Item - 2021.IE24.7
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on October 1, 2021 with amendments.
- This item was considered by Infrastructure and Environment Committee on September 14, 2021 and was adopted with amendments. It will be considered by City Council on October 1, 2021.
IE24.7 - TOcore Implementation Strategy - Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- 10 - Spadina - Fort York, 11 - University - Rosedale, 13 - Toronto Centre
City Council Decision
City Council on October 1 and 4, 2021, adopted the following:
1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to incorporate the priority studies, master plans, detailed streetscape designs and implementation projects contained in Tables 3 to 6 in the Comments section of the report (August 30, 2021) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and the Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in the development of the 10-year Capital Budget and Plan each year as part of the budget process to advance the implementation of the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan.
2. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the General Manager, Transportation Services and the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to advance opportunities to implement the priority studies, master plans, park improvements, detailed streetscape designs and implementation projects contained in Tables 3 to 6 in the Comments section of the report (August 30, 2021) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and the Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture through the evaluation of development applications in the Downtown, and adjacent areas as relevant.
3. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the Interim General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, working collaboratively with the Director of the Indigenous Affairs Office, in partnership with Indigenous leaders and organizations, and in alignment with the Parks Wayfinding Strategy and TO360, to explore opportunities to celebrate Indigenous cultures and histories through Indigenous placekeeping and placemaking initiatives and through a refresh to the Discovery Walks storytelling program within the priority projects contained in Tables 3-6 in the Comments section of the report (August 30, 2021) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and the Executive Director, City Planning, and the Interim General Manager, Economic Development and Culture.
Tables 3 to 6 from the report (August 30, 2021) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and the Executive Director, City Planning, and the Interim General Manager, Economic Development and Culture:
Table 3 Core Circle
Core Circle Actions |
Lead |
Stage-gate |
Status |
2021-2025 |
2026- 2030 |
Funding |
Core Circle Concept Plan and Gap Analysis |
PFR, TS (CP, EDC) |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
|
Not Funded |
Toronto Island Master Plan |
PFR |
Study/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
New Parks at Garrison Crossing, including 10 Ordnance, South Stanley Park extension and Gore Park |
PFR |
Design |
Planned |
X |
|
Funded |
Mouth of the Creek Park construction |
PFR |
Implement |
Planned |
X |
|
Funded |
Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge and Tunnel |
TS |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Lower Don Trail Improvements and Access |
PFR, TS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Rosedale Valley Road Multi-Use Trail Upgrade |
TS |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Explore opportunities to improve pedestrian and cycling connections to Bayview Avenue at Wellesley Park |
PFR, TS, TRCA
|
Study/ Analysis
|
Underway
|
X |
|
Partially Funded |
Table 4 - Great Streets
Great Streets Actions |
Lead |
Stage-gate |
Status |
2021-2025 |
2026-2030 |
Funding |
Bayview Avenue: Temporary pedestrian and cycling improvements (Rosedale Valley Road to Mill Street) through ActiveTO Accelerated Cycling Network |
TS |
Pilot Implement/Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Bayview Avenue: Develop a vision for the bridges at Bloor Street, Gerrard Street, Dundas Street and Queen Street and other industrial infrastructure and integrate into the streetscape of Bayview Avenue |
TS, CP |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
|
X |
Not Funded |
Bloor Street: construction of permanent raised cycle tracks (Avenue Road to Spadina Avenue) |
TS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Bloor Street: Installation of temporary cycle tracks (Avenue Road to Sherbourne Street) through ActiveTO Accelerated Cycling Network |
TS |
Pilot Imple-ment/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Bloor Street: Implement permanent cycling infrastructure and public realm enhancements east of Avenue - Church Street to Parliament Avenue |
TS,BIA |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
College-Carleton Corridor: (College Street -Bathurst Street to Spadina Avenue) explore opportunity for re-balancing the right-of-way to increase pedestrian space, improve cycling facilities and improve public transit and transit stops |
TS, TTC |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
