Planning and Housing Committee
The full agenda, as filed
All 12 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.
PH7.1amended
On June 26, 2018, City Council approved Official Plan Amendment 403 and Zoning By-law Amendment 810-2018 to allow laneway suites within the boundaries of the Toronto and East York District as the boundaries existed in 2018. This report recommends extending permissions for Laneway Suites to areas adjacent to public laneways zoned for low-rise residential uses across the City. Laneway suites are considered a type of second unit permitted by the Official Plan. A laneway suite is a self-contained residential unit, subordinate to a primary dwelling, in which both kitchen and bathroom facilities are provided and located on a lot within an ancillary building, adjacent to a public laneway. Laneway suites provide an additional form of contextually appropriate low-rise housing within the City's neighbourhoods and are part of complete communities. They can provide more opportunities for people to live close to where they work, shop, and play and, can help make the city's urban lanes more green, liveable, and safe. Laneway suites can contribute to increasing the supply of rental housing and provide additional housing options for households at different ages and life stages. On February 12, 2019, Planning and Housing Committee requested that City Planning, in consultation with appropriate staff, undertake a review and consultation on expanding the current policy and regulatory framework for laneway suites city-wide. This report responds to Planning and Housing Committee's request.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council amend the Official Plan substantially in accordance with the draft Official Plan Amendment 460 appended as Attachment 4 to the report (June 5, 2019) from The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. 2. City Council amend the draft Zoning By-law Amendment appended as attachment 5 to the report (June 5, 2019) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, by removing the Asquith-Collier, Ramsden Park, and Yorkville neighbourhoods as delineated in Site and Area Specific Policy 211 of the Official Plan, from the area to which the proposed By-law amendment will apply. 3. City Council amend Zoning By-law 569-2013, as amended, substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment appended as Attachment 5 to this report (June 5, 2019) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and as amended by Recommendation 2 above. 4. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment and Draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required. 5. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to consider permitting laneway suites within the Asquith-Collier, Ramsden Park, and Yorkville neighbourhoods as part of the ongoing review of Site and Area Specific Policy 211. 6. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, as part of the monitoring report, to review all minor variance applications for laneway suites and include an analysis and discussion of these applications in the laneway suites report originally directed by City Council at its meeting on June 26, 2018 in its decision on Item TE33.3. 7. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to consult with the Federation of North Toronto Residents Associations as part of the consultation undertaken for the monitoring report noted in Recommendation 7, above. 8. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with appropriate city officials, to initiate a staff training program within all City Districts to ensure consistent city-wide understanding and application of the Laneway Suites Policies and By-law provisions.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that: 1. City Council amend the Official Plan substantially in accordance with the draft Official Plan Amendment 460 appended as Attachment 4 to this report; 2. City Council amend Zoning By-law 569-2013, as amended, substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment appended as Attachment 5 to this report; and, 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment and Draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.
PH7.2adopted
Cask Force - Zoning By-law Amendments for Breweries and Related Uses
The number of local breweries in Toronto has increased considerably over the last decade to become an important part of the City's economic and cultural identity. In 2015, City Council requested that staff work with owners and operators of craft breweries to help grow the craft beer sector and make Toronto "the craft beer capital of the world". In 2017 City Council requested that staff consider amendments to the Zoning By-law permissions for breweries, restaurants, and related uses to help support and grow the craft brewery industry, and that staff hold consultations on these amendments. This report responds to the 2017 request from City Council and summarizes proposed zoning by-law amendments related to eating establishments, retail stores, and beverage manufacturing uses in the City's Commercial and Employment Industrial zones. The proposed amendments are based on previous consultation with the City's Craft Beer Industry, as well as public consultation, and are intended to better reflect the varied and contemporary operating nature of the City's many local breweries.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommend that: 1. City Council amend Zoning By-law 569-2013, as amended, substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment appended as Attachment 1 to the report (June 10, 2019) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning; 2. City Council amend Zoning By-law 438-86 as amended, substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment appended as Attachment 2 to the report (June 10, 2019) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning; and, 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment and Draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that: 1. City Council amend Zoning By-law 569-2013, as amended, substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment appended as Attachment 1 to this report; 2. City Council amend Zoning By-law 438-86 as amended, substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment appended as Attachment 2 to this report; and, 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment and Draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.
