Item - 2020.PH17.10

The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the Retail Design Manual, included as Attachment 1 to the report (October 5, 2020) from Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.

2. City Council request that the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, apply the Retail Design Manual in the evaluation of new and under review development proposals containing retail uses.

3. City Council request that the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning in advancing planning studies examine how the best practices in the Retail Design Manual can be inputs into area-specific planning frameworks, including Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, to support resilient, flexible and adaptable retail space as part of complete communities.

This report recommends Council's adoption of the Retail Design Manual shown as Attachment 1 to this report and that Council direct staff to apply the manual for use in the evaluation of retail development.

The Retail Design Manual supports the objectives of complete communities and vibrant streets which are closely tied to the provision of successful, resilient and dynamic retail uses. This Manual is a collection of best practices and is intended to provide guidance on developing successful ground floor retail spaces. The Manual provides aspirational retail design best practices to inform, guide, inspire and educate those involved in the design and development of retail uses including developers, architects/designers, City staff, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and property managers. Each of these user groups will refer to this document in a different way and at different stages in the planning, design and development process.

Planning and designing high quality and diverse retail spaces helps to achieve good city building and economic objectives, and contributes to an animated and inviting public realm.