College-Carleton Corridor: (Carleton Street) explore opportunity for re-balancing the right-of-way to increase pedestrian space, improve cycling facilities and improve public transit and transit stops |
TS, TTC |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
|
X |
Not Funded |
Front Street: Establish a heritage walking route along Front Street |
CP, HT |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
|
X |
Not Funded |
Front Street West: Coordinate development between York and Bathurst to implement Front Street streetscape improvements |
CP, TS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
|
Jarvis Street: explore opportunities through development to improve and expand the pedestrian realm and to provide space and conditions that can support the growth of healthy shade trees on both sides of the street |
CP, PFR, TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
|
X |
Not Funded |
King Street: Undertake detailed design to implement permanent streetscape improvements for the transit priority corridor |
TS, TTC, CP |
Design |
Planned |
X |
|
Parially Funded |
University Avenue: Explore opportunity for reconfiguration to create a linear park and permanent cycling infrastructure through a Sub-surface Technical Feasibility Study |
CP, TS, PFR, TW |
Study/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Yonge Street: Temporary Complete Street Improvements (Bloor Street to Davisville Avenue) through ActiveTO Accelerated Cycling Network |
TS |
Pilot Imple-ment/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Yonge Street: Implement future vision as approved in yongeTOmorrow Environmental Assessment (Queen Street to College Street/Carlton Street) |
TS |
Design |
Planned |
X |
|
Partially Funded |
Parliament Street (Bloor Street to Wellesley Street): Secure identified setbacks to achieve pedestrian clearway and enhance tree planting (secured through development) |
CP |
Design and Implement |
Underway |
X |
X |
Funded |
Parliament Street: Secure identified parkland on Parliament Street south (Front Street to waterfront) |
PFR |
Study/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
X |
Not Funded |
Parliament Street: In coordination with actions for the Shoreline Stitch, improve the pedestrian experience from First Parliament site to the waterfront and create a significant public space where Parliament Street meets the shoreline |
CP, WT |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
X |
Not Funded |
Queen Street: Coordinate initiatives such as Old City Hall Revitalization and Ontario Line Station design to support a continuous green frontage on the north side of Queen Street between Old City Hall and Campbell House |
CP |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
|
Not Funded |
Queens Quay: Extend Central Waterfront Master Plan for Queens Quay eastward to the East Bayfront and Lower Don Lands communities |
CP, WT, TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
|
TBD |
Spadina Avenue/Road: Explore opportunity for re-balancing Spadina Avenue/Road right-of-ways to increase space for pedestrians and cyclists (north of Bloor Street) |
TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
|
X |
Not Funded |
Table 5 - Shoreline Stitch Actions
Shoreline Stitch Actions |
Lead |
Stage-gate |
Status |
2021-2025 |
2026- 2030 |
Funding |
Improve Pedestrian Realm on Front Street (Feasibility study) |
TS, CP |
Study/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Continue advancing planning for decking over the rail corridor |
PFR, CP |
Study/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
X |
TBD |
Lake Shore Boulevard East Public Realm Improvements (Jarvis Street to Logan Avenue) |
WT, TS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Explore Advancing Future Phases of The Bentway and Under Gardiner |
CP, PFR, TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
|
Not Funded |
96 Queens Quay W (Love Park) |
PFR, WT |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
318 Queens Quay W (Rees Street Park) |
PFR, WT |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Table 6 - Park Districts
Park District Actions |
Lead |
Stage-gate |
Status |
2021-2025 |
2026- 2030 |
Funding |
Bathurst Quay-Coronation Park-Ontario Place (BCO): Waterfront promenade, structural rehabilitation of dockwall and Eireen Quay streetscape complete. New Waterfront Plaza, rehabilitation and transformation of Canada Malting Company building and silos underway |
CP, PFR |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Bay Cloverhill Loop: Dr. Lillian McGregor Park, a new park at 25 Wellesley Street West and improvements to Breadalbane Streetscape to the south. Yonge Street Linear Parks Improvements (including George Hislop Park, Norman Jewison Park and Alexander Street Parkette) |
PFR, TS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Cabbagetown-Riverdale: Improvements to Sumach Street and Sackville Street for people cycling |
TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Civic Precinct: Undertake Civic Precinct Public Realm and Public Art Master Plan to enhance the public realm, improve permeability and expand and connect the existing public spaces. Study the feasibility of closing the City Hall parkade entrance on the south side of Queen Street |
CP, TS, TPA, PFR |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
|
Not Funded |