PH7.3adopted
Appeals of City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013 - Request for Direction
On March 1, 2018, the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), predecessor of the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) issued its Decision and Order on the Phase 2 Hearing of the appeals of By-law 569-2013 concerning the regulations of the Chapter 10 Residential Zone Category. The OMB ordered the City to review certain regulations in Chapter 10 mainly relating to height with some specifically for lots with frontages of 12 metres or less. The continuation of the Phase 2 Hearing has been scheduled by the LPAT for October 16-18, 2019 to consider the results of the City's review and the City Solicitor is seeking direction from City Council.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 18, 2019) from the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1 and Appendix A to Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 18, 2019) from the City Solicitor, if they are adopted by City Council. 3. City Council direct that all other information in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 18, 2019) from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential in its entirety, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Solicitor recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1 of this report. 2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1 and Appendix A to Confidential Attachment 1, if they are adopted by City Council. 3. City Council direct that all other information in Confidential Attachment 1 is to remain confidential in its entirety, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.
PH7.4amended
A New Approvals Framework for Toronto Community Housing Corporation Revitalization Projects
Toronto Community Housing Corporation undertakes revitalization projects in communities across Toronto. Revitalization projects aim to address issues relating to long-term maintenance costs associated with aging housing stock, generate funding to renovate and replace social housing stock, and provide opportunities for community development and investment through improved design, additional facilities and services, and community economic development initiatives. As Toronto Community Housing Corporation's sole Shareholder, Service Manager, and as a municipality holding approval authority for planning applications, the City has a number of mechanisms to approve and consent revitalization in Toronto Community Housing Corporation communities. The City also makes contributions to the costs of revitalization. After nearly twenty years of revitalization activities, there is an opportunity to develop a clear and transparent framework for approvals and consents to better align revitalization projects with the objectives of the upcoming Toronto Housing Strategy 2020 - 2030, the City-wide Real Estate Strategy, and the work of Tenants First to review the mandate and funding for Toronto Community Housing Corporation. A new approvals framework is critical for ensuring that the City is able to take opportunities to strategically and cost-effectively achieve city-building objectives through revitalization projects. This report outlines a new approvals framework for revitalization, including a new Initial Development Proposal report to be submitted for Council approval before procurement for a development partner begins. This framework provides Council with critical information regarding the nature and scale of proposed revitalization projects, earlier in the process to enhance Council's oversight and support informed decision-making, as well as creating an opportunity to take a more integrated approach to city-building on Toronto Community Housing Corporation and City lands. The framework adopts a staged approvals process that is currently under development for all major capital projects (for example, see EX4.1 Toronto's Transit Expansion Program - Update and Next Steps). The "stage gate process" identifies the stages of work throughout a capital project's lifecycle and ensures key decisions are made at defined stages of a project. Key features of the stage gate process include aligning City Council's funding decisions with the appropriate level of project design and providing an appropriate level of project oversight to project stakeholders.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council amend the Shareholder Direction to require Toronto Community Housing Corporation to work with City divisions and agencies in planning and implementing revitalization projects to ensure that the projects contribute appropriately to city-building objectives by incorporating a range of housing options including net new affordable housing opportunities. 2. City Council, as sole shareholder, direct the Toronto Community Housing Corporation Board of Directors to direct the President and Chief Executive Officer of Toronto Community Housing Corporation to work with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to identify opportunities for new affordable rental housing units on Toronto Community Housing Corporation lands. 3. City Council direct that all Board-approved proposals from Toronto Community Housing Corporation related to revitalizations and redevelopment opportunities, including any demolition and reconstruction of multiple buildings and infill opportunities, be directed to the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, for review and recommendation in consultation with the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, the Executive Director, Financial Planning, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the joint CreateTO and City-led Strategic Program Management Committee prior to being recommended to City Council for approval of an Initial Development Proposal (which will include all details outlined on page 9 of the report (July 2, 2019) from the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services). 