Item - 2017.PG19.3

The Planning and Growth Management Committee:

1.  Directed that the report (March 8, 2017) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning containing proposed amendments to the Official Plan and the draft Dufferin-Wilson Regeneration Area Site and Area Specific Policies be distributed to the public and considered at a statutory public meeting to be held by the Planning and Growth Management Committee at its meeting of May 31, 2017. 

2.  Directed that notice for the public meeting under the Planning Act be given according to the regulations under the Planning Act.

This report presents the findings of the Dufferin-Wilson Regeneration Area Study. The Regeneration Area study affects lands in the former City of North York, generally located on the east side of Dufferin Street, south of Wilson Avenue, north of Billy Bishop Way, and west of the retail centre known as the Downsview Power Centre. The study area also includes a parcel of land abutting Highway 401, fronting on and to the east of Dufferin Street, and south of Billy Bishop Way.

The Dufferin Wilson Regeneration Area study makes recommendations on a planning framework for the study area to support future growth as set out in Section 4.7 of the Official Plan for 'Regeneration Areas', and matters set out in Council's adopted Site and Area Specific Policy 388 of OPA 231. The study included a consultation process involving stakeholder and community engagement on issues related to land use, urban design, movement and community services in the area.

The study is completed. This report summarizes the study process, including stakeholder input and feedback and presents a draft Official Plan Amendment (OPA) that proposes to re-designate lands within the study area from Regeneration Areas to Mixed Use Areas and Employment Areas. The proposed OPA sets out a draft policy framework that unlocks underutilized lands for transit supportive development, introduces new connections, supports the creation of a complete community and promotes economic vitality. The draft OPA proposes to amend and replace the existing Site and Area Specific Policy (SASP) 388 of OPA 231.

This report recommends that a Statutory Public Meeting under the Planning Act be scheduled to consider the proposed Dufferin-Wilson SASP at the Planning and Growth Management Committee meeting of May 31, 2017.