The Garden District: Moss Park and John Innes Community Recreation Centre redevelopment |
PFR |
Design |
Planned |
X |
|
Funded |
The Garden District: George Street Revitalization from Dundas Street to Gerrard Street, supporting a connection from Moss Park to Allan Gardens and the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. |
TS,SSLTC, SSHA, IAO, CS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
X |
TBD |
The Garden District: Streetscape enhancements for Pembroke Street to be considered during upcoming local road resurfacing; consider improvements to George Street from Shuter Street to Dundas Street East. |
TS |
Design |
Recom-mended |
X |
X |
Not Funded |
The Grange-John Street - Roundhouse Park: John Street Cultural Corridor |
TS, BIA |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
The Grange-John Street - Roundhouse Park (GJR): Grange Precinct Plan with a community service focus and a parks and public realm focus. Parks and Public Realm Strategy will examine opportunities to improve laneways, streets, pedestrian and cycling connections, accessibility, place-making, and safety for all users |
CreateTO, CREM, CP, PFR, TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Planned |
X |
|
Funded |
Kensington Market-Alexandra Park (KMAP): Alexandra Park parkland redesign and state of good repair improvements |
PFR, TS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
KMAP (southern portion): Bathurst-Dundas Precinct study to coordinate investments in community services and facilities with parks and public realm improvements. |
CREM, SDFA, PFR, TS, EDC, SSHA |
Study/ Analysis |
Planned |
X |
|
Not Funded |
KMAP (northern portion): Undertake a Park District Plan to enhance and improve connections, make better use of small, underutilized spaces, including parkettes and improve landscaped edges. Plan should also recommend opportunities to experiment with pilot projects and public space activations |
PFR, TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
|
X |
Not Funded |
Old Town-St.Lawrence-Distillery: Revitalization of David Crombie Park and improvements to The Esplanade |
PFR, TS |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
The Pits' Christie-Bickford Park District Study: Undertake a program and design review of Christie Pits, The Bickford Centre, and Bickford Park as a system, providing a broad range of programs and experiences. Include a Public Life study that will examine how to improve park edges, access points and connections. A park circuit using the three spaces should be examined to promote active movement through the spaces. This Park District Study should be integrated with the Core Circle Concept Plan and Gap Analysis |
PFR, TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
|
Not Funded |
St. James Town: Partner with TCHC to revitalize the central open space at 200 Wellesley Street East, revitalize Ontario Street for pedestrians and cyclists and advance the Market Place Pilot Project |
PFR, TS, SDFA, TCHC |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
St. James Town: Revitalization of St. James Town West Park and construction of a new parkette on Howard Street |
PFR |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
West Rail District: Revitalize St. Andrew's Playground |
PFR |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
West Rail District: Coordinate Capital Projects on Wellington Street West and Draper Street as per MM30.14. |
TS, CP, PFR |
Design |
Recommended |
X |
|
Partially Funded |
The Garrison Parks-Fort York and West Rail District: Advance design work to improve and enhance the utility of the parks within these districts, including, but not limited to Victoria Memorial Square Park, Clarence Square, Stanley Park, Ordnance Triangle Park and Gore Park as per MM35.34. |
PFR, CP |
Design |
Recommended |
X |
|
Partially Funded |
4. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with the City Manager's Office, to pursue partnership and funding opportunities with Federal and Provincial governments to support Rebuild and Recovery efforts in the implementation of the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan.
5. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to report back in 2024 on an update to the implementation strategy for the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan, and a summary of achievements to date.
6. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to identify opportunities to secure large parks in and adjacent to the Downtown, undertake due diligence and report back as required to advance implementation of these initiatives.
7. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to consider, as part of the Great Streets plan for University Avenue, potential safety and public realm upgrades to Queen's Park and Avenue Road, north of Bloor Street.
8. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to prepare a scope of work and include a submission for City Council's consideration in the 2022-2031 Capital Budget, and to work in consultation with the Ward Councillor to identify the use of available Section 37 funds to advance the following projects:
a. the Bay Cloverhill Green Loop; and
b. the Garden District greening opportunities to connect Moss Park to Allan Gardens on Pembroke and George Streets from Dundas Street to Gerrard Street.
