Item - 2012.PG19.2

The Planning and Growth Management Committee requested the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division to make changes to the report and attachments, text and maps, to ensure that the intent of the Guidelines is clarified on the maps such that Westview Boulevard properties are clearly excluded from the mixed-use area fronting on O'Connor Drive; the Study Area is defined as O'Connor Drive between Sandra Road and Victoria Park Avenue; and submit a revised report to City Council containing those changes.  The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division subsequently submitted a supplementary report (PG19.2a).

The Planning and Growth Management Committee recommends that:

1.         City Council amend the Official Plan substantially in accordance with the draft Official Plan Amendment attached as Attachment 1 of the report (October 12, 2012) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division.

2.         City Council adopt the O'Connor Drive Avenue Urban Design Guidelines in accordance with Attachment 2 of the report (October 12, 2012) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division.

3.         City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment and Urban Design Guidelines as may be required.

4.         City Council request the Director of Transportation Services, Toronto and East York District, to review and make recommendations for changes to:  a) existing parking by-laws for O'Connor Drive between Sandra Road and Northline Road to increase the availability of parking for local businesses; and b) traffic control measures at the intersection of St. Clair Avenue East. and O'Connor Drive to facilitate safer pedestrian crossings; and report to the January 22, 2013 meeting of Toronto and East York Community Council, if required.

5.         City Council request the General Manager of Toronto Water to include in the Basement Flooding Protection Study Area #1 - Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study consideration of the impact on sanitary sewer flows and storm-water runoff from the redevelopment envisioned by the O'Connor Drive Avenue Study.

6.         City Council request the Manager of the Business Improvement Area (BIA) Office to work with the local Councillor and area businesses to explore the possibility of establishing a Business Improvement Area for O'Connor Drive from Sandra Road to Northline Road.

7.         City Council request the City Manager, in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division and other appropriate staff, to review and consider the acquisition of property on O'Connor Drive and St. Clair Avenue that is adjacent to City-owned lands for potential future city uses.

8.         City Council request the General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation to consider improving the signage and trail connections to Taylor Creek Ravine at the O'Connor Viaduct near Glenwood Crescent, and at the south-west corner of Curity and O'Connor Drive.

9.         City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division to make changes to the report and attachments, text and maps, to ensure that the intent of the Guidelines is clarified on the maps such that Westview Boulevard properties are clearly excluded from the mixed-use area fronting on O'Connor Drive; the Study Area is defined as O'Connor Drive between Sandra Road and Victoria Park Avenue; and submit a revised report to City Council containing those changes.

The portion of O’Connor Drive between Victoria Park in North York District and St. Clair Avenue East and Sandra Road in Toronto and East York District is identified as an Avenue in the Official Plan.  This report recommends adoption of an Official Plan Amendment and Urban Design Guidelines which will be used to guide public realm improvements and to assess future development proposals within the Avenue.

The Official Plan recognizes that each Avenue is different in terms of lot sizes and configuration, street width, existing uses, neighbouring uses, transit service and streetscape potential.  There is no one size fits all program for the Avenues, and thus, a framework for change is required to be tailored to suit the local conditions along the street.  The purpose of the O'Connor Drive Avenue Study is to identify a vision for the future development of the area, as well as its implementation.

The vision for O’Connor Drive is that it becomes a vibrant urban corridor that will provide more opportunities for people to live, work, and shop.  The urban design guidelines identify how new developments will fit harmoniously into the existing/planned context by ensuring that appropriate transitions in scale to adjacent uses occurs and that there are limited impacts.  The Guidelines are intended to foster the creation of a high quality, safe, urban environment with attractive streetscapes, pedestrian friendly open spaces and vibrant streets.  The Guidelines identify: where and how mid-rise, mixed-use buildings can be introduced; how the streetscape and pedestrian environment can be improved; where trees should be planted; and how use of the road allowance can be optimized  The benefits to new and established communities will be gradually implemented over time as development proceeds and opportunities present themselves.

This report recommends approval of a draft Official Plan Amendment to include area specific policies related to development in the O'Connor Drive Avenue Study area, defined as O'Connor Drive between St. Clair Avenue West and Victoria Park Avenue.  The proposed Official Plan policies are supported by Urban Design Guidelines that are also the subject of this report.  These policy documents represent the culmination of the O'Connor Drive Avenue Study.