4. Subject to City Council approval of an Initial Development Proposal as contemplated in recommendation 3 above, Council direct the President and Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Community Housing Corporation to undertake a public procurement process to select a development partner and work through the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, who will work in consultation with the joint CreateTO and City-led Strategic Program Management Committee, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to assess all proposals including the proposed business terms, integration of city-building objectives, and site considerations. 5. Prior to undertaking the public procurement process for future revitalizations/redevelopment including infill projects, as contemplated in recommendation 4 above, City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to work with Toronto Community Housing Corporation to: a. provide key planning principles and guidelines for each site; and b. support the revitalizations and redevelopment projects by implementing an expedited review process. 6. City Council direct that developer proposals deemed satisfactory by the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, the joint CreateTO and City-led Strategic Program Management Committee (including Toronto Community Housing Corporation), the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning be recommended to Council for approval by way of an Actions Report from the City Manager and Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services seeking consents for revitalization/redevelopment from the Shareholder and Service Manager (including details outlined on page 10 of the report (July 2, 2019) from the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services. 7. City Council direct that the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, report annually to the Planning and Housing Committee on the status of all active revitalization projects including the status of delivery of affordable housing where applicable. 8. City Council direct that the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the joint CreateTO and City-led Strategic Program Management Committee review the Initial Development Proposal for the revitalization of Firgrove-Grassways in line with the revised approval framework outlined in this report and if deemed satisfactory, recommend to the Planning and Housing Committee for approval at its September 17, 2019 meeting. 9. City Council direct that the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, the joint CreateTO and City-led Strategic Program Management Committee, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the Chief Planner and the Executive Director, City Planning review the developer submission for the Don Summerville revitalization including the proposed business terms, as well as the presently proposed built form, the proposal within the context of the wider community, other City building objectives, and City land holdings and, if recommended to proceed, report to the Planning and Housing Committee for approval at its September 17, 2019 meeting. 10. City Council direct that the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, the joint CreateTO and City-led Strategic Program Management Committee, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and Chief Planner and the Executive Director, City Planning review the Initial Development Proposal for the Lawrence Heights Phase 2 revitalization project in line with the revised approval framework outlined in this report and if deemed satisfactory, recommend to the Planning and Housing Committee for approval at its September 17, 2019 meeting.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services recommends that: 1. City Council amend the Shareholder Direction to require Toronto Community Housing to work with City divisions and agencies in planning and implementing revitalization projects, to ensure that revitalization projects contribute appropriately to city-building objectives. 2. City Council, acting as Shareholder, direct the Board of Directors of Toronto Community Housing to adopt a stage-gating approach to seeking Council consents and approvals as outlined in Attachment 1, and to provide the required information to City divisions and agencies as outlined in Attachment 2. 3. City Council direct that the following revitalization projects enter the stage-gating approach at the following steps: a. Don Summerville: Seek approval to pass Stage Gate 1 b. Firgrove: Seek approval to pass Stage Gate 1 c. Lawrence Heights Phase 2: Seek approval to pass Stage Gate 2
PH7.5amended
Expanding the Housing Allowance Program
This report responds to City Council's request, originating from a Member's Motion, that the General Manager, Shelter Support and Housing Administration report on potential measures and funding options to expand the housing allowance program, including the creation of a new upper tier of the Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT). This report provides background on the City's housing allowance program, reviews the impact of expanding the program, and addresses funding options. Housing allowances are an important tool to help address homelessness. By increasing access to affordable housing and assisting people to move out of emergency shelters more quickly, housing allowances represent a proven pathway to stable housing. The City currently administers some 5,400 housing allowances. The provincial government recently announced funding allocations for the new three-year Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative, including $70 million for Toronto between 2019/20 and 2021/22 to address priorities in the areas of housing supply and affordability. Funding for housing allowance programs are eligible under this initiative and staff will report to Council on recommended funding allocations and priorities in July 2019. The City is currently developing its next ten-year housing plan, HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan, to be presented to City Council in the fall of 2019. The public engagement phase of the plan is underway to develop a comprehensive, solutions-based plan to address housing and homelessness challenges over the next decade. Sustaining and expanding housing allowance programs will be addressed as part of the new plan. This report was prepared in consultation with the City's Shelter, Support and Housing Administration and Corporate Finance Divisions.
