OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW

As part of the city’s strategic Consolidated Growth Management Plan, staff has begun work on a new Official Plan to guide the City’s land use and development decisions to the year 2031. This is a complex, multi-disciplinary project which will entail a major public consultation process, complete review of more than 600 Official Plan documents and the preparation of secondary plans for the City’s remaining Greenfield areas. It will be coordinated with the Environmental Master Plan initiative undertaken by the City Manager’s office.

STATUS: Council has approved the Terms of Reference and the Offcial Plan Review is nearing completion. For more information, click here.

CITY-WIDE PARKING STANDARDS REVIEW

Council has directed that a study of city-wide parking standards be undertaken.

The evolution of the City of Vaughan from a rural municipality with multiple distinct communities into a suburban municipality and currently into an increasingly urban place has occurred since the preparation of the City’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law 1-88. In light of the recognition that the City’s Parking Requirements contained within Zoning By-law 1-88 are not in keeping with current and foreseeable development trends and with other comparable municipalities, the Policy Planning Department proposes to undertake a comprehensive review of the City’s “Parking Requirements”. In addition to proposing to new parking and design standards, this study will include a review of the parking supply in the Woodbridge Core and the suitability of implementing City wide cash-in-lieu of on-site parking requirements.

STATUS: Council has directed that this study be completed by June 2008. The Study will start in the fall of 2007 with the selection of a consultant. It is expected that public consultation will occur during this review. As this project will likely lead to changes to the City's Zoning By-law a Public Hearing will be held. If you would like to receive official notice of this Hearing please contact the Policy Planning Department.

WOODBRIDGE CORE PARKING STUDY

On February 13, 2006 Council directed that a joint review of opportunities and options for guaranteeing a sufficient number of parking spaces available for use by the public within the Woodbridge core, whether on private or public lands or both, be undertaken by the Planning and Engineering Departments.

STATUS: This item has been included in the City-Wide Parking Standards Review noted above.

CASH-IN-LIEU OF PARKING

At the February 13, 2006 Committee of the Whole meeting Council directed that “the Commissioner of Planning, jointly with the Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works and the Commissioner of Legal and Administrative Services, prepare a report on the feasibility of implementing a cash-in-lieu by-law, the intent of which is to establish reserve funds for future municipal public parking initiatives.”

Based this request and experience gained through the implementation of Cash-in-lieu of Parking in Kleinburg (OPA 633 and By-law 159-2006) and the City’s use of this initiative in other areas of the City (Maple) it is prudent to undertake a study and review of this program City-wide. This will ensure that cash-in-lieu will be applied in a consistent, equitable manner with full legal authority.

STATUS: This item has been included in the City-Wide Parking Standards noted above.

YONGE STREET AREA STUDY

The objective of the Study is to update the City’s Official Plan policies governing future land use and development along the west side of Yonge Street north and south of the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District, and along the north side of Steeles Avenue west of Yonge to Hilda Avenue. The study will be done in coordination with the City of Toronto, and the Town of Markham who is currently studying the east side of Yonge Street south of the Heritage District. Vaughan will be retaining consulting services in the Fall of 2007 and complete the Study in 2008.

STATUS: Council has approved the Terms of Reference and the study began in 2008. For more information about this study, click here.

KIPLING AVENUE STUDY

On April 24, 2006, Council directed that a study be undertaken to develop an up-to-date land use and urban design policy framework to guide development and redevelopment along Kipling Avenue in Woodbridge. The existing Woodbridge Community Plan (OPA 240) is somewhat out-of-date. An up-date is needed in view of the pressure for redevelopment now being experienced within the Kipling corridor. The area is already experiencing change, and there are a number of recently approved development applications within the corridor. This Study will engage the community in a consultation process, including residents, landowners and business interests in refining the vision for Kipling Avenue in light of current and future planning concerns and objectives. The Study includes land use planning, urban design, transportation and heritage conservation components. The resulting policy framework will provide the basis for an amendment to the Official Plan.

STATUS: The study commenced in the beginning of 2007.

