Toronto

The Bloor-Yorkville BIA (Business Improvement Area) is experiencing major problems of success. Multiple development applications have been reviewed, discussed and implemented over the past 10 years, and the Area continues to be bombarded by individual, large-scale redevelopment proposals that are both conceived and reviewed in isolation from each other.  Comprehensive planning is not being carried out, and existing policies and guidelines are being summarily ignored.  The City of Toronto has been grappling with the pressures caused by a proliferation of very tall buildings in an attempt to: enhance the pedestrian environment; minimize shadowing of sidewalks, parks and public squares; protect landmark views and heritage resources;  and improve the experience, the quality of life (access to natural light, sky views and privacy), as well as business opportunities for people living, shopping and working. Since the beginning of the study process for the Tall Buildings Downtown Project, development pressure has increased in Bloor-Yorkville BIA Area.  The Planning Partnership with Ken Greenberg have been engaged to develop a Planning Framework and Implementation Strategy which will confirm a long-term development vision for the Bloor-Yorkville BIA Area building on its unique attributes and character, and prepare a planning framework and direction for implementation through available existing and innovative statutory planning instruments.