As Downtown continues to grow, it is necessary to have a comprehensive plan so that it can be enjoyed by its citizens and visitors for many more years as a vibrant place to gather, stroll through the public spaces such as parks and squares in between the tall buildings and community centers, stop to eat and shop, and be entertained.

It has been 40 years since the present plan was prepared, so it is time to employ new visions and strategies to shape the new core that will continue to make Downtown Toronto a great experience for everyone — thus the name “TOcore”.

The new plan

The new master plan will focus on adding the clarity of the proper direction in a mix of land uses in an existing thriving mature urban area that has experienced faster than anticipated residential, commercial, and employment growth. It is important to maintain a strong Financial District as well as retail, institutional, and creative industries to sustain a robust economy while protecting neighborhoods and public spaces by shaping their growth. Public spaces need to continue to be diverse and generous to serve the needs of everyone who lives, works, learns in, plays, and visits Downtown. There must be investments in recreation facilities, parks, and other social and physical infrastructure.

This plan will also require and encourage more and better separation between the towers to enable more sunlight to shine down on the streets, sidewalks, and parks. June 2016 is scheduled to bring new zoning by-law requirements and new policies by City Planning to address this issue.

Parks and Public Spaces

The visionary long-term plan being developed will improve the quality and acquisition priorities of public spaces, parkland, squares, laneways, trails, mid-block connections, school yards, waterfront promenades, and other open spaces and natural areas that are used by daily social interaction and for festival and cultural events.

Mobility

Transportation must facilitate easy and efficient accessibility, movement, and connectivity. Priority also must be given to those 75 percent of Downtown residents who walk, cycle or take transit to work, which reduces dependence on a private automobile. Plans are also included for a more walkable Downtown with a focus on pedestrian comfort, safety, and accessibility.

Community Facilities

Although facilities have been built and others are normally being planned, there is still a need to assess the community services to make sure they keep up with the needs of the changing and growing population for child care, schools, libraries, recreation, community and employment centers, human services, shelters, public health, hospitals, colleges, universities, and cultural facilities.

Water and Energy

The City is undertaking an assessment of the water and energy infrastructure with an eye to anticipated future population growth and establishing long-term investment priorities for their operation, maintenance and improvement.

Alair Homes, a general contracting company, would be happy to answer any of your questions or your queries about details regarding these exciting changes that will be coming to our beautiful Downtown Toronto.