9. City Council request Metrolinx to review the TOcore Implementation Strategy - Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan and to work with the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to provide a report to the December 2, 2021 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the following:
a. identifying City of Toronto projects that will be impacted by the proposed Ontario Line;
b. working with appropriate City of Toronto staff to reduce adverse financial and scheduling impacts;
c. prioritizing ensuring a "build back better" approach for the public realm (parks, streets, civic facilities and open spaces) impacted by the Ontario Line; and
d. creating Community Liaison Committees with Ward Councillors that will solicit input, actively inform and support local communities throughout the Ontario Line construction process.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-170300.pdf
Attachment 1 - Parkland Provision in 2033 with No New Parks Added
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-170301.pdf
Attachment 2 - Downtown Completed Projects Since 2015
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-170302.pdf
Attachment 3 - Downtown New and Future Parks Secured Through Development and Acquisitions Since 2015
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-170303.pdf
Communications (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/comm/communicationfile-136236.pdf
Motions (City Council)
That City Council delete Infrastructure and Environment Committee Recommendation 9:
Recommendation to be deleted
9. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting on December 2, 2021 on the impact of the proposed Ontario Line construction on the existing TOcore Implementation Strategy - Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan and related facilities including known financial and scheduling impacts, recognizing that any delays could create additional inconvenience and cost to the City and may conflict with other capital projects.
and replace it with the following new Recommendation 9:
9. City Council request Metrolinx to review the TOcore Implementation Strategy - Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan and to work with the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to provide a report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting on December 2, 2021 on the following:
a. identify city projects that will be impacted by the proposed Ontario Line;
b. work with appropriate City staff to reduce adverse financial and scheduling impacts;
c. prioritize ensuring a “build back better” approach for public realm (parks, streets, civic facilities and open spaces) impacted by the Ontario Line; and
d. create Community Liaison Committees with Ward Councillors that will solicit input, actively inform and support local communities throughout the Ontario Line construction process.
IE24.7 - TOcore Implementation Strategy - Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- 10 - Spadina - Fort York, 11 - University - Rosedale, 13 - Toronto Centre
Committee Recommendations
Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:
1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to incorporate the priority studies, master plans, detailed streetscape designs and implementation projects contained in Tables 3 to 6 in the Comments section of the report (August 30, 2021) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and the Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in the development of the 10-year Capital Budget and Plan each year as part of the budget process to advance the implementation of the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan.
2. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the General Manager, Transportation Services and the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to advance opportunities to implement the priority studies, master plans, park improvements, detailed streetscape designs and implementation projects contained in Tables 3 to 6 in the Comments section of the report (August 30, 2021) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and the Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture through the evaluation of development applications in the Downtown, and adjacent areas as relevant.
3. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the Interim General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, working collaboratively with the Director of the Indigenous Affairs Office, in partnership with Indigenous leaders and organizations, and in alignment with the Parks Wayfinding Strategy and TO360, to explore opportunities to celebrate Indigenous cultures and histories through Indigenous placekeeping and placemaking initiatives and through a refresh to the Discovery Walks storytelling program within the priority projects contained in Tables 3-6 in the Comments section of the report (August 30, 2021) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and the Executive Director, City Planning, and the Interim General Manager, Economic Development and Culture.
Tables 3 to 6 from the report (August 30, 2021) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and the Executive Director, City Planning, and the Interim General Manager, Economic Development and Culture:
Table 3 Core Circle
Core Circle Actions |
Lead |
Stage-gate |
Status |
2021-2025 |
2026- 2030 |
Funding |
Core Circle Concept Plan and Gap Analysis |
PFR, TS (CP, EDC) |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
|
Not Funded |
Toronto Island Master Plan |
PFR |
Study/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
New Parks at Garrison Crossing, including 10 Ordnance, South Stanley Park extension and Gore Park |
PFR |
Design |
Planned |
X |
|
Funded |
