Frank Clarizio, Acting Commissioner, Development Services, introduced this item as an overview of the project and approach for the Yonge Corridor Secondary Plan. Acting Commissioner Clarizio introduced Melanie Hare to deliver a presentation.
Melanie Hare, Partner, Urban Strategies, delivered a presentation.
Amanah Rahal, Weston Consulting, deputant, advised that they are looking for inclusion of the property they represent, 11 Glen Cameron Road, in the Yonge Corridor Secondary Plan and would like further information on the overall process.
The Committee asked if the letter from Weston Consulting was acknowledged and why 11 Glen Cameron Road was not included.
Darryl Lyons, Deputy Director, Planning & Urban Design, confirmed that the letter was acknowledged, noting that he would look into it further to determine the exact response. Mr. Lyons advised that the lands in question are located within an employment area which would be required to go through a municipal review at the Regional level to accommodate non-employment uses. Mr. Lyons noted that through the review, the secondary plan boundary would be further investigated and determined. Mr. Lyons further clarified that 11 Glen Cameron Road is currently included in the study area, but not in the preliminary secondary plan area.
The Committee provided the following feedback:
- Asked what smart cities and a complete community mean in the context of the secondary plan. Ms. Hare advised that smart city refers to what technological advancements and connectivity can be explored through the secondary plan, noting that there is a national expert on smart cities on the Urban Strategies team. Ms. Hare explained that complete communities is a widely used planning term but, in her opinion, is an effort to ensure that there are accessible amenities and open space facilities, presenting opportunities to both work and live in a community.
- Expressed support for the inclusion of both sides of Yonge Street in the study area, asking how the City of Vaughan and City of Toronto would be engaged. Ms. Hare advised that generally, the team would be looking at opportunities for connectivity, particularly with respect to the adjacency to the subway stations. Ms. Hare advised that the team would also look to understand the amount of upcoming growth and the implications to servicing infrastructure. Mr. Lyons advised that City Staff would have active meetings with the City of Vaughan and Toronto, noting that meetings are already taking place with respect to the Yonge North Subway Extension, and that Staff would remain connected to understand what is being built and what is proposed.
- Expressed general support for intensification along subway routes but emphasized that other community needs such as doctor's offices, grocery stores, and other amenities also need to be provided for to ensure that the quality of life and needs of existing and new residents to the area are respected.
- Expressed support for the heritage district not being included but concern with the orientation between two subway stations, asking if the Major Transit Station Area circles overlap into the heritage district. Mr. Lyons clarified that the York Region Official Plan includes defined polygons which are not perfect circles and as such do not go into the heritage districts. Mr. Lyons advised that as part of the scope of work, the consultant will look at adjacencies to ensure compatibility and that applicable policies are upheld.
- Asked if the timeline for a final recommendation by the end of 2025 was as expedited as possible. Giulio Cescato, Director, Planning & Urban Design, expressed understanding that the community has been waiting for the completed secondary plan, noting that the proposed timeline is as aggressive as possible considering the complex work involved and need to understand engineering constraints.
- Asked if the Dudley Avenue extension would be a part of the study, expressing the importance of that connection. Mr. Lyons confirmed that work being undertaken will look at the Dudley Avenue extension and appropriate road fabric.