Requesting Modification to…

Requesting Modification to Toronto Official Plan Amendment 570, respecting Site and Area Specific Policy Area 692 (Mimico). The request includes the provision of alternative minimum density mapping that should be substituted for that in OPA 570. The requested alternative minimum density mapping is informed by numerous planning approvals in this area, including a Minister's Zoning Order, and provincial land Tribunal decisions.

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. It raises the risk that the City, in implementing the new policy as required by 16 (20) of the Planning Act, will lower existing approved densities to achieve "conformity" with the artificially low minimum densities in OPA 570.

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.