Item - 2018.TE34.218

Toronto and East York Community Council:

1. Requested the Acting Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, to undertake a visioning process, in consultation with CreateTO, the Affordable Housing Office, and other City divisions and agencies as needed, to consider potential city-building opportunities regarding the 25 Bellevue Toronto Parking Authority Parking Lot, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, Kensington Market Land Trust, and local community.

2. Requested the Acting Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, to strike a community working group to work in collaboration with City staff on this process, in the first quarter of  2019.
 

As our downtown communities continue to grow, we work hard together to find creative ways to build our neighbourhoods and create welcoming spaces for all. As communities in Ward 20, focusing on creating affordable housing, community spaces, sustainable buildings and more, are a priority in all our conversations on the future of our neighbourhoods.

The Toronto Parking Authority operates a Green P lot at 25 Bellevue Avenue in Kensington Market. Located just north of Bellevue Square Park and in-between the residential and commercial areas of the market, it acts as a pathway within the neighbourhood. In the always welcoming spirit of Kensington Market, the Toronto Parking Authority parking lot at 25 has long been discussed as a potential site for critical city-building opportunities to be explored. In imagining the potential of this land, the focus has always been increasing inclusivity and further fostering a sense of community. Local residents and stakeholders have expressed that a surface parking lot is not the best use of this space, and that it would be better utilized in a way that benefits the community.

The Kensington Market Land Trust, a resident-led organization, has held meetings and a visioning session with my office to imagine the possibilities for this underutilized land. While maintaining connectivity and the pathway through the neighbourhood, some potential ideas for the space have included affordable housing, community gathering space, neighbourhood gardens, an incubator for small businesses, and much more.