The Planning and Housing Committee: 1. Requested the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the General Manager, Shelter Support and Housing Administration to consult with the Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness on the implementation details of the expanded Housing Allowance Program. 2. Directed the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the City's Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to include as part of the HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan a review of potential changes to Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT) tiers, in order to align and support the goals and objectives of the City's HousingTO 2020-2030 plan, and the development of new supportive housing in Toronto.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, recommends that: 1. Planning and Housing Committee receive this report for information.
PH7.6adopted
Activating Federal/Provincial Funding to Increase Housing Options for Toronto Residents
The City of Toronto is committed to providing affordable, well-maintained and secure housing as a key component of building and sustaining healthy and inclusive communities. The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval for the City of Toronto to participate in two new federal/ provincial housing and homelessness programs: the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) and the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI). The provincial government has allocated a three year total of $159.8 million in federal/ provincial funding to the City of Toronto through the programs. Between 2019 and 2022, these programs will assist in maintaining and increasing housing options for some 9,000 low to moderate income Toronto households. The delegated authorities sought in this report are time-critical as any delay in signing the Transfer Payment Agreement with the Province would miss the provincial deadline in activating these initiatives. This report also seeks Council approval for authority to make funding allocations under the various components of the two programs. The programs will further the City's housing, homelessness and poverty reduction goals, assist the non-profit housing sector and support mixed-income, complete communities, while complementing the City's own housing programs. COCHI is intended to support non-profit community housing providers through both capital and operating funding. Capital funding can be used to support community housing provider's repair or renovate building systems and carry out health and safety repairs. Operating funding can be used for rent supplements or transitional operating funding. The objective of COCHI is to stabilize the supply of community housing through repairs, renovations, operating and rent supports to protect tenant's social housing in projects with expiring operating agreements or mortgages. This report recommends allocating the majority of COCHI funds to the operating components to secure long-term affordability for residents in receipt of rent-geared-to-income (RGI) assistance in social housing projects developed through federal social housing programs. OPHI provides both operating and capital funding. The operating component can be used for housing allowance/rent supplement programs to make rents more affordable for tenants in existing rental buildings and provide support services. The three capital components are: new non-profit rental housing construction, home repair funding and home-ownership loan funding. OPHI is a continuation of the Investment in Affordable Housing Program. This report requests authorization for the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to enter into agreements with the Government of Ontario and other organizations to deliver the initiatives and ensure effective use of available federal/provincial funding. COCHI and OPHI are a part of the bi-lateral agreement signed in April 2018 between the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario under the National Housing Strategy.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to enter into a Transfer Payment Agreement and/or related agreement(s) with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing or any other provincial entity necessary for the receipt and expenditure of funding under the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) and the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) on such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and in a form approved by the City Solicitor. 2. City Council approve the receipt of Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative program funds for provision of housing services and initiatives, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Transfer Payment Agreement and any related agreements, directives or program guidelines. 3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter Support and Housing Administration in consultation with Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to increase the 2019 approved Operating Budget for Shelter Support and Housing Administration by $11,800,000, $0 net fully funded through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative, with future year requests subject to Council approval through the annual budget process. 4. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to undertake Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative program administration in accordance with the approved allocations and the Transfer Payment Agreement, including appropriate measures as the program proceeds to adjust program parameter, recipients, and year-end funding among program components as required to ensure full and effective use of available federal/ provincial funds. 5. