Requesting Modification to…

Requesting Modification to Toronto Official Plan Amendment 540, respecting Site and Area Specific Policy Area 620 (Woodbine). The request includes the provision of alternative minimum density mapping that should be substituted for that in OPA 540. This request is made for the owners of 2708-2106 Danforth Avenue - Choice Properties. The proposal for this site would result in more than 400 residential units - meeting important housing supply needs. This site is ideally sized, and located - the most central location abutting the subway station - to achieve intensification in the Woodbine Major Transit Station Area.

The City of Toronto has adopted minimum density mapping for Major Transit Station Areas that is artificially low. As a result, the provincial policy objectives of encouraging intensification - especially for housing - at transit stations, is not achieved. The adopted Official Plan Amendment is not consistent with provincial policy and is not in conformity with the Growth Plan.

Ontario is experiencing a housing supply crisis. The new Planning Act section 16 (20) requires municipalities to bring their zoning into conformity with the Major Transit Station Area minimum densities within one year. Modification as requested offers the opportunity to accelerate the delivery of important new housing supply. The Official Plan Amendment should be modified to provide for meaningful minimum densities that will establish an incentive for the intensification that the province is seeking to achieve.