So in effect, the City has a secret requirement for the site (mid-rise buildings), but rather than explicitly state that requirement in by-laws and council-adopted policy, they have an opaque process in which staff apply shifting criteria at their discretion to achieve a preferred outcome...

It's perverse and anti-democratic that there are de-facto secret legal requirements. If the City does this as a means of improving negotiating leverage, then they should just stop it and pass by-laws clearly defining what is permissible development and what is forbidden. There is a housing...

The Building Code is a legal requirement. Using the word "guideline" in an official document implies that it is non-compulsory. If the City feels so strongly about the design of tall and midrise buildings, they should publish a binding "Tall Building Design Requirements" document instead. I'm...

That's pretty disappointing. The site is only 500 metres away from an entrance to a brand new multibillion dollar transit line, and also right next to a very convenient multiuse path that's basically a bike highway and contains a pretty nice community parks nearby. When the city desperately...

Mind_the_gap, I don't want to be condescending, but you really need to touch grass. There are no secret plans to construct urban prison zones under the guise of liveable, environmentally friendly neighbourhoods. That is bonkers. In reality-based discussion, I'd be interested in learning more...

I am somewhat younger, though middle age is looking nearing to me these years. There are large generational differences in lived experiences in Toronto. Many of my friends and colleagues live in small condominiums and apartments, often less than 650 square feet, and with some now paying over...

There's no reason why road planning should force people to drive to reach the nearest hairdresser or grocery store. Planning to provide amenities within easy walking and cycling distance of most people is going to improve a range of outcomes, including health and civic life. Design is not...

If Tory felt his actions were dishonourable enough to warrant calling a press conference on short notice on a Friday evening to resign, then he should submit his resignation immediately instead of delaying to ensure his budget passes. The budget process isn't a last minute surprise.

Given the very low rate of safety incidents, I think it would be more informative and valuable if the TTC posted the incident count as well. The absolute count of incidents would probably be more informative given the very variable ridership throughout the pandemic. I am not sure that evidence...

This new article by John Lorinc (http://spacing.ca/toronto/2023/01/31/lorinc-how-safe-is-the-ttc/), referencing the most recent CEO's report, shows that as of the end of last year, safety and security issues on the TTC are largely stable. I think that people advocating for more enforcement on...

Overall, the crime severity index in Toronto has declined by almost half in the past 20 years, from 80.0 in 2001 to 45.5 in 2021. (Source). In the meantime, the Toronto Police Service operating budget has increased from $573.8 M in 2001 (Source) to $1,076.2 M in 2021 (Source). So if the rate of...

I mean, 300 sq m of commercial space is about the same as the status quo. At the moment, of the three units in the building, two are vacant. The proposal contributes close to 1000 new community members who can shop and eat at the local stores and restaurants, contributing to the economic...

This is less than 300 metres from a subway station, it has ground floor retail and the building that it would replace only has the Pizza Nova in there currently. Sure, while in the immediate vicinity there are mostly single family homes, it's only 300 metres from an apartment neighbourhood with...

The site is just a 30 second walk from an entrance to a transit line that is costing more than a dozen billion dollars to build. If this isn't an appropriate location for moderate, transit oriented growth, where is?

That is disappointing. While there are definitely elements that need improvement--I find the critique around having the parkland on Marlee to be particularly well founded, as is the probably excessive number of planned parking spaces--the argument that the site should transition to the...

As of January 2, 2023.

The 2021 Census shows 26% of households in Brampton with 5 or more people, compared to 8% in Toronto, 14% in Mississauga, and 10% in Hamilton.

From Dufferin St on October 2, 2022.