Item - 2023.EC8.11

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1. Referred the item back to the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services, and requested the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services to meet with the local city Councillor and the Learning Enrichment Foundation to consider revising the original report to reflect City Council’s requests in 2022.EY33.11 and include specific recommendations to activate Mount Dennis “Community for All Action Plan” in partnership with the community, and report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the first quarter of 2024. 

The purpose of this report is to outline the proposed development and reporting timeline for the Mount Dennis Community for All Action Plan.

The Mount Dennis area is set to become one of the most transit-connected neighbourhoods in Toronto. When the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is complete, Mount Dennis will be the western terminus station and a key interconnection point between the subway and commuter rail systems, providing access to the Kitchener GO Line and UP Express. Ultimately, the population of Mount Dennis is projected to triple in the next 20 years.

In anticipation of this connectivity and resultant transit-oriented development interest, a significant amount of study work has been completed in the area over recent years. This includes the Mount Dennis Secondary Plan, the Picture Mount Dennis Planning Framework, and the Mount Dennis Economic Development Study. 

The result has been the development of a comprehensive vision and planning framework based on the input of area residents, businesses, local services, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous partners.

As part of the ongoing work, City Council has requested staff to develop a responsive community focused plan or the Mount Dennis area. Building on the established planning framework, the "Community for All Action Plan" will propose specific strategies and quantifiable targets for preserving and building new affordable housing, improving social and economic outcomes including upgraded infrastructure, enhanced community and social services, retaining and expanding local businesses, and cultivating high-quality parks and outdoor amenities.

By way of motion, City Council requested the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services to provide biannual reports on the development and implementation of a Mount Dennis Community for All Action Plan, with the first report to the Economic and Community Development Committee.  This report represents the inaugural update.