City Planning announces that the Urban Design Streetscape Manual is now available to the public in a new, online format. The manual emphasizes design quality and amenity in the pedestrian realm and serves as a reference tool for streetscape improvements across Toronto.
Streets are a vital part of Toronto's public open space system. They function as movement corridors for pedestrians, cyclists, transit and vehicles, as well as support many social and business activities. Much of the quality of the Toronto's public realm comes from the appearance and character of its streets.
The Streetscape Manual is an urban design reference tool for the improvement of the City's arterial street network - the Main Streets and Green Streets that define and connect neighbourhoods. The Manual focuses on design quality in the public right-of-way, with an emphasis on coherence, beauty, durability, accessibility, pedestrian amenity and tree canopy.
Following a hierarchy of streetscape types, the Manual assigns a set of standard or specialized design treatments to each arterial road. Although the Manual does not typically include collector roads, local roads or laneways, design quality and tree canopy on these streets is also very important.
The design treatments specified in the Manual centre on five streetscape elements - paving, street trees, medians, lighting and street furniture. When applied over time, these design treatments will enhance the appearance, health and enjoyment of the urban landscape.
Major items at City Council this week included the Vacant Home Tax, island airport and traffic congestion management.
Read Councillor Fletcher's latest update for details on the newly opened Leslie Lookout Park along with engagement and enforcement activities at Tommy Thompson Park.
Read my latest update for details on the upcoming TRCA Butterfly Festival along with engagement and enforcement activities at Tommy Thompson Park.
