Item - 2023.PH3.18

The Planning and Housing Committee received the item for information.

City Council authorized the commencement of the city's Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR), known as "Our Plan Toronto", on August 4, 2020. As part of the MCR, the City Planning Division received approximately 150 requests to convert lands designated Core Employment Areas or General Employment Areas in the Official Plan for non-employment uses, some of which were City-initiated. City Planning and Economic Development and Culture staff continue to review these requests to convert Employment Areas.

The first group of 30+ conversion requests recommendations were adopted by City Council in July 2022, and is currently with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval, as the approval authority for conversion requests. On September 12, 2022, the City received confirmation from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that he suspended the 120-day time period to make a decision on the Council-adopted 30+ conversion requests. To date, the City has not received a Ministerial decision.

This report provides an update on the approximately 117 remaining conversion requests, which are mapped and listed in Attachment 1 to this report. It also provides an update on staff's review of Site and Area-Specific Policies on Employment Areas that currently permit residential uses. The report includes information on recent engagement and consultation, next steps and timing for the final report including an Official Plan Amendment.