Item - 2016.PG16.5

The Planning and Growth Management Committee received the report (October 19, 2016) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning for information.

This report provides an update on City Planning's Study entitled “Growing Up: Planning for Children in New Vertical Communities” (the Study) and highlights insights from Phase 1 which included: consultations with stakeholders, analysis of the demographic characteristics of households with children and a review of the existing and proposed housing stock in each of the Study's seven focus areas.  A review of best practices from Toronto and abroad provided examples of how good design can improve livability for current and future families living in vertical communities.  

The Study builds on previous City Planning work including the Condominium Consultations and the Chief Planner's Roundtable on Families in the City. The purpose of the Study is to encourage that new multi-unit residential includes family appropriate housing in terms of quantity of units but also quality and functionality.  The Study seeks to implement Official Plan policies which aim to provide a full range of housing across the city by specifically addressing the needs of households with children at three scales: the unit, the building and the neighbourhood.  

Work to be undertaken in Phase 2 and 3 of the Study will result in a handbook that includes design and policy directions for family appropriate housing in new buildings at the Study's three scales.