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to develop Investment and Sustainability Plans, outlining funding priorities, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Transfer Payment Agreement and any related program guidelines, and to submit the plans and any updates to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 6. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, or the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, as appropriate, to enter into agreements or other suitable arrangements with the provincial government, other City divisions, community agencies, private entities and/or individuals to deliver the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative components in accordance with the terms and conditions of the program guidelines on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration or the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 7. City Council request the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to report to the Planning and Housing Committee in Q1 2020, on activity to date and funding projections on the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration recommend that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to enter into a Transfer Payment Agreement and/or related agreement(s) with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing or any other provincial entity necessary for the receipt and expenditure of funding under the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) and the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) on such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and in a form approved by the City Solicitor. 2. City Council approve the receipt of Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative program funds for provision of housing services and initiatives, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Transfer Payment Agreement and any related agreements, directives or program guidelines. 3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter Support and Housing Administration in consultation with Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to increase the 2019 approved Operating Budget for Shelter Support and Housing Administration by $11,800,000, $0 net fully funded through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative, with future year requests subject to Council approval through the annual budget process. 4. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to undertake Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative program administration in accordance with the approved allocations and the Transfer Payment Agreement, including appropriate measures as the program proceeds to adjust program parameter, recipients, and year-end funding among program components as required to ensure full and effective use of available federal/ provincial funds. 5. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to develop Investment and Sustainability Plans, outlining funding priorities, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Transfer Payment Agreement and any related program guidelines, and to submit the plans and any updates to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 6. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, or the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, as appropriate, to enter into agreements or other suitable arrangements with the provincial government, other City divisions, community agencies, private entities and/or individuals to deliver the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative components in accordance with the terms and conditions of the program guidelines on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration or the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 7. City Council request the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to report to the Planning and Housing Committee in Q1 2020, on activity to date and funding projections on the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative.
PH7.7adopted
Expanding Supportive Housing in Toronto - Update
This report responds to the Planning and Housing Committee's request to bring forward an aggressive and targeted strategy for supportive and transitional housing in Toronto. Since February 2019 City staff have been working closely with the Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness (TAEH) and members of the supportive and transitional housing sector to discuss options to address the shortage of supportive housing in Toronto. On June 5th, 2019 the City and TAEH jointly hosted a supportive charrette to discuss options to how to remove barriers to increase supportive housing in the City. A pre-event survey was sent to ask supportive housing providers to identify short, medium and long-term opportunities to increase supportive housing in the City. Together over 40 participants discussed ideas to increase supportive housing supply in the City. A portion of the charrette also focused on how modular housing could play a role in addressing supportive housing needs. A guest speaker, Mariner Janes, Program Manager from PHS Community Services in Vancouver, joined the group to share the operator perspective on introducing modular housing. Participants supported a modular housing approach to address short and medium needs in the sector while emphasizing the need to create permanent pathways to housing. The City will incorporate a supportive housing strategy into the HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan in the fall. Staff are working closely with TAEH to summarize the ideas coming out of the June 5th charrette and options for developing modular housing solutions in the City.
The Planning and Housing Committee: 1. Received the report (June 19, 2019) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, recommends that: 1. Planning and Housing Committee receive this report for information.
