The Toronto Official Plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the city's vision for growth and development over the next 30 years. It provides a framework for decision-making on land use, transportation, and community development, with the goal of creating a more livable, sustainable, and equitable city. The plan is based on extensive public consultation and technical analysis, and it reflects the city's commitment to building strong, vibrant communities.
Introduction to the Toronto Official Plan
The Toronto Official Plan is a key tool for shaping the city’s future, and it is guided by a set of core principles that prioritize livability, sustainability, and equity. The plan recognizes that Toronto is a diverse and complex city, with a wide range of neighborhoods and communities, each with its own unique character and needs. It also acknowledges the city’s role as a regional and national hub, and the need to balance local and broader interests. The plan is organized around five key themes: complete communities, economic vitality, social equity, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
Complete Communities
A complete community is one that provides a range of amenities and services, including housing, employment, transportation, and community facilities. The Toronto Official Plan aims to create complete communities by promoting mixed-use development, increasing the supply of housing, and improving access to employment and services. The plan also recognizes the importance of public spaces, such as parks and streets, in creating vibrant and livable communities. For example, the plan includes policies to increase the amount of green space in the city, and to improve the quality and accessibility of public transportation.
| Community Facility | Target |
|---|---|
| Parks and open spaces | 1.5 hectares per 1,000 residents |
| Community centers | 1 center per 10,000 residents |
| Libraries | 1 library per 20,000 residents |
Economic Vitality
The Toronto Official Plan recognizes the importance of economic vitality in creating a thriving and sustainable city. The plan aims to promote economic growth and development by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, improving transportation infrastructure, and increasing access to employment and training opportunities. The plan also includes policies to support the development of priority sectors, such as technology and manufacturing, and to promote local procurement and supply chain development.
Social Equity
The Toronto Official Plan recognizes that social equity is essential for creating a just and sustainable city. The plan aims to promote social equity by increasing access to affordable housing, improving access to services, and promoting inclusive and diverse communities. The plan also includes policies to support the development of community land trusts, and to promote community engagement and participation in the planning process.
- Promote affordable housing options, including rental and ownership opportunities
- Improve access to services, including healthcare, education, and social services
- Support the development of community land trusts and other forms of community-led development
What is the Toronto Official Plan?
+The Toronto Official Plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the city's vision for growth and development over the next 30 years. It provides a framework for decision-making on land use, transportation, and community development, with the goal of creating a more livable, sustainable, and equitable city.
How does the plan promote economic vitality?
+The plan promotes economic vitality by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, improving transportation infrastructure, and increasing access to employment and training opportunities. It also includes policies to support the development of priority sectors, such as technology and manufacturing, and to promote local procurement and supply chain development.
The Toronto Official Plan is a complex and multifaceted document that reflects the city’s commitment to building strong, vibrant communities. By promoting complete communities, economic vitality, social equity, environmental sustainability, and good governance, the plan aims to create a more livable, sustainable, and equitable city for all residents. As the city continues to grow and evolve, the plan will play a critical role in shaping its future and ensuring that it remains a thriving and sustainable place to live, work, and visit.