Mouth of the Creek Park construction |
PFR |
Implement |
Planned |
X |
|
Funded |
Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge and Tunnel |
TS |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Lower Don Trail Improvements and Access |
PFR, TS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Rosedale Valley Road Multi-Use Trail Upgrade |
TS |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Explore opportunities to improve pedestrian and cycling connections to Bayview Avenue at Wellesley Park |
PFR, TS, TRCA
|
Study/ Analysis
|
Underway
|
X |
|
Partially Funded |
Table 4 - Great Streets
Great Streets Actions |
Lead |
Stage-gate |
Status |
2021-2025 |
2026-2030 |
Funding |
Bayview Avenue: Temporary pedestrian and cycling improvements (Rosedale Valley Road to Mill Street) through ActiveTO Accelerated Cycling Network |
TS |
Pilot Implement/Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Bayview Avenue: Develop a vision for the bridges at Bloor Street, Gerrard Street, Dundas Street and Queen Street and other industrial infrastructure and integrate into the streetscape of Bayview Avenue |
TS, CP |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
|
X |
Not Funded |
Bloor Street: construction of permanent raised cycle tracks (Avenue Road to Spadina Avenue) |
TS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Bloor Street: Installation of temporary cycle tracks (Avenue Road to Sherbourne Street) through ActiveTO Accelerated Cycling Network |
TS |
Pilot Imple-ment/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Bloor Street: Implement permanent cycling infrastructure and public realm enhancements east of Avenue - Church Street to Parliament Avenue |
TS,BIA |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
College-Carleton Corridor: (College Street -Bathurst Street to Spadina Avenue) explore opportunity for re-balancing the right-of-way to increase pedestrian space, improve cycling facilities and improve public transit and transit stops |
TS, TTC |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
College-Carleton Corridor: (Carleton Street) explore opportunity for re-balancing the right-of-way to increase pedestrian space, improve cycling facilities and improve public transit and transit stops |
TS, TTC |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
|
X |
Not Funded |
Front Street: Establish a heritage walking route along Front Street |
CP, HT |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
|
X |
Not Funded |
Front Street West: Coordinate development between York and Bathurst to implement Front Street streetscape improvements |
CP, TS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
|
Jarvis Street: explore opportunities through development to improve and expand the pedestrian realm and to provide space and conditions that can support the growth of healthy shade trees on both sides of the street |
CP, PFR, TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
|
X |
Not Funded |
King Street: Undertake detailed design to implement permanent streetscape improvements for the transit priority corridor |
TS, TTC, CP |
Design |
Planned |
X |
|
Parially Funded |
University Avenue: Explore opportunity for reconfiguration to create a linear park and permanent cycling infrastructure through a Sub-surface Technical Feasibility Study |
CP, TS, PFR, TW |
Study/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Yonge Street: Temporary Complete Street Improvements (Bloor Street to Davisville Avenue) through ActiveTO Accelerated Cycling Network |
TS |
Pilot Imple-ment/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Yonge Street: Implement future vision as approved in yongeTOmorrow Environmental Assessment (Queen Street to College Street/Carlton Street) |
TS |
Design |
Planned |
X |
|
Partially Funded |
Parliament Street (Bloor Street to Wellesley Street): Secure identified setbacks to achieve pedestrian clearway and enhance tree planting (secured through development) |
CP |
Design and Implement |
Underway |
X |
X |
Funded |
Parliament Street: Secure identified parkland on Parliament Street south (Front Street to waterfront) |
PFR |
Study/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
X |
Not Funded |
Parliament Street: In coordination with actions for the Shoreline Stitch, improve the pedestrian experience from First Parliament site to the waterfront and create a significant public space where Parliament Street meets the shoreline |
CP, WT |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
X |
Not Funded |
Queen Street: Coordinate initiatives such as Old City Hall Revitalization and Ontario Line Station design to support a continuous green frontage on the north side of Queen Street between Old City Hall and Campbell House |
CP |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
|
Not Funded |
Queens Quay: Extend Central Waterfront Master Plan for Queens Quay eastward to the East Bayfront and Lower Don Lands communities |
CP, WT, TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
|
TBD |
Spadina Avenue/Road: Explore opportunity for re-balancing Spadina Avenue/Road right-of-ways to increase space for pedestrians and cyclists (north of Bloor Street) |
TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
|
X |
Not Funded |
Table 5 - Shoreline Stitch Actions
Shoreline Stitch Actions |
Lead |
Stage-gate |
Status |
2021-2025 |
2026- 2030 |
Funding |
Improve Pedestrian Realm on Front Street (Feasibility study) |
TS, CP |
Study/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Continue advancing planning for decking over the rail corridor |
PFR, CP |
Study/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
X |
TBD |
Lake Shore Boulevard East Public Realm Improvements (Jarvis Street to Logan Avenue) |
