We are pleased to announce that the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) has awarded the Planning Excellence Merit Award for New and