WOODBRIDGE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT STUDY

During the initial public consultation meetings of the Kipling Avenue Corridor Study, the topic of heritage preservation was raised repeatedly. Based on comments received from the public and recognizing that Woodbridge is the only original village in Vaughan without a Heritage Conservation District, in May 2007 Council a study be undertaken. This study will continue to proceed in conjunction with the Kipling Avenue Corridor Study and is expected to be completed during the winter of 2008. Both this study and the Kipling Avenue Study are undertaken with the help of a consulting team led by Office for Urbanism.

STATUS: The Woodbridge Heritage Conservation District Study process is underway. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for public information meetings please contact the Policy Planning Department.

THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT STUDY & PLAN

Thornhill is one of four historic areas in the City of Vaughan. It was the first Heritage District created within Vaughan. The preservation and enhancement of this community is important to the City as it possesses a considerable number of historic buildings within a definable community setting. The Heritage District Plan has become out-of-date and requires a review and update. This project has been undertaken with the help of Phillip H. Carter Architect and Heritage Consultant, starting in December 2006.

STATUS: The firm of Phillip H. Carter Architect has been retained by the City to complete the Study. An inventory and a plan has been completed, a series of public consultation meetings were held and Heritage Vaughan has reviewed the Draft Plan.

DETAILED STREETSCAPE AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN STUDY FOR THE VAUGHAN CORPORATE CENTRE

The objective of the Corporate Centre Streetscape & Open Space Master Plan is to develop a system of linked, designed, public spaces (streets, squares, plazas, parks) and establish a rationale and guidelines for building locations, heights and massing in relation to the public space and supporting environmental considerations (wind, shadow, orientation, etc.). The study, undertaken with EDA Collaborative and Young + Wright Architects, deals with the development of a comprehensive public realm within Vaughan’s Corporate Centre coordinated with proposed rapid transit initiatives and subway extension from the south on Highway 7. The study includes technical analysis and consultation with stakeholders in the area. The intent of the plan is to act as a catalyst and a guide for the creation of an urban centre that is an attractive, vibrant, civic amenity.

STATUS: The Study is 90% completed.

HIGHWAY 427 EMPLOYMENT AREA SECONDARY PLAN STUDY AREA

Council approved the Terms of Reference for this two-phased Secondary Plan Study at its January 24, 2005 meeting. The study area consists of lands contiguous to the CP Intermodal facility located on Highway 50 and within York Region’s urban area designation but not yet designated under the City’s Official Plan. The first Phase of the study was to identify a corridor suitable to accommodate an extension of Highway 427. This phase has now been superseded by the provincial Environmental Assessment for the extension of Highway 427. Once sufficient progress has been made on completing the EA, staff will report to Council on the preferred timing of the second phase to establish an appropriate employment area secondary plan land use structure for the area.

STATUS: Staff is waiting for progress on the Ministry of Transportation’s Environmental Assessment for the extension of Highway 427. Once it proceeds to, at least, a point where the probable highway corridor is known staff will be in a position to recommend that this study commence. It is intended that this study will be a component of the city-wide Official Plan Review.

JANE STREET, SOUTH OF RUTHERFORD ROAD, RESIDENTIAL LAND USE REVIEW

On September 18, 2006, Council directed that the Policy Planning Department conduct a Land Use Review for the Jane Street Corridor area, south of Rutherford Road with respect to the potential for residential development. The review took into account Council’s decision respecting the Tesmar Holdings Inc., application, existing policies for surrounding land uses and urban design elements.

STATUS: Completed.

MAPLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

The Village of Maple is one of four historic villages in the City of Vaughan. The preservation and enhancement of this community is important to the City as it possesses a great number of historic buildings and a character that is distinct and special within the City. Based on these characteristics and a desire to improve the public realm of Maple, in 2004 Council directed that a Heritage Conservation District Study and Plan be undertaken. This project consists of three documents. The first inventories and describes the built and natural environment. The second provides justification for designating a portion of Maple as a Heritage Conservation District. The third document is the Plan that contains design guidelines and policies to preserve and enhance existing heritage resources as well as guidelines for new buildings.

STATUS: Completed. Pending OMB Hearing.

Next Steps: Maple Development Framework

A series of next steps will be required to implement the Maple Heritage Conservation District and to consider development issues related to the Village of Maple and the new Civic Centre. These include undertaking a development framework study for Maple which could result in amendments to OPA 350 and Zoning By-law 1-88. Staff is also recommending that the Site Plan Control By-law be amended to require development review of all buildings within the District or an area otherwise identified.

