How Your Feedback Is Influencing the North York at the Centre Secondary Plan

We have received a few comments from community members inquiring about the effectiveness of consultations and whether feedback is genuinely taken into consideration when it comes to developments in our neighbourhood. We reached out to City Planning, and this is the response we received: 

“We appreciate that many residents are concerned about growth, and we need to be clear that growth is coming because the area is well-served by transit and recognized as a focus area for growth in both provincial policy and the City’s Official Plan. What is up for discussion and influence as part of the Secondary Plan review is how to direct that growth and plan for supporting infrastructure, services, and amenities in a way that reflects the local issues, opportunities and priorities. 

That’s why in addition to built form considerations we’re looking at things like greening; avoiding shadow impacts; managing traffic; community services and facilities; parkland; and promoting economic development. These priorities and the practical ways to accomplish the objectives identified in the Visioning Framework are up for debate so that the directions reflect the community’s values. 

For example, we heard clearly during the public meetings in March that residents are concerned about the proposal to consider re-opening streets across to Doris and Beecroft. The consulting team and staff have taken that to heart and are re-thinking that for the Preferred Option. Similarly the “Parkways” concept for wider linear parks all along Doris and Beecroft is being refined with a focus on expanding existing parks and creating a consistent set back with street trees in other areas. Changes like this to the directions that will support residents, both current and future, are just some examples for where continuing engagement is most impactful to the work ahead.”