PLANNING & URBAN DESIGN RATIONALE

Policy 3.1.2(4) provides that new development will be massed to define the edges
of streets, parks and open spaces at good proportion. Taller buildings will be
located to ensure adequate access to sky view for the proposed and future use
of these areas.
Policy 3.1.2(5) requires that new development will provide amenity for adjacent
streets and open spaces to make these areas attractive, interesting, comfortable
and functional for pedestrians by providing:
• improvements to adjacent boulevards and sidewalks respecting sustainable
design elements, including trees, shrubs, hedges, plantings or other ground
cover, permeable paving materials, street furniture, curb ramps, waste and
recycling containers, lighting and bicycle parking facilities;
• co-ordinated landscape improvements in setbacks to create attractive
transitions from the private to public realms;
• weather protection such as canopies and awnings; and
• landscaped open space within the development site.
Section 3.1.3 of the Official Plan recognizes that tall buildings, when properly
located and designed, can draw attention to the City structure, visually reinforcing
our civic centres and other areas of civic importance. Given Toronto’s relatively flat
topography, tall buildings can become important city landmarks when the quality
of architecture and site design is emphasized. Accordingly, the policies specify
that tall buildings come with larger civic responsibilities and obligations than other
buildings.
Among other matters, Policy 3.1.3(1) specifies that the design of tall buildings
should consist of a base to define and support the street edge at an appropriate
scale, a shaft that is appropriately sized and oriented in relation to the base building
and adjacent buildings, and a top that contributes to the character of the skyline
and integrates rooftop mechanical systems.
Policy 3.1.3(2) requires that tall building proposals address key urban design
considerations, including: meeting the built form principles of the Plan;
demonstrating how the proposed building and site design will contribute to and
reinforce the overall city structure; demonstrating how the proposed building and
site design relate to the existing and/or planned context; and taking into account
the relationship of the site to topography and other tall buildings.
Housing Policies
The Plan’s housing policies support a full range of housing in terms of form,
tenure and affordability, across the City and within neighbourhoods, to meet the
current and future needs of residents (Policy 3.2.1(1)). Policy 3.2.1(2) provides
that new housing supply will be encouraged through intensification and infill that
is consistent with the Plan.
PLANNING & URBAN DESIGN RATIONALE | 79 East Don Roadway & 677 Queen Street East 41