Item - 2013.PG24.10
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Planning and Growth Management Committee on May 16, 2013. The Planning and Growth Management Committee has referred this item to an official or other body without making a decision. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the referral.
PG24.10 - Request to Establish Community Planning Boards (CPB)
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Referred
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Planning and Growth Management Committee referred the item to the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning for consideration for inclusion in the 2014 Work Plan, and report back to the Planning and Growth Management Committee on the role, feasibility, and efficiency of the City establishing Community Planning Boards or other mechanisms to engage communities more effectively.
Origin
Summary
As the City of Toronto strives to increase municipal participation by engaging residents to become part of the discussion implementing Community Planning Boards (CPB) would bring opportunities for meaningful interaction by local residents and grassroots organization during the planning process, as the planning of communities is closest relationship neighbourhoods have with local government.
The physical and social dynamic that creates communities is a shared experience at the ground level this increases the need for Community Planning Boards (CPB). Currently our planning experience separates the social and physical needs of a neighbourhood, as a proposed function of a site is steered solely by the zoning classification. This practice has caused conflict as residents do not view the zoning as purely a physical designation, the social impact can be of greater importance to the community
Engaging a Community Planning Board (CPB) would add clarity for applicants where solutions can be explored to address local concerns, this mechanism would make the planning process smoother and a more positive city building experience. The local community can add insight on social, physical and economic planning to enhance a project by providing insight not previously known. As the community is part of the planning process they become accountable as they explore the appropriateness for plans in a local context.
Community Planning Boards (CPB) are not new the Lakeshore Planning Council is operating in the City of Toronto, Sand Diego, New York, the City of Glasgow host boards to work closely with local government to pursue better communities. Some of the boards have authority on planning decisions others serve to solely inform and consult.
I believe the implementation of Community Planning Boards (CPB) will localized the planning process enhancing and strengthening our neighbourhoods.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pg/bgrd/backgroundfile-58142.pdf
Communications
(May 16, 2013) E-mail from Brian Eng, Director, Social Planning Toronto (PG.New.PG24.10.2)
Speakers
Eileen Denny, Vice-Chair, Confederation of Resident and Ratepayer Associations, CORRA
Councillor Paul Ainslie
Motions
That the item be referred to the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning for consideration for inclusion in the 2014 Work Plan, and report back to the Planning and Growth Management Committee on the role, feasibility, and efficiency of the City establishing Community Planning Boards or other mechanisms to engage communities more effectively.