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For the first time in over 40 years, the City of Toronto is conducting a study to better understand how Downtown Toronto can best continue to grow and develop in the coming decades. Since the mid-1970s, when the City adopted a Central Area Plan to encourage mixed development—of both residential and commercial properties—in the core, Downtown Toronto gradually began to recover from decades of mid-century decline (driven by suburban exodus and socio-economic changes). In the 40 years since, the population of Downtown Toronto has more than doubled, with the region now growing at a rate four times faster than the City of Toronto as a whole.
Since 2006—and the start of the current condominium boom—the population of Downtown Toronto has grown by 18%, as over 200,000 people now call the rapidly densifying urban core home. The region now also employs almost 450,000 workers, with a third of all jobs in the city now in the core. This makes it an important economic driver for not only the metropolitan area that surrounds it, but also the country as a whole.
With the rate of housing completions also seeing a sharp increase in recent years (38% higher in 2006-2011 compared to the previous five-year period), the unprecedented pace of growth has prompted the City to re-evaluate the planning framework and infrastructural capacity (both physical and social) of the region.
As part of the study, the City will be hosting a series of public consultations (dates and times provided below) in three Downtown wards. According to the City of Toronto's official website, the study—and the public meetings— will explore the following questions:
- Where can growth be accommodated in Downtown Toronto?
- What is the right scale for infill development within the various neighbourhoods of Downtown?
- What are the physical and social infrastructure needs to support future growth?
- Where are the opportunities to acquire new parkland and to improve the quality of existing parks and public spaces?
- How might we reduce congestion by improving conditions for walking, cycling and surface transit?
- What community services and facilities are needed to ensure that Downtown remains inclusive, healthy and livable?
- How can we reinforce Downtown’s important role within the regional economy and as a generator of jobs for city residents?
- What can we do to encourage growth that is more resilient and sustainable?
The study is set to proceed in three phases, with 'Phase 1' primarily based on 'taking stock' and assessing existing conditions. Over the next two years, the following phases are geared towards developing comprehensive new planning frameworks and infrastructure plans, ensuring Downtown Toronto continues to develop in an economically and socially progressive direction.
Public input forms an important part of effective planning policy, with three upcoming meetings scheduled for residents to discuss their priorities and concerns for the future of downtown. All meetings will begin with an open house at 6:30 p.m., followed by a presentation from City officials, and ending with questions and comments from attendees.
Thursday, June 18, 2015: Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne St Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28)
Tuesday, June 23, 2015: Metro Hall, 55 John St (Room 308) Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 20)
Monday, June 29, 2015: Jarvis Collegiate Institute, 495 Jarvis St Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam
We will keep you updated on the 'TOcore' study as it continues, as the City gets set to take major steps towards developing the first comprehensive planning strategy for Downtown Toronto in over 40 years.