WT, TS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Explore Advancing Future Phases of The Bentway and Under Gardiner |
CP, PFR, TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
|
Not Funded |
96 Queens Quay W (Love Park) |
PFR, WT |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
318 Queens Quay W (Rees Street Park) |
PFR, WT |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Table 6 - Park Districts
Park District Actions |
Lead |
Stage-gate |
Status |
2021-2025 |
2026- 2030 |
Funding |
Bathurst Quay-Coronation Park-Ontario Place (BCO): Waterfront promenade, structural rehabilitation of dockwall and Eireen Quay streetscape complete. New Waterfront Plaza, rehabilitation and transformation of Canada Malting Company building and silos underway |
CP, PFR |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Bay Cloverhill Loop: Dr. Lillian McGregor Park, a new park at 25 Wellesley Street West and improvements to Breadalbane Streetscape to the south. Yonge Street Linear Parks Improvements (including George Hislop Park, Norman Jewison Park and Alexander Street Parkette) |
PFR, TS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Cabbagetown-Riverdale: Improvements to Sumach Street and Sackville Street for people cycling |
TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
Civic Precinct: Undertake Civic Precinct Public Realm and Public Art Master Plan to enhance the public realm, improve permeability and expand and connect the existing public spaces. Study the feasibility of closing the City Hall parkade entrance on the south side of Queen Street |
CP, TS, TPA, PFR |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
|
Not Funded |
The Garden District: Moss Park and John Innes Community Recreation Centre redevelopment |
PFR |
Design |
Planned |
X |
|
Funded |
The Garden District: George Street Revitalization from Dundas Street to Gerrard Street, supporting a connection from Moss Park to Allan Gardens and the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. |
TS,SSLTC, SSHA, IAO, CS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
X |
TBD |
The Garden District: Streetscape enhancements for Pembroke Street to be considered during upcoming local road resurfacing; consider improvements to George Street from Shuter Street to Dundas Street East. |
TS |
Design |
Recom-mended |
X |
X |
Not Funded |
The Grange-John Street - Roundhouse Park: John Street Cultural Corridor |
TS, BIA |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
The Grange-John Street - Roundhouse Park (GJR): Grange Precinct Plan with a community service focus and a parks and public realm focus. Parks and Public Realm Strategy will examine opportunities to improve laneways, streets, pedestrian and cycling connections, accessibility, place-making, and safety for all users |
CreateTO, CREM, CP, PFR, TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Planned |
X |
|
Funded |
Kensington Market-Alexandra Park (KMAP): Alexandra Park parkland redesign and state of good repair improvements |
PFR, TS |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
KMAP (southern portion): Bathurst-Dundas Precinct study to coordinate investments in community services and facilities with parks and public realm improvements. |
CREM, SDFA, PFR, TS, EDC, SSHA |
Study/ Analysis |
Planned |
X |
|
Not Funded |
KMAP (northern portion): Undertake a Park District Plan to enhance and improve connections, make better use of small, underutilized spaces, including parkettes and improve landscaped edges. Plan should also recommend opportunities to experiment with pilot projects and public space activations |
PFR, TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
|
X |
Not Funded |
Old Town-St.Lawrence-Distillery: Revitalization of David Crombie Park and improvements to The Esplanade |
PFR, TS |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
The Pits' Christie-Bickford Park District Study: Undertake a program and design review of Christie Pits, The Bickford Centre, and Bickford Park as a system, providing a broad range of programs and experiences. Include a Public Life study that will examine how to improve park edges, access points and connections. A park circuit using the three spaces should be examined to promote active movement through the spaces. This Park District Study should be integrated with the Core Circle Concept Plan and Gap Analysis |
PFR, TS |
Study/ Analysis |
Recom-mended |
X |
|
Not Funded |
St. James Town: Partner with TCHC to revitalize the central open space at 200 Wellesley Street East, revitalize Ontario Street for pedestrians and cyclists and advance the Market Place Pilot Project |
PFR, TS, SDFA, TCHC |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
St. James Town: Revitalization of St. James Town West Park and construction of a new parkette on Howard Street |
PFR |
Design |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
West Rail District: Revitalize St. Andrew's Playground |
PFR |
Implement |
Underway |
X |
|
Funded |
West Rail District: Coordinate Capital Projects on Wellington Street West and Draper Street as per MM30.14. |
TS, CP, PFR |
Design |
Recommended |
X |
|
Partially Funded |
The Garrison Parks-Fort York and West Rail District: Advance design work to improve and enhance the utility of the parks within these districts, including, but not limited to Victoria Memorial Square Park, Clarence Square, Stanley Park, Ordnance Triangle Park and Gore Park as per MM35.34. |
PFR, CP |
Design |
Recommended |
X |
|
Partially Funded |
4. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with the City Manager's Office, to pursue partnership and funding opportunities with Federal and Provincial governments to support Rebuild and Recovery efforts in the implementation of the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan.
5. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to report back in 2024 on an update to the implementation strategy for the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan, and a summary of achievements to date.
6. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to identify opportunities to secure large parks in and adjacent to the Downtown, undertake due diligence and report back as required to advance implementation of these initiatives.
7. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to consider, as part of the Great Streets plan for University Avenue, potential safety and public realm upgrades to Queen's Park and Avenue Road, north of Bloor Street.
8. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to prepare a scope of work and include a submission for City Council's consideration in the 2022-2031 Capital Budget, and to work in consultation with the Ward Councillor to identify the use of available Section 37 funds to advance the following projects:
a. the Bay Cloverhill Green Loop; and
b. the Garden District greening opportunities to connect Moss Park to Allan Gardens on Pembroke and George Streets from Dundas Street to Gerrard Street.
9. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting on December 2, 2021 on the impact of the proposed Ontario Line construction on the existing TOcore Implementation Strategy - Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan and related facilities including known financial and scheduling impacts, recognizing that any delays could create additional inconvenience and cost to the City and may conflict with other capital projects.
Origin
Summary
This report identifies a strategy to continue to advance and plan the implementation of the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan.
The Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan was adopted by City Council in May 2018. It was adopted to serve as a vision for the Downtown and to guide implementation and future review of the Downtown Plan. It is one of five infrastructure plans and strategies supporting the Downtown Plan (Official Plan Amendment 406), which came into force on June 5, 2019. The Parks and Public Realm Plan sets out a new way of thinking about the integrated design of parks, streets and other publicly accessible open spaces in an intensifying Downtown, to achieve a bold and lasting legacy for future generations. It establishes a vision and framework for achieving an expanded, improved and connected network of public spaces within the mature urban fabric of Downtown. It was developed through a comprehensive, city-wide three-phase engagement process, which involved the public, stakeholder groups and Indigenous communities. Many of the initiatives recommended in the Parks and Public Realm Plan are already underway in terms of planning, design and implementation. This approach to rolling implementation is essential to enhancing the quality of public spaces in parallel with Downtown's rapid growth.
The implementation of the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan is well-positioned to contribute to recommendations number 68 and number 66 advanced by the Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild on accelerating progress toward a green and less car-dependent city, envisioned as a network of connected complete communities that enhances future access for those least able to access greenspace.
Quality public space is essential to keeping the growing heart of the city an attractive place to live, work, learn, play, visit and invest. Downtown's population is projected to double from nearly 238,000 people in 2016 to a potential population of 475,000 by 2041. Employment in Downtown (together with the "shoulder" areas of South of Eastern and Liberty Village) has the potential to reach between 850,000 and 915,000 jobs by 2041, up from approximately 500,000 jobs in 2016.
Downtown has one of the lowest parkland provision rates in the city at 5.5 m2 per resident (utilizing the 2016 Census) and 1.8 m2 per resident and employee compared to a city-wide average of 28 m2 per resident and 18 m2 per resident and employee. As the population continues to increase, and if no new parkland is added, parkland provision rates will fall even lower. To address this challenge, the City has to improve and optimize existing parks and public spaces and acquire new parks, especially large parks to serve the Downtown.
This report highlights parkland acquisitions, capital projects and other improvements achieved and underway since the launch of the TOcore initiative. The Implementation Strategy for the Downtown PPR Plan supports ongoing integrated planning and design and alignment of capital budgeting for parks, streets and public space initiatives across four City divisions -- Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Transportation Services, Economic Development and Culture, and City Planning -- with the aim of developing complete communities in the core. It sets out priorities for investing in parks, streets and public spaces over the near term (2021-2025) towards achievement of the Downtown Plan's 25-year vision, along with evidence-based methodologies to evaluate new opportunities as they arise. It offers an equity-based and consistent framework for identifying, on a year-over-year basis, where, how, and when to invest in public space. By overlaying and mapping the capital plans of multiple City divisions and agencies, the Implementation Strategy helps identify opportunities to bundle the work of different groups into single initiatives. It also points to opportunities for partnerships with city-building partners, such as major institutions, agencies, boards and commissions, and to continue to achieve new parks and other improvements through development.
