The Downsview lands present a unique opportunity for the public and private sector to collaborate closely with community partners to build Canada’s largest development project. Over 30+ years and at full build-out, it is estimated that the Downsview Secondary Plan Area will accommodate approximately 115,000 new residents (63,000 units) and 52,000 workers, representing one of the largest city-building efforts in the history of Toronto. This is a transformative opportunity to stitch existing and new communities together, enabling the development of more resilient, equitable and connected communities. As an outcome of the Update Downsview Study, a comprehensive planning framework for the Downsview Area will be brought forward for Council approval. The Update Downsview Study deliverables include: Downsview Secondary Plan — Downsview Community Development Plan — Downsview Urban Design Guidelines — Zoning By-law for Meanwhile Uses — and Master Environmental Servicing Plan. With the exception of the Community Development Plan, the Study deliverables are proceeding through Planning and Housing Committee during the same Council cycle as the Community Development Plan. Growing evidence suggests that without focused investments in reconciliation, equity and systems-wide strategies and supports, neighbourhoods undergoing intensified development and new investments may undermine broader City commitments to promoting a more just and equitable Toronto. For new investments to positively impact current and future Downsview residents, workers and visitors, holistic supports and policy frameworks must be put in place that reflect the rich engagement with various groups, such as First Nations Rights Holders with rights in Canada under s. 35 of the Constitution (“First Nations Rights Holders”), residents, grassroots groups, not-for-profit organizations, artists, and businesses who may be potentially impacted and/or demonstrate interest for greater presence in the Downsview area. New policies, programs and partnerships must focus where the need is greatest and address the inequities that shape the lives of residents, with priority given to Indigenous and Black residents and communities of Toronto. Downsview’s Secondary Plan undergoing an update triggered the need for a Community Development Plan to support this focused and targeted approach to investing in reconciliation, equity, and systems-wide change. The authority of the Community Development Plan is derived from the Secondary Plan’s enforcement and City Council’s approval. The purpose of this report is to present the Downsview Community Development Plan for approval, outlining an outcome-driven action plan that is rooted in collaboration between property owners, City divisions, and the community. This report lays out the implementation of the Community Development Plan. The Downsview Community Development Plan 2024-2029 seizes the opportunity presented by the anticipation of significant growth to centre equity as the basis for Downsview’s redevelopment, reflects in-depth engagement and outlines clear commitments to meet the needs of Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving communities. This process was convened by Social Development, Finance and Administration and Economic Development and Culture in close partnership with City Planning. This has been a unique process and can serve as a model for future Community Development Plans. The Community Development Plan is a 30+ year plan that will be renewed every five years with the first iteration beginning in 2024 and ending in 2029. The Downsview Community Development Plan accompanies the Downsview Secondary Plan, with both aiming to ensure that future residents, visitors, and workers as well as community groups, not-for-profit organizations and businesses are supported as the area is developed over time. To this end, the Downsview Community Development Plan sets out a 5-year implementation plan, as well as direction for the next 30+ years through an Action Plan (subject to future updates). While the Downsview Secondary Plan, Zoning By-law for Meanwhile Uses, and Urban Design Guidelines will provide direction for interim and future development, the Community Development Plan is focused on Indigenous and Black place-keeping and establishing communities that serve and benefit Indigenous, Black, and equity-deserving communities. Actions to support existing and future Downsview communities under these priorities will continue to evolve through ongoing partnerships and discussions between multiple parties including the City of Toronto, property owners, the local Community Resource Group, First Nations Rights Holders and Indigenous communities, Black communities, and other equity-deserving groups, including residents, artists, community groups, not-for-profit organizations, foundations, as well as, business interest associations, and other private sector partners. The focus and content of the Community Development Plan are the result of a 2-year community engagement process led by the City through the Update Downsview Study and intensive collaboration between participating City Divisions and Agencies (including CreateTO), and property owners with active development applications (i.e. Northcrest Developments, Canada Lands Company). The Community Development Plan engagement built upon the comprehensive “id8 Downsview” engagement process undertaken by Northcrest Developments and Canada Lands Company in the three years prior to the Update Downsview Study to inform and raise awareness about their Official Plan Amendment Application. Through the engagement process, the Downsview Community Development Plan has identified the following eight priority areas: Access to Housing Access to Healthy and Affordable Food Arts, Heritage and Education Access to Recreation and Community Spaces Access to Employment Opportunities Establishing an Inclusive Economy Community Safety, Health, and Wellbeing Environment and Climate The Community Development Plan will advance actions across the eight priority areas. The actions will be guided by principles that reflect the City of Toronto's commitments to Indigenous, Black, and equity-deserving groups through the City's Reconciliation Action Plan, Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism and broader equity-driven strategies, initiatives, and programs. In so doing, it is an important demonstration of the City’s approach to inclusive economic development. In the process of developing the Downsview Community Development Plan, the City has established a strong interdivisional collaboration and community partnership approach that will serve as a strong foundation to support successful implementation. The lessons learned through the engagement and development process and through interdivisional collaboration will continue to inform ongoing monitoring and implementation.
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