Item - 2016.TE20.4

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1.  City Council amend the Official Plan for the lands located between Strachan Avenue and Dufferin Street north of the existing Metrolinx Lakeshore West rail corridor substantially in accordance with the draft Official Plan Amendment No. 363, attached as Attachment 3 to the report (October 20, 2016) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District.

2.  City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment as may be required.

The Toronto and East York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on November 15, 2016, and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

On June 7, 2016, Toronto City Council directed City Planning Staff to prepare an Official Plan Amendment to protect the lands required for a new street in Liberty Village between Strachan Avenue and Dufferin Street north of the Metrolinx Lakeshore West rail corridor.

The Liberty Village New Street, shown below, is proposed as a new east-west pedestrian, cycling, and vehicle connection between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, linking to several existing north-south streets in Liberty Village.  The street comprises two lanes of vehicular travel, a sidewalk on the north side, a multi-use pedestrian and cycling path on the south side, and associated public realm improvements.

In order to secure necessary lands and, potentially, the construction of portions of the New Street through redevelopment of abutting properties, the City must include future streets in the Official Plan.   This report reviews and recommends approval of a City-initiated Official Plan Amendment to add Liberty New Street to the Official Plan - Schedule 2 – The Designation of Planned but Unbuilt Roads.