Requesting a modification to…

Requesting a modification to OPA 524, with respect to adopted policy 5.6.18. The section is intended to provide some flexibility for existing uses in Protected Major Transit Station Areas, so that they can continue to function and evolve without triggering the applicable minimum density requirements, However, the policy is too narrowly drafted to provide the intended flexibility

The suggested modification is requested by Choice, owner of many supermarket properties across Toronto, including in Protected Major Transit Station Areas. These supermarkets are essential to serve local community food shopping needs. They have been evolving by reducing surface parking lots with infill commercial uses like restaurants or other retail stores. They have also seen an evolving replacement of small older format supermarkets, with larger, modernized replacement stores. The adopted policy 5.6.18 does not anticipate such changes in the flexibility provisions. Any such change would trigger the minimum density provisions - putting at risk the continued viability of the supermarket.

A modification is proposed to policy 5.6.18 to provide flexibility for stand-alone infill non-residential development, and for replacement of existing buildings. This will better achieve the intended flexibility of the policy.
The modification will resolve the same issue for Protected Major Transit Station Areas in OPA 540, 544 and 570 as the policy becomes one of general application in the overall Official Plan.