PH7.8adopted
This report recommends that City Council provide the necessary consents to enable Charles Hastings Co-operative Inc. (the Co-op) to secure freehold ownership of its property and continue to provide long-term affordable housing at 175 Elm Street, Ward 11. Council authority is required to postpone the City's interest in a long-term Assisted Housing Agreement that would enable the Co-op to finance the purchase of its currently leased building and land and to perform necessary capital upgrades. If the Co-op is unable to secure financing to purchase the property, the resulting lease costs may require the Co-op to increase rents for residents resulting in the potential loss of affordable housing.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council consent pursuant to subsection 453.1(6) of the City of Toronto Act 2006: a. to the transfer of title from 175 Elm St. Developments Ltd to Charles Hastings Co-operative Inc. pursuant to the option to purchase under the lease between the parties; and b. to Charles Hastings Co-operative Inc. granting a mortgage or charge to First National Financial LP with respect to 175 Elm Street, Toronto to secure repayment of a loan on the terms and conditions described in the report (June 12, 2019) from the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration. 2. City Council direct the City Clerk to provide a certificate, in registerable form, to First National Financial LP pursuant to subsection 453.1(9) of the City of Toronto Act, 2006. 3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to execute a Priority, Postponement and Standstill Agreement postponing the rights of the City under the Assisted Housing Agreement to the rights of the mortgagee and providing the City with an opportunity to cure any mortgage defaults or to locate a housing provider acceptable to the lender that will cure such defaults and operate the housing in accordance with the Assisted Housing Agreement, upon such terms and conditions as the General Manager may deem appropriate.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, recommends that: 1. City Council consent pursuant to subsection 453.1(6) of the City of Toronto Act 2006: a. to the transfer of title from 175 Elm St. Developments Ltd to Charles Hastings Co-operative Inc. pursuant to the option to purchase under the lease between the parties; and b. to Charles Hastings Co-operative Inc. granting a mortgage or charge to First National Financial LP with respect to 175 Elm Street, Toronto to secure repayment of a loan on the terms and conditions described in the report dated June 12, 2019 from the General Manager, Shelter, Support & Housing Administration. 2. City Council direct the City Clerk to provide a certificate, in registerable form, to First National Financial LP pursuant to subsection 453.1(9) of the City of Toronto Act, 2006. 3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to execute a Priority, Postponement and Standstill Agreement postponing the rights of the City under the Assisted Housing Agreement to the rights of the mortgagee and providing the City with an opportunity to cure any mortgage defaults or to locate a housing provider acceptable to the lender that will cure such defaults and operate the housing in accordance with the Assisted Housing Agreement, upon such terms and conditions as the General Manager may deem appropriate.
PH7.9adopted
Emergency Management and Vital Service Disruption Response in Apartment Buildings
As directed by City Council, this report provides a review of the function and performance of the City of Toronto's emergency response to the incident at 260 Wellesley Street East as it pertains to emergency management interventions for high-rise buildings. It also recommends amendments to Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings to require building owners/operators to develop and maintain a vital service disruption plan in order to better serve their residents during times of prolonged vital service disruptions.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings to require building owners/operators under the RentSafeTO program to develop and maintain a vital service disruption plan, satisfactory to the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, and provide the City with a copy of the plan when requested. 2. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings to authorize the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to set standards and minimum requirements for the vital service disruption plans in consultation with the Office of Emergency Management. 3. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings to add a provision stating that a building owner/operator who, in the opinion of the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, does not implement their established vital service disruption plan during a time of prolonged vital service disruption is guilty of an offence.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services and Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, recommend that: 1. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings to require building owners/operators under the RentSafeTO program to develop and maintain a vital service disruption plan, satisfactory to the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, and provide the City with a copy of the plan when requested. 2. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings to authorize the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to set standards and minimum requirements for the vital service disruption plans in consultation with the Office of Emergency Management. 3. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings to add a provision stating that a building owner/operator who, in the opinion of the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, does not implement their established vital service disruption plan during a time of prolonged vital service disruption is guilty of an offence.
PH7.10adopted
This report presents proposed changes to Section 3.1.3, Public Realm, Section 3.1.2, Built Form and Section 3.1.3, Built Form - Tall Buildings, of the Official Plan following public and stakeholder consultation conducted as part of the Five Year Review of the Official Plan. The proposed policy changes are intended to strengthen the existing policies and provide greater clarity through new policies that describe the public realm, built form and built form types. The policies reflect the continuous evolution of the application of urban design to achieve critical city-building objectives, defining the roles and relationships of the public realm and new development to ensure that buildings and their surrounding public spaces work together to achieve a high standard of design and help create a high quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. Proposed Official Plan Amendments for the Public Realm and Built Form sections of the Official Plan are appended as Attachments 1 and 2 to this report, respectively. Attachments 3 and 4 show how the proposed amendments would be incorporated into Sections 3.1.1, 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 of the Official Plan. A proposed terms of reference for a Block Context Plan complete application requirement forms Attachment 5 to this report. The proposed policies have been revised to respond to stakeholder and public feedback received through citywide consultation that took place from November 2018 to February 2019. A summary of the stakeholder and public consultation forms Attachment 6 to this report and is discussed below. The proposed policy changes respond to Council's direction to update the policies in order to respond to the following adopted urban design directions: - promoting a walkable city; - clarifying the role of the public realm and the need for new public streets; - introducing development criteria for low-rise, mid-rise and tall buildings; and - promoting public squares and Privately Owned Publicly-Accessible Spaces. The proposed policies are also intended to address the recently released A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2019), which includes new and revised policies and definitions for Complete Communities, Complete Streets, the Public Realm and Compact Built Form that emphasize a high-quality, vibrant public realm, the efficient use of land, the integration of green infrastructure, social equity and quality of life, and a well-connected network of walkable neighbourhoods and destinations that encourage active transportation.
