Item - 2026.PH29.1
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on April 22 and 23, 2026 without amendments.
- This item was considered by the Planning and Housing Committee on April 14, 2026 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on April 22 and 23, 2026.
PH29.1 - 601, 625, and 673 Lake Shore Boulevard East, 185 Villiers Street, and 300 Commissioners Street - City-initiated "Meanwhile Use" enabling Policy and Zoning, and Update on McCleary District Planning Work
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Ward:
- 14 - Toronto - Danforth
City Council Decision
City Council on April 22 and 23, 2026, adopted the following:
1. City Council amend the Official Plan for 601, 625, and 673 Lake Shore Boulevard East, 185 Villiers Street and 300 Commissioners Street substantially in accordance with the draft Official Plan Amendment included as Attachment 6 to the report (March 30, 2026) from the Interim Executive Director, Development Review and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.
2. City Council amend City of Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013 for 601, 625, and 673 Lake Shore Boulevard East, 185 Villiers Street and 300 Commissioners Street substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment included as Attachment 7 to the report (March 30, 2026) from the Interim Executive Director, Development Review and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.
3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment and draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.
4. Prior to the enactment of Bills, City Council direct the Executive Director, Development Review to obtain the joint approval, if required, of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry pursuant to the Natural Hazards policies of the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, and the Protocol for the Lower Don Special Policy Area as it applies to Priority Projects; and that the requirements of the public authorities referred to in the Protocol Regarding the Lower Don Special Policy Area have been satisfied, which may include terms of indemnification and the development of an emergency management plan have been satisfied.
Public Notice Given
Statutory - Planning Act, RSO 1990
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-285686.pdf
Attachment 6: Draft Official Plan Amendment
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-285687.pdf
Attachment 7: Draft Zoning By-law Amendment
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-285688.pdf
(March 20, 2026) Notice of Public Meeting
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-285748.pdf
Communications (Committee)
Motions (City Council)
PH29.1 - 601, 625, and 673 Lake Shore Boulevard East, 185 Villiers Street, and 300 Commissioners Street - City-initiated "Meanwhile Use" enabling Policy and Zoning, and Update on McCleary District Planning Work
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Ward:
- 14 - Toronto - Danforth
Public Notice Given
Statutory - Planning Act, RSO 1990
Committee Recommendations
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that:
1. City Council amend the Official Plan for 601, 625, and 673 Lake Shore Boulevard East, 185 Villiers Street and 300 Commissioners Street substantially in accordance with the draft Official Plan Amendment included as Attachment 6 to the report (March 30, 2026) from the Interim Executive Director, Development Review and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.
2. City Council amend City of Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013 for 601, 625, and 673 Lake Shore Boulevard East, 185 Villiers Street and 300 Commissioners Street substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment included as Attachment 7 to the report (March 30, 2026) from the Interim Executive Director, Development Review and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.
3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment and draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.
4. Prior to the enactment of Bills, City Council direct the Executive Director, Development Review to obtain the joint approval, if required, of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry pursuant to the Natural Hazards policies of the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, and the Protocol for the Lower Don Special Policy Area as it applies to Priority Projects; and that the requirements of the public authorities referred to in the Protocol Regarding the Lower Don Special Policy Area have been satisfied, which may include terms of indemnification and the development of an emergency management plan have been satisfied.
Decision Advice and Other Information
The Planning and Housing Committee held a Statutory Public Meeting on April 14, 2026 and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.
Origin
Summary
This report reviews and recommends approval of the City-initiated Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments for "Meanwhile Uses" in the McCleary District. Meanwhile Uses, are temporary non-residential uses and activities to occupy land or buildings that are vacant, underused, or awaiting permanent, long-term development. These uses include film, creative industries, sports, cultural, entertainment and retail uses.
The proposed amendments are consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement (2024) and conform to the City's Official Plan and the Central Waterfront Secondary Plan. The proposed amendments advance good planning and City-building as the Port Lands build out incrementally.
This report also provides an update of planning work to date in the McCleary District. The McCleary District is unlike any other in Toronto. Located in the Port Lands, the District is envisioned to be a mixed-use community and a nexus of creative industry.
Given that approximately two-thirds of the lands are in public ownership, the McCleary District represents an opportunity to advance city priorities related to affordable housing, Reconciliation Action Plan implementation, and economic development approaches that strengthen the cluster of creative industries in the area.
This report describes the next stages of analysis, infrastructure planning and coordination required to finalize the Precinct Plan and the final implementing zoning and policies. Staff are expecting to complete the next phases of work to complete the Precinct Plan in 2028 and provide Council with recommended implementation tools in early 2029.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-285686.pdf
Attachment 6: Draft Official Plan Amendment
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-285687.pdf
Attachment 7: Draft Zoning By-law Amendment
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-285688.pdf
(March 20, 2026) Notice of Public Meeting
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-285748.pdf