boundaries. The report contains recommendations consistent with the Chief Building Official's response to the Province. Due to the timing of the consultation (September 25 - November 25, 2019), it was not possible for those comments to be brought before Toronto City Council for consideration or endorsement. This report focuses on the proposals which, in the view of Toronto Building staff, would have an impact on Building Code enforcement in the city. Toronto Building staff are supportive of proposed changes to Ontario's qualification and registration system for building practitioners. The current system has created recruitment and staffing challenges for the City. On the matter of enforcement, the introduction of administrative penalties into legislation would support the City's efforts to address non-compliance with the Building Code. Staff are also supportive of strengthening the co-ordination and oversight of design professionals on complex building construction projects. On the proposal to create an administrative authority for provincial Building Code services, staff identified concerns on matters of governance, accountability and a diminished municipal voice in building regulatory policy development at the Province. Toronto Building staff do not support the introduction of a program (known as the Certified Professional Program) whereby builders would be allowed through legislation to hire designers (who are also Architects and Professional Engineers) to assume the plan review and inspection roles and responsibilities on behalf of municipalities. While it is important to rely on design professionals to streamline the process, there are a number of concerns with this model, including potential conflicts of interest. The consultation did not contain any proposals to amend the Ontario Fire Code, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, or the role of the Office of the Fire Marshal. The provincial consultation was also an opportunity to identify to the Province that the City of Toronto has experienced challenges in enforcing building regulations and has had to develop creative solutions to address pressing issues; particularly as they relate to high risk work, public education on good construction practices and public safety during construction. Finally, the submission identified that Toronto Building is currently undertaking a Program Review to identify a service model which meets public expectations including effective, efficient and timely services. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has been invited to be part of that discussion to help inform its further consideration of the proposals on which it consulted. This report has been written in consultation with the City Manager's Office and the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing conduct further consultations directly with the City of Toronto on its proposals to change how Ontario Building Code services are delivered in Ontario. 2. City Council advise the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that Toronto City Council: a. Supports revising the provincial qualification and registration program for building practitioners; b. Supports the use of a Prime Consultant on complex buildings; c. Requests that the Chief Building Official of the City of Toronto be an ex-officio, voting member on the proposed administrative authority's Board of Directors; and, d. Does not support the introduction of a Certified Professional Program in Ontario. 3. City Council direct the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building to report back to the Planning and Housing Committee by the end of 2020: a. With an update on the implementation of the proposed changes to provincial delivery of Building Code services, at the appropriate time; and, b. On the results of the Toronto Building Program Review. 4. City Council request that the Government of Ontario incorporate the National Building Code requirements relating to fire safety during construction into the Ontario Building Code. 5. City Council request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to consider aligning any further Ontario Building Code Act changes with the property maintenance standards and requirements in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) either through legislation, regulation or engagement with tenants and landlords.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building recommends that: 1. City Council request that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing conduct further consultations directly with the City of Toronto on its proposals to change how Ontario Building Code services are delivered in Ontario. 2. City Council advise the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that Toronto City Council: a. Supports revising the provincial qualification and registration program for building practitioners; b. Supports the use of a Prime Consultant on complex buildings; c. Requests that the Chief Building Official of the City of Toronto be an ex-officio, voting member on the proposed administrative authority's Board of Directors; and, d. Does not support the introduction of a Certified Professional Program in Ontario. 3. City Council direct the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building to report back to the Planning and Housing Committee by the end of 2020: a. With an update on the implementation of the proposed changes to provincial delivery of Building Code services, at the appropriate time; and, b. On the results of the Toronto Building Program Review. 4. City Council request that the Government of Ontario incorporate the National Building Code requirements relating to fire safety during construction into the Ontario Building Code.
PH12.2adopted
2019 Toronto Employment Survey
The attached bulletin summarizes the results of the 2019 Toronto Employment Survey. The bulletin highlights the Survey's key findings and counts of employment and business establishments in the City of Toronto for 2019, as well as the type and longevity of establishments and employment activity in Downtown, the Centres, Secondary Plan Areas and designated Employment Areas. Toronto's economy has performed strongly over the past year, as total employment in the City reached 1,569,800 jobs. Employment grew by 3.1 percent from 2018, an increase of 46,920 jobs. The Survey counted 76,560 business establishments in 2019, an increase of 920, 1.2 percent from 2018. In 2019, 3,810 establishments were new to the City.