The Planning and Housing Committee: 1. Directed City Planning staff to hold a statutory public open house to present the proposed Official Plan Amendments containing Public Realm and Built Form policies, and the proposed Terms of Reference for the Block Context Plan complete application requirement, appended to this report in Attachments 1, 2 and 5 respectively to the report (June 11, 2019) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. 2. Requested the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to prepare a Final Recommendation Report with Official Plan Amendments containing revised policies for the Public Realm and Built Form sections of the Official Plan and a Terms of Reference for the Block Context Plan complete application requirement to the Planning and Housing Committee in third quarter of 2019 for a special meeting in fulfilment of Section 26 of the Planning Act.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that: 1. The Planning and Housing Committee direct City Planning staff to hold a statutory public open house to present the proposed Official Plan Amendments containing Public Realm and Built Form policies, and the proposed Terms of Reference for the Block Context Plan complete application requirement, appended to this report in Attachments 1, 2 and 5 respectively. 2. The Planning and Housing Committee request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to prepare a Final Recommendation Report with Official Plan Amendments containing revised policies for the Public Realm and Built Form sections of the Official Plan and a Terms of Reference for the Block Context Plan complete application requirement to the Planning and Housing Committee in Q3, 2019 for a special meeting in fulfilment of Section 26 of the Planning Act.
PH7.11amended
City-wide Heritage Survey Feasibility Study
This report responds to City Council's request in 2017 for a City-wide Heritage Survey Feasibility Study that would scope and describe the initiative, identify required operating costs and propose necessary resources. It provides the results of the Feasibility Study, makes recommendations for a transformative approach to the identification of heritage resources in the city, and seeks support for the launch of a city-wide heritage survey program to be delivered through a multi-year work plan. This report recommends the initiation of a city-wide heritage survey program - an emerging international best practice - as a building block for good planning. In a development context where increasing demands for heritage evaluation and protection challenge the City's ability to respond quickly and effectively, a standardized and systematic "Toronto Heritage Survey" will result in operational efficiencies, enhance civic leadership and responsiveness to provincial land-use planning and cultural heritage policies, and improve predictability for City staff, property owners and the public. It will support timely and transparent decision-making while engaging Torontonians in the pro-active identification of cultural heritage resources that residents, neighbourhoods and communities value. A Toronto Heritage Survey will also contribute significantly to city-building through the collection and dissemination of comprehensive data about the heritage resources of the city. Importantly, the survey program will engage Indigenous communities and carefully consider Indigenous histories in fulfillment of the City's Statement of Commitment to the Aboriginal Communities of Toronto. Diversity and social equity will be fundamental principles as the survey moves forward. A city-wide heritage survey is an ambitious, multi-year program that will modernize the day to day work of City Planning. This report proposes a phased survey program that, if sufficiently resourced, can efficiently and effectively identify heritage resources throughout the City while providing timely research and base-line data for heritage conservation districts and other area planning studies. A major outcome of the survey will be greater clarity for City Planning, communities and property owners about the location and value of heritage resources. A city-wide heritage survey also has the potential to engage stakeholders, communities and volunteers through their contribution to the survey's understanding of local heritage, which in turn builds stronger communities. Survey data, gathered and made open and accessible through the digital exchange of information, can be used by public and private sectors for a variety of purposes, including informing public policy and decision-making and strengthening a culture of conservation. The Toronto Heritage Survey has the potential to engage Torontonians in ways that could dramatically enrich an understanding of pre- and post-European settlement Toronto. It will also benefit the work of city-builders through pro-active identification. Finally, the survey has the potential to weave together into a coherent whole, the histories and geographies of the amalgamated City. This report provides the results of the City-wide Heritage Survey Feasibility Study conducted by City Planning in 2018-2019, including information on the following areas of interest as identified by Council: - Sector Scan Analysis - Proposed Survey Methodology - Data Management - Methodology to Prioritize Survey Areas - Community Engagement - Role of Volunteers - Phased Approach to Timing and Costing
