Raising City Building Expectations Presentation to the Urban Leadership Program Sean Gadon, Director April 20, 2017
Overview Why I m Excited to Be Here! Power of Affordable Housing The Bloor- Danforth Project Future Plans for 640 Lansdowne Avenue Schematic Designs Recent Affordable Housing Examples 2
Why I m Excited to Be Here! Born in the neighbourhood Worked in the tank shop at the General Electric. 3
Why Affordable Housing Matters! 4
Affordable Housing Update In June 2016 Council approved a five-year investment plan (with up to $225 million in secured funding) to implement the Open Door Program based on Council's approved targets of 5,000 affordable rental and 2,000 affordable ownership homes by 2020 In February 2017 the first Call for Affordable Rental Housing Applications was issued As of today, there are 18 public surplus sites identified for affordable housing to be rolled out over the course of the Open Door Program Successful Open Door projects will benefit from the Open Door Planning Service which fast-tracks the planning approval process The Call for Affordable Rental Housing Applications closes on May 31 st. 5
The Bloor-Danforth Project An exciting challenge as it provides opportunities for: Neighbourhood revitalization Creative place-making Power of partnerships in practice Integration of affordable housing in several redevelopment sites. 6
Lansdowne Site Update The Lansdowne site was one of the 15 public sites identified in 2016 for affordable housing development across the City The City will issue a Request for Proposals for a mixed-use development opportunity. 7
Future Plans for 640 Lansdowne Avenue Priorities To develop a mixed-use project within the Official Plan designation To look for synergies between employment and residential uses To achieve long term housing affordability To facilitate strong community involvement throughout the planning and development process Challenges Environmental remediation issues Coordinating housing funding from multiple government sources Coordinating the planning and development of residential and nonresidential components Expediting the development process. 8
Current Zoning Employment Residential 9
Draft Schematic Designs Prepared for Build Toronto by Humphreys and Partners Architects 10
Option 1- Townhomes Residential Units = 46 Residential GFA = 7,452 m 2 Residential Parking = 46 internal and 3 external Employment Unit 1 = 3,338 m 2 Employment Unit 2 = 2,770 m 2 Public Open Space = 3,240 m 2 11
Option 2- Stacked Townhomes Residential Units = 60 Residential GFA = 4,860 m 2 Residential Parking = 48 Employment Unit 1 = 3,338 m 2 Employment Unit 2 = 2,770 m 2 Public Open Space = 3,240 m 2 12
Option 3- Mid-rise Apartments Residential Units = 128 Residential GFA = 22,589.5 m 2 Proposed Residential Parking = 205 Employment Unit 1 = 2,471.7 m 2 Employment Unit 2 = 3,365.7 m 2 Public Open Space = 1,482.7 m 2 13
Recent Affordable Housing Examples 14
Wychwood Barns The heritage buildings were originally constructed between 1913 and 1921 as five repair and maintenance barns for Toronto streetcars. Redevelopment process included community consultation/meetings, design charrettes, and establishing a community advisory group which gave residents the opportunity to get involved in the decision making process at different stages. Opened in 2008 15
Wychwood Barns 15 affordable artist work-studio spaces 13 offices for non-profit arts and environmental organizations A year-round temperate greenhouse in the Stop Community Food Centre s Green Barn 26 affordable homes for artists A sheltered garden, and an outdoor bake oven A community art gallery, and performance, rehearsal and event spaces 16
The Weston Community/ Cultural Hub An innovative approach to the economic and social revitalization of the Weston community. Partners include the Toronto Parking Authority, the Rockport Group and Woodbourne Capital Management, Toronto Artscape and the City Consistent with the overwhelming support expressed by the community in consultations held since 2009-2010. Currently under construction opening in 2018/19 17
The Weston Community/ Cultural Hub Approximately 75-space TPA lot to serve local businesses and the community. A mixed-use space with 800 m 2 dedicated to arts, cultural and community events An additional 1,150 m 2 of outdoor publicly accessible space for community gatherings and farmers markets 350 new market rental apartments 26 affordable live/work spaces for artists and their families. 18
Some Concluding Thoughts A successful neighbourhood revitalization starts with a strong vision An action plan grounded in effective public engagement and nurturing champions. Developing a business case to support revitalization in both the capital and operating phases Deliver the agreed upon revitalization outcomes. 19
Contact Information Sean Gadon, Director, City of Toronto 416-338-1143 Sean.Gadon@toronto.ca www.toronto.ca/affordablehousing @TORHousing