KLEINBURG-NASHVILLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

In November 2000, Council for the City of Vaughan approved a by-law to study the Kleinburg-Nashville area as a potential Heritage Conservation District under the terms of the Ontario Heritage Act. As an area having a special identity in the City of Vaughan, the community encompasses a unique collection of 19th and early 20th century buildings, streets and open spaces. As a group these attributes represent a collective asset to the community. On the basis of the study, a bylaw was enacted June 23, 2003 to establish the Kleinburg-Nashville Heritage Conservation District and District Plan. Heritage District designation secures protection of the area’s built and contextual heritage for the enjoyment of citizens now and for posterity. It also ensures that new development can be accommodated in a manner compatible with a District’s character.

STATUS: Completed.

KLEINBURG CORE AREA REVIEW (OPA 633)

The Kleinburg-Nashville Heritage Conservation District Plan, adopted by Council in 2003, identified next steps and policies that should be reviewed. Many of these issues were due to the relationships of the policies contained within OPA 601 (Kleinburg Nashville Community Plan); the City’s zoning By-law 1-88 and the Kleinburg Nashville Heritage Conservation District Plan. The Kleinburg Core Area Policy Review examined these documents and other applicable Provincial, Regional and City policy documents in order to provide a consistent regulatory framework that will enhance Kleinburg’s historic village character. This project consists of OPA 633, Kleinburg Core Area Review, and an amendment to the Zoning By-law 1-88. OPA 633’s primary function is to recognize the policies within the Heritage Conservation District Plan and provide a framework for the creation of a new Kleinburg-specific zone, C11 – Mainstreet Commercial.

STATUS: Completed. Pending OMB Hearing.

PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE MASTER PLAN STUDY

The objective of the Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan is to establish a comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle system that will link major attractions and destinations that are unique to Vaughan as well as provide an overall network of pathways through streets and open spaces. Some of those attractions include downtown Kleinburg and the McMichael Gallery, the Boyd Conservation Area, Woodbridge’s core, Old Thornhill Village, and the Vaughan Corporate Centre. The Bartley-Smith Greenway and Humber River Trail are two substantial components of this pedestrian and bicycle network. The Master Plan is also a co-ordinated component of York Region’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.

STATUS: Adopted in principle, April 2, 2007. For more information, click here.

MARKHAM-VAUGHAN-THORNHILL MAIN STREET STUDY (YONGE STREET) (OPA 669)

This study was jointly undertaken by the Town of Markham and the City of Vaughan to establish an integrated urban design vision for the Yonge Street corridor through the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District. The purpose is to revitalize the commercial activity within the area by encouraging a modest amount of sensitive mixed-use redevelopment while protecting and strengthening the area’s existing fabric of heritage buildings. The project involved working closely with the York Region Transit Consortium in developing a design solution which integrates the planned higher order transit infrastructure in the Yonge Street right-of-way within the streetscape master plan. Vaughan’s OPA 669 reflects the study’s recommendations and was adopted in June 2006.

STATUS: Completed An update of the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District Study (1986) and Plan was also completed in 2007 consistent with OPA 669, to enable the implementation of the study.

VELLORE (OPA 650) AND CARRVILLE (OPA 651) DISTRICT CENTRE STUDIES

Vaughan’s Official Plan provides for the establishment of two mixed-use ‘district centres’ at the major intersections of Major Mackenzie Drive/Weston Road and Rutherford Road/Dufferin Street, in the two new communities of Vellore and Carrville, respectively. The Vellore and Carrville District Centres will accommodate approximately 11,000 and 5,000 residents, respectively, when fully developed. Each surrounding community will ultimately accommodate 50,000 to 60,000 new residents. Each District Centre will become the major focus of commercial activity within its community, with concentrations of shopping facilities, medium and high density housing and community facilities and includes a network of urban squares, parks and valley-land open spaces. Each district centre will also be the hub of the public transit system serving the surrounding community. The tertiary planning studies for each district centre have been completed, and their recommendations are reflected in approved Official Plan Amendments #650 and #651, respectively.