This Implementation Strategy focuses equally on the importance of investing in state of good repair for existing infrastructure, and on the provision of new and improved parks, streets and public spaces. Through maximizing the lifecycle and efficiency of existing infrastructure, and by ensuring new investments meet high environmental standards, the Strategy supports city-wide sustainability objectives as articulated in the City's Resiliency Strategy and the TransformTO climate action strategy.
Strategic investments are recommended for consideration in future divisional Capital Budget Plans, and several projects already underway or budgeted are highlighted that will support implementation.
Key projects recommended for advancement on a priority basis in the next five-year period (2021-2025), which would include public and stakeholder engagement as necessary, are:
Core Circle – Undertaking a concept plan for the Core Circle to advance an integrated design for a continuous walking and cycling route connecting the pre-settlement landscape system encircling Downtown. This work would build on study work underway (such as the Toronto Island Park Master Plan and Ravine Strategy) and significant investments soon to proceed (such as new parks in the vicinity of the new Garrison Crossing) and focus on addressing the remaining gaps. Importantly, it would involve partnerships with Indigenous communities to identify place-keeping and place-making opportunities.
Great Streets – Advancing the design for significant public realm improvements on 5 of the 12 Downtown Great Streets to make them outstanding civic places and connectors. These include permanent cycling infrastructure on Bloor Street, a permanent design for the King Street Transit Priority Corridor, implementation of the future vision set out in the YongeTOmorrow Environmental Assessment, a feasibility study for creating a potential linear park along University Avenue in the future, and implementing streetscape improvements to Front Street West via coordination and partnerships with the development industry.
Shoreline Stitch – Moving forward key next steps in weaving the waterfront back into the fabric of Downtown by continuing to explore opportunities to deck over the Union Station rail corridor for public parkland, and exploring the potential for future phases of the Bentway/Under Gardiner initiative. This would weave together the 3 threads of the Stitch, including Queens Quay, the Bentway and the rail corridor, and enhance access to new parks currently being developed on the waterfront.
Civic Precinct – Undertaking a Civic Precinct public realm and public art master plan to improve connections between the significant public spaces in the precinct, building on forthcoming investments in the Indian Residential School Survivor Legacy Project, the new Courthouse, the return of Old City Hall to public use and the planned Ontario Line subway stations.
Park Districts – Advancing planning in 6 park districts within Downtown to improve their focus for public life and community use by expanding and improving parkland and making connectivity improvements to streets and public spaces. These Park District studies will include the northern portion of the Grange-John Street-Roundhouse Park Park District via the Grange Precinct Plan, the southern portion of the Kensington Market-Alexandra Park Park District via the Bathurst-Dundas Precinct study, the Christie-Bickford Park District, the Civic Precinct mentioned above, the West Rail District and the Garrison Parks-Fort York Park Districts.
This Implementation Strategy will be monitored and updated every five years to reflect the changing needs of the population relative to growth patterns and to direct capital funds in a strategic manner.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-170300.pdf
Attachment 1 - Parkland Provision in 2033 with No New Parks Added
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-170301.pdf
Attachment 2 - Downtown Completed Projects Since 2015
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-170302.pdf
Attachment 3 - Downtown New and Future Parks Secured Through Development and Acquisitions Since 2015
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-170303.pdf
Communications
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/comm/communicationfile-136236.pdf
Speakers
Motions
That Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommend that:
1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to consider, as part of the Great Streets plan for University Avenue, potential safety and public realm upgrades to Queen's Park and Avenue Road, north of Bloor Street.
That Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommend that:
1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the General Manager, Transportation Services, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to prepare a scope of work and include a submission for Council's consideration in the 2022-2031 Capital Budget, and to work in consultation with the Ward Councillor to identify the use of available Section 37 funds to advance the following projects:
a. the Bay Cloverhill Green Loop; and
b. the Garden District greening opportunities to connect Moss Park to Allan Gardens on Pembroke and George Streets from Dundas Street to Gerrard Street.
2. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting on December 2, 2021 on the impact of the proposed Ontario Line construction on the existing TOcore Implementation Strategy - Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan and related facilities including known financial and scheduling impacts, recognizing that any delays could create additional inconvenience and cost to the City and may conflict with other capital projects.