Item - 2014.TE34.96

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1.         City Council adopt the Carlaw + Dundas Community Initiative and support its implementation based on the principles, strategies and initiatives identified in this plan.

2.         City Council require that future development applications within the Carlaw-Dundas area contribute towards public space improvements outlined in the Carlaw + Dundas Community Initiative.

3.         City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division, to co-ordinate the implementation of the plan through an interdivisional team including City Planning, Economic Development, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and Transportation Services.

4.         City Council endorse the establishment of a Stakeholder Advisory Committee consisting of members from the community to provide input as implementation of the plan proceeds.

This report presents the recommendations of the Carlaw + Dundas Community Initiative.  Carlaw-Dundas is a former industrial area in the City's East End that has been undergoing a transformation, emerging as a mixed-use creative and cultural hub of workers and residents.  This transformation began in the late 1990's where live/work units were permitted based on site-specific zoning provisions. The area was subject to several studies in the early 2000's that considered neighbourhood improvements.

Working with the community and a staff team, the Carlaw + Dundas Community Initiative is a plan that establishes a vision for the Carlaw-Dundas community and identifies priority projects and strategies to implement improvements to public spaces.

The key items that are addressed in this Public Space Plan include:

-           Strengthening the Carlaw-Dundas area as a hub for small business and cultural activities.

-           Improvements to streetscapes and other public spaces.

-           A strategy to execute the improvements

This Public Space Plan updates previous studies and guides public realm improvements, beginning with five projects that are underway.  These five projects act as a catalyst for public space improvements in Carlaw-Dundas.