The Planning and Housing Committee: 1. Received the report (December 30, 2019) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that: 1. The Planning and Housing Committee receive this report for information.
PH12.3amended
City Planning Division - Study Work Program
This report provides the City Planning Division's annual update on its Study Work Program. The report outlines the Division's 62 completions and approvals in 2019. These completions demonstrate the Division's commitment to advancing the Strategic Priorities identified in the City of Toronto Corporate Strategic Plan, 2019, through a proactive approach to prioritizing and managing a range of complex planning issues, including deliverables related to: 1. 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.
The Planning and Housing Committee: 1. Amended Attachment 3 to report (January 2, 2020) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning by adding the following item to Official Plan (City-wide): Municipal Comprehensive Review (Major Transit Station Areas and Employment Review).
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that: 1. The Planning and Housing Committee receive this report for information.
PH12.4adopted
This report provides an update on the Christie's Planning Study (the Study) and preliminary information on an Official Plan Amendment (OPA) application submitted by First Capital Realty for the lands at 2150 and 2194 Lake Shore Boulevard West and 23 Park Lawn Road (the subject lands). Both the Study and the application encompass the same area. In July 2019, City Council approved a settlement with First Capital Realty which resulted in Site and Area Specific Policy 15 (SASP 15). SASP 15 redesignated the subject lands to Regeneration Areas and General Employment Areas and established the requirement for a Secondary Plan to be completed. The settlement requires the delivery of a new Park Lawn GO station, and securing a minimum of 98,000 square metres of non-residential uses as well as affordable housing units. SASP 15 also outlines the required documents to be submitted by First Capital Realty in support of the Secondary Plan. In September 2019, the Study was launched. This report provides an update on the work-to-date and sets out a work program, including a set of key directions within each of the Study's themes. The Study will consider, consult and deliver on a vision for the lands that has been advanced by a private developer for a new mixed-use community. The Official Plan Amendment (OPA) application, submitted by First Capital Realty, proposes to amend Site and Area Specific Policy 15 (SASP 15) to redesignate the subject lands from Regeneration Areas to Mixed Use Areas, General Employment Areas and Parks and Open Spaces . As part of First Capital Realty's application, a conceptual Master Plan has also been provided. The goal of the Christie's Planning Study is to establish a policy framework for a new complete community at Park Lawn Road and Lake Shore Boulevard West. The re-development of the site will provide an exemplary model of transit-oriented-development by creating a new walkable, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use development centered on transit investment and integration. This report seeks support for the key directions established for the Study, seeks direction to continue the Study and undertake the concurrent review of the application by First Capital Realty and direction on the anticipated timing of the Secondary Plan and Zoning By-law. The report outlines the direction on future consultation opportunities as well as aligning the consultation and recommendations with those of the Park Lawn Lake Shore Transportation Master Plan.
The Planning and Housing Committee: 1. Endorsed the key directions of the Christie's Planning Study contained within the report (January 7, 2020) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. 2. Directed the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to continue to advance the Christie's Planning Study concurrently with the review of the Official Plan Amendment application by First Capital Realty on the same lands. 3. Directed the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to continue to advance community consultation on the Christie's Planning Study and the development application, including aligning this consultation with the Park Lawn Lake Shore Transportation Master Plan, in consultation with the Ward Councillor. 4. Requested the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to bring forward a recommended Secondary Plan, Zoning By-law and Urban Design Guidelines to City Council by the fourth quarter of 2020.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, recommends that: 1. The Planning and Housing Committee endorse the key directions of the Christie's Planning Study contained within this report. 2. The Planning and Housing Committee direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to continue to advance the Christie's Planning Study concurrently with the review of the Official Plan Amendment application by First Capital Realty on the same lands. 3. The Planning and Housing Committee direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to continue to advance community consultation on the Christie's Planning Study and the development application, including aligning this consultation with the Park Lawn Lake Shore Transportation Master Plan, in consultation with the Ward Councillor. 4. The Planning and Housing Committee request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to bring forward a recommended Secondary Plan, Zoning By-law and Urban Design Guidelines to City Council by the fourth quarter of 2020.