Priority to Improve the Planning Process

Background on this priority

There was a strong consensus that the people of Toronto want to be able to plan the future of their City with their City government and not with a provincially appointed body like the OMB.

Mayor Miller reporting on the results of the Strong Toronto, Strong Ontario Consultation – June 2005

The City’s planning process is not just about structural city building, but about building a great city for the future. The role each sector plays in creating a city that meets the needs of subsequent generations while respecting and celebrating our heritage and the diversity of our neighbourhoods is complex and difficult – but worth every effort. This City Council is committed to addressing the historical tensions between members of the public, developers, staff and elected officials at all orders of government. Fundamentally City Council’s goal is to grow a better City.

The City is working to create an urban design review group which will use a peer-review process to make recommendations about the beauty and function of new developments in Toronto.

Council’s action plan to improve communications in the planning process:

Enhanced community engagement and outreach strategies.

Better communications with Councillors.

More effective community meetings.

Communicating in plain language.

Supporting the eCity initiative.

Integrated approach to final inspection processes.

Under a new City of Toronto Act, the group would be able to not only make suggestions about architecture and urban design, but also have the power to make rules that will to shape streetscapes and public spaces without having to compromise or limit City Council’s vision.

In addition the City’s has established a Development Review Project to streamline the development application review process, develop improved, transparent and consistent service delivery standards and review the process for planning approval, construction permit approval and agreements and inspections.