2/20/2013 6:22:15 PM

February 12, 2013
The City of Toronto is initiating public consultations to receive feedback on proposed changes to its Official Plan economic policies and the land use designations for employment lands.

As part of the Official Plan review, the City has put forward draft economic policies to support the economic health of Toronto as well as draft policies for Toronto’s employment lands to support and preserve almost all lands designated as employment areas for economic purposes.

"Toronto's employment lands are an important part of the City's job creation strategy," said Mayor Rob Ford. "Employers need space to build and expand their businesses. We want to hear from residents and businesses, as we consider the best way to capitalize on our employment lands in the revision of Toronto's Official Plan policies."

The draft policies seek to stimulate the growth of new office space close to rapid transit; preserve employment areas for business purposes and compatible secondary uses; and provide locations for retail, institutional and cultural sectors to accommodate the needs of a growing population.

The consultation process offers Torontonians several ways to provide feedback on the proposed policy changes.

The first three meetings will consist of two sessions: an afternoon session (3 to 5:30 p.m.) and an evening session (6:30 to 9 p.m.); both sessions will contain the same content. The meeting format will consist of open house display boards, a powerpoint presentation and a table/group discussion/question-and-answer period.

February 12 - Etobicoke Civic Centre, 2 Civic Centre Ct. (Council Chamber)
February 14 - Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr. (Rotunda)
February 19 - North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St. (Members Lounge)

The fourth meeting will consist of open house display boards, a powerpoint presentation and a question-and-answer period. Rogers Television will live stream this meeting. Participants can tweet their comments and questions using the hashtag #opreview. Access the live stream for this public meeting at www.rogerstv.com/OurCity.

February 27 - City Hall, 100 Queen St. W. (Council Chamber), from 6:30 to 9 p.m. with a presentation at 7 p.m.

The project website (www.toronto.ca/opreview/employment) is the primary online source of information for people to learn about the draft policies, and consultation process, and provide feedback through an online questionnaire.

Be part of the conversation. Twitter users can use the project hashtag - #opreview; email opreview@toronto.ca or sign up to receive e-updates from the City at
www.toronto.ca/e-updates/index.htm (check the "Official Plan" box).

All public feedback must be received by March 7 to be considered for the consultation summary report to Council targeted for spring 2013.