The Downtown Tall Building Urban Design Guidelines proposed by City Staff were considered by the Toronto and East York Community Council at its meeting on February 14, 2012.

The staff report recommending adoption of the guidelines was originally endorsed by Community Council, but the item was later reopened for further consideration.

In the result, the matter has been referred back to the Director of Community Planning for further consideration and additional reports, including:

  • further consideration of height and density incentives under Section 37 of the Planning Act to be reported back to the April 17, 2012 Community Council meeting, after consultation with the affected councillors;
  • the implementation of a Development Permit System for Downtown Toronto, including consideration of affordable housing; family housing; rental housing; minimum requirements for institutional/commercial/cultural components of projects; funds for public improvements; and public squares being eligible for parks levies; and
  • a review of the policy context for Spadina Avenue from Bloor to Front Street;
  • a review of the policy context for College Street from University to Bathurst;
  • an examination of the impact of density intensification in the form of tall buildings on Downtown Toronto, as promoted by the 2006 Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe; and
  • referral of a motion by Councillor McConnell regarding the minimization of shadow impacts on St. James park, lawn, and spire at all times of year, to be considered at the April 17, 2012 meeting.

Community Council had before it approximately 20 pieces of correspondence regarding the tall building guidelines and heard from 11 deputants, including representatives of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and individual developers.

Read the Community Council's decision.

See our earlier e-Alert regarding the Downtown Tall Buildings Guidelines

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