Item - 2011.TE11.42

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1.         City Council request City Planning, Transportation Services, Economic Development and Culture, Technical Services, and Parks, Forestry and Recreation Divisions, in consultation with the TTC, to report back to Council in the first quarter of 2012 with recommendations to implement the Yonge Street Studies outlined in the report, titled Downtown Yonge Street Planning Studies - Status Report, dated October 24, 2011, from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, including analysis of cost and feasibility and opportunities for pilot projects and various streetscape improvements.

Downtown Yonge Street generally focussed between Carlton/College and Richmond Street has been the subject of several studies in the last several years.  The Downtown Yonge BIA has developed Streetscape Guidelines and a Public Realm Strategy.  The BIA has requested that these documents be incorporated into the existing Community Improvement Plan that exists in the area, generally as a legislative framework that currently permits the facade improvement program.

More recently, a more focussed study was commissioned by Councillor Wong-Tam for the area between Gerrard and Dundas Street.  The study produced suggestions for built form changes, public realm improvements and programming.

Community Council requested that these various studies and initiatives be reviewed on a harmonized basis prior to consideration by City Council.  This report provides a status update on the review undertaken to date.