Toronto Centre – Community Action Plan for Corktown and the Distillery District Facilitated by; Office of Glen Murray, MPP Toronto Centre and in collaboration with Councillor Pam McConnell, Ward 28
Agenda • Recap on the Community Action Plan and why we need it in Toronto Centre • What we heard from our previous meeting • Open discussion for feedback • Discuss next steps
The Community Action Plan • A strategy for neighbourhood planning and governments working together • Front-end loading decision making • Support existing plans and work to ensure they are achieved • For Corktown/Distillery District, work with the neighbourhood groups and associations on projects and opportunities (IE First Parliament Site)
The Community Action Plan (continued) • Draw on the strengths of the neighbourhoods to engage residents and all levels of government • Will seek to connect the needs of our neighbourhoods with the resources, assets and tools we can use to make improvements
What We Heard Neighbourhood Assets: The People – A very young population and a diverse range of professionals – Strong knowledge base with significant community engagement Heritage – The Distillery District has unique architecture and is home to important cultural facilities and interesting new housing developments – A number of heritage buildings scattered throughout the area and lands
What We Heard Challenges: Community Safety – Concerns from residents surrounding street safety in the neighbourhood – Issues around pedestrian safety have also been raised for all modes of transportation Demand for Transportation Alternatives – Inadequate North-South public transit service in the neighbourhood, more focus should be placed on public transit options – Interaction between pedestrians, cars, bicycles, accessibility devices and other forms of transportation – Certain areas are either inaccessible or dangerous by any means except for private automobile
What We Heard Challenges (continued): Service Delivery – Lack of coordination in terms of current service delivery and how future initiatives will be executed – Need for a clear vision through plans and strong relationships, to be better able to understand the proposed interventions – Poor collection of medical services in the area – Other services such as those that cater to families are also felt to be lacking
What We Heard Opportunities and Projects: The 2015 Pan American Games – Projects will bring a significant influx of housing units, new commercial areas and unique employment opportunities – Opportunity to ensure that a lasting legacy is left from the Pan Am games and that the area takes a great leap forward for the neighbourhood The Creation of a Cohesive Neighbourhood – Corktown needs to attract more families and provide facilities and resources for a wide range of residents that could potentially live in the area – A diverse population means a great opportunity for a more diverse business community in the area to arise
What We Heard Opportunities and Projects (continued): Further Incorporate Sustainable Practices – Improve the quality of life in and around Corktown by working with Corktown’s natural assets such as the neighbourhood’s proximity to Lake Ontario, the Don River – Creation of more green spaces within Corktown for residents and visitors to enjoy Historic Preservation – Greater protection for historic buildings in the area and a realization of their significance to enhance the area – Use the historical significance of Corktown to attract further business opportunities
Next Steps – Continue to work to develop transit opportunities in the neighbourhood – Add more specifics to the plan and incorporate more information from existing plans – Provide additional statistical data for the neighbourhood – Continue to build the www.torontocentreplan.org website – Work with the neighbourhood to develop a priority list for the next year, five years and ten years
Open Discussion Additional Discussion Opportunities for the following areas: • Biodiversity, Resilience and Nature • Health, Wellness and Aging • Culture, Art, Identity, Participation and Cultural Competency • Children and Youth Led Development • Energy, Mobility, Water, Connectivity and Sustainability • Housings, Jobs and Investment • Education and Life Long Learning
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