North York Centre Non-Residential Analysis | City of Toronto

Location

Toronto, Ontario

Client

City of Toronto

Dates

2023 - Present

Services

Land Use Planning

Policy Planning

Team

Urban Systems

B&A Studios

As part of the North York Centre Secondary Plan Review, the City of Toronto has initiated a technical study on office, retail and other non-residential uses in North York Centre (the Centre). The Centre is a dynamic, transit supportive community and is currently one of the largest office-based employment hub outside of Downtown Toronto. Led by Urban Systems, in collaboration with Sajecki Planning Inc., and B&A Studios the study assesses the Centre’s needs for non-residential space to sustain existing and support projected new employment and population growth to the year 2051.

In recent years, the Centre has experienced challenges from an economic growth perspective as market and employment needs continue to change and evolve. As a key component to a broader policy refresh, the study aims to: 1) assess and determine the Centre’s needs for non-residential space to sustain existing and future population and jobs; 2) identify and rationalize suitable sub-areas in the Centre to direct potential non-residential uses; and, 3) develop policy options and recommendations to balance residential and non-residential growth in the future.

The study includes a background review on the Centre’s employment landscape, non-residential land use policy frameworks, current inventories and analysis of market performance and utilization. An interdisciplinary approach will be used to develop policy that seeks to support existing and potential future office-based jobs, a diversity of retailers, business, institutions and community agencies that serve community needs, and the continued vitality and balanced mix of uses in the Centre.