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council approve the phased implementation of the Toronto Heritage Survey as outlined in this report, and as summarized in Attachment 2 and Attachment 3 to the report (June 6, 2019) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. 2. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report back through the City's 2020 Budget process, on a funding approach that will be required to support the first phase of the Toronto Heritage Survey. 3. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report back to City Council in 2021 following the completion of the first phase of the Toronto Heritage Survey work plan, and to make recommendations on future phases of work. 4. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to develop a comprehensive public engagement program including potential partnerships, and a communications strategy, to support the Toronto Heritage Survey. 5. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to work with the City's four Community Preservation Panels and Heritage Toronto to develop a volunteer program that will support the Toronto Heritage Survey, including the development of a fundraising strategy for community-based initiatives. 6. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to prioritize outstanding nominations for the inclusion of properties on the Heritage Register in the first phase of the Toronto Heritage Survey. 7. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to collaborate with Architectural Conservancy Ontario Toronto Branch (ACO Toronto), to explore opportunities for information gathering and sharing through extensive online property database, TOBuilt. 8. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to work with the Chief Purchasing Officer to explore an Invitation to Partner RFP process to engage with technology companies and/or post-secondary institutions to create the database and mapping tool needed for the City-wide Heritage Survey. 9. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report to the Planning and Housing Committee in second quarter of 2020 with an update report including: timeline for completion of phase one and the entire City-wide Heritage Survey, a data management plan, results of preliminary field testing, recommended role of volunteers and non-city groups/agencies, and updates or revisions to the scope of the project. 10. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to include a review of outstanding Heritage Conservation District study areas, including the Sunshine Valley Heritage Conservation District study area, in phase one of the Toronto Heritage Survey.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that: 1. City Council approve the phased implementation of the Toronto Heritage Survey as outlined in this report, and as summarized in Attachment 2 and Attachment 3. 2. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report back through the City's 2020 Budget process, on a funding approach that will be required to support the first phase of the Toronto Heritage Survey. 3. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report back to City Council in 2021 following the completion of the first phase of the Toronto Heritage Survey work plan, and to make recommendations on future phases of work. 4. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to develop a comprehensive public engagement program including potential partnerships, and a communications strategy, to support the Toronto Heritage Survey. 5. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to work with the City's four Community Preservation Panels and Heritage Toronto to develop a volunteer program that will support the Toronto Heritage Survey, including the development of a fundraising strategy for community-based initiatives. 6. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to prioritize outstanding nominations for the inclusion of properties on the Heritage Register in the first phase of the Toronto Heritage Survey.
PH7.12adopted
How Does the City Grow? - Update 2019
This report and attached bulletin are another in a series of research documents produced by City Planning that summarizes development activity in the city. Information from the Division's Land Use Information System II and other sources have been analyzed to provide an overview of all development projects with any development activity between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018. Development activity refers to progress at any stage of the approvals and development processes, including application submission, development review, development approval, building permit application, building permit issuance, construction, occupancy and completion. The bulletin illustrates how the city has grown over these five years and how it may continue to develop over time. In total, 397,000 residential units and 11 million square meters of non-residential gross floor area (GFA) were proposed by projects with development activity between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018. Of this, 140,000 residential units were approved but not yet built, and an additional 167,000 were still under review. Combined, if all these units were approved, built and occupied, they would accommodate approximately 543,000 residents and bring Toronto's total population to 3.50 million.
The Planning and Housing Committee: 1. Received the report (June 6, 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.