Over the last two years, the City of Toronto conducted the Eglinton Connects Planning Study to determine the future land use planning framework and public realm plan for Eglinton Avenue between Jane Street and just east of Kennedy Road (Kennedy Subway Station). City staff will now consult the public on specific implementation measures to make the plan a reality. These consultation meetings have been scheduled for May 12 and 15. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Eglinton Connects Planning Study area corresponds to the area where Metrolinx is currently building the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which is scheduled to open in 2020.
The planning study resulted in 21 recommendations and implementation strategies related to travelling, greening and building along Eglinton Avenue. The recommendations were informed by extensive community consultation, including input from residents, businesses, organizations, students, community advocates and local councillors at over 60 events. The recommendations can be viewed on the study website at http://www.toronto.ca/eglinton (under the “Materials” tab).
These recommendations were endorsed by the City’s Planning and Growth Management Committee in April. The committee has directed the study team to consult with the community on specific implementation measures and additional work required to bring the plan to life. This consultation will occur at two upcoming public meetings:
- Monday, May 12, 6 to 9 p.m.: Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Rd. (just south of Eglinton Avenue)
- Thursday, May 15, 6 to 9 p.m.: Beth Sholom Synagogue, 1445 Eglinton Ave. W. (just west of Allen Road)
A comprehensive presentation of the implementation measures will take place at each meeting at 7:30 p.m.
The consultations will focus on the following implementation measures:
- limited changes to some land use designations in the Official Plan
- zoning amendments to permit the as-of-right development of mid-rise buildings
- reductions in parking requirements to reflect the higher-order transit access
- relief from some zoning regulations for Metrolinx LRT-related buildings
- site and area-specific policies to facilitate the intensification of three Focus Areas
- official Plan policies to require the dedication or extension of public lanes
- widening the planned right-of-way width on Eglinton Avenue in two segments, and
- future studies required to implement the recommendations of Eglinton Connects.
Following this consultation process, City Planning will report back to the Planning and Growth Management Committee in June with the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments, and the further studies needed to complete the plan.
The objectives of the Eglinton Connects Planning Study are to intensify, beautify and improve mobility along Eglinton Avenue. These objectives will help to realize the full potential of opportunities presented by the construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.
More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/eglinton