STATUS: Completed Portions of Carrville Plan are under appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board

HIGHWAY 7 POLICY REVIEW (OPAs 660, 661, 662, 663 & 664)

The Highway 7 Policy Review includes two components, the Highway 7 Land Use Futures Study, and the Jane/7 Employment Area Redevelopment Study.
The Highway 7 Land Use Futures Study examines the entire Highway 7 corridor in Vaughan, from its west boundary with Brampton to its east boundary with Richmond Hill. The purpose was to enable the development along the corridor to evolve and intensify into an urban ‘main street’ supportive of higher order transit ridership consistent with York Region’s major transit initiative on Highway 7. The study developed a policy framework to guide and encourage significant intensification within the corridor, and to establish appropriate urban design policies consistent with the ‘main street’ image of mixed use, pedestrian-friendly and transit-supportive development. The draft official plan amendments to implement the study findings were adopted by Council in June 2007.

The Jane/7 Employment Area Redevelopment Study component focuses on an existing employment area south of Highway 7 and east of Jane Street within the Vaughan Corporate Centre. The study examines alternative means of encouraging redevelopment consistent with the vision of the Vaughan Corporate Centre, and broader transit initiatives.

STATUS: Vaughan Council adopted all 5 OPA's on June 25, 2007. OPA's 662, 663 and 664 were approved by York Region on July 17, 2008 and OPA 660 was approved, in part, by York Region on August 1, 2008. OPA 661 has been appealed to the OMB. For more information, click here.

STEELES AVENUE CORRIDOR LAND USE REVIEW (OPA 620)

The Steeles Corridor study examines a two-kilometer stretch of land fronting the north side of Steeles Avenue between Keele Street and Jane Street opposite York University. The land will be the site of a new subway station on the Spadina line when it is extended north through the York University campus, and on to Highway 7. The proposed line bisects the subject lands and will provide the opportunity to establish a major development focus on both sides of Steeles Avenue. Ultimately more than 5,000 residential units, together with major office and retail development will be established on the north side of Steeles Ave. with a major concentration planned around the future subway station. The plan establishes urban design policies that are intended to create a vibrant mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly and transit-supportive development. Similar opportunity exists on the south side where plans for the York University lands are currently under review. The study defines a policy framework for development, including urban design and streetscaping provisions which will be key to ensuring that development on both sides of Steeles will be properly integrated and mutually complementary.

STATUS: Completed. The study recommendations are reflected in OPA 620, adopted by Vaughan Council in June 2006, and approved by the Region of York, in October 2006. In June 2007, a Community Improvement Plan for the OPA 620 lands was approved by Vaughan Council. OPA 620 and the CIP are the subject of an Ontario Municipal Board hearing.

THORNHILL CENTRE STREET LAND USE STUDY (OPA 671 & OPA 672)

This study examined the lands fronting Centre Street within the Thornhill community from Bathurst Street to west of Dufferin Street. The lands are largely developed with the exception of some large vacant parcels at the Bathurst St./Centre St. and Dufferin St./Centre St. intersections. The Centre Street corridor will accommodate higher order public transit service when the Highway 7 transit initiatives are fully implemented. The study identifies opportunities for a modest amount of intensification along the corridor, with a more significant intensification opportunity at Bathurst Street within the Thornhill Town Centre. There, high density residential development is underway, a Wal-Mart store is built, and the establishment of a new mixed use ‘main street’ on the north side of Centre Street opposite the existing Promenade shopping centre and regional transit station is under construction. Official Plan Amendments #671 and #672 are approved. They establish the policy framework to guide development consistent with the recommendations of the study, including policy provisions addressing land use, urban design and streetscaping. Both OPAs came into force in July 2005.

STATUS: Completed. Approved by York Region.

HIGHWAY 400 NORTH EMPLOYMENT AREA (OPA 637)

The Highway 400 Employment Lands Secondary Plan study deal with lands located between Teston Road on the south and the Vaughan-King boundary on the north, on both sides of Highway 400 between Weston Road and Jane Street. The study established the case to expand the City’s urban boundary in the York Region Official Plan and developed an appropriate land use structure/policy framework for employment uses.

STATUS: Completed. The Secondary Plan (draft OPA 637) was adopted by the City of Vaughan Council on June 26, 2006. Currently, OPA 637 is at York Region for review. City staff is now working with the consulting team to prepare the urban design guidelines, and will subsequently address zoning for the study area.