Toronto Downtown West Business Improvement Area (BIA) Announces New Growth and Development Framework
Cover Image: Proposed Public Realm Rendering of 212 King Street West, Courtesy of Dream Office REIT, and Humbold Properties and SHoP Architects
In response to the unprecedented growth and development taking place in the neighbourhood over the last 15 years, the Toronto Downtown West BIA released a Growth and Development Framework.
“With the incredible evolution of this important part of downtown Toronto, we are pleased to launch the Growth and Development Framework,” stated Michael Emory, Chair of the Toronto Downtown West BIA. “This document details a comprehensive and unified approach to planning in one of Canada’s fastest growing neighbourhoods.”
The Toronto Downtown West BIA encompasses a significant area of the downtown, located west of the Financial District. It is made up of a large employment base, growing residential population and attracts millions of visitors annually. Additionally, this neighbourhood is home to many cultural landmarks and attractions, making it one of Canada’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.
The Growth and Development Framework is intended to assist the City and developers by identifying priorities for investment in the area during the planning process for new development projects, as well as public realm and infrastructure improvements.
“Numerous city studies and policy updates have taken place over the past several years. This prompted us to reimagine our original Master Plan by creating a document that is in step with the current planning process while emphasizing the BIA’s priorities,” said Janice Solomon, Executive Director of the Toronto Downtown West BIA
The Growth and Development Framework helps guide ongoing decisions that impact the physical environment of Downtown West in a coordinated and strategic manner. In addition to supporting the BIA in its mandate, the Growth and Development Framework also provides benchmarks and standards for developers and sets priorities for investments in the public realm.
The Growth and Development Framework centres on Three Key Areas of Focus:
- Pedestrian Realm Network and Park Space System
- Streetscapes
- Uses at Grade
Mayor John Tory indicated, “This framework developed by the Toronto Downtown West BIA is a perfect example of the collaboration necessary to support small businesses and growing neighbourhoods in our city. I want to thank the Toronto Downtown West BIA for taking on this initiative and for supporting the necessary work to address the growing demands of our city. It is important that the City and developers work with local communities and BIAs to achieve the best outcomes for healthy and vibrant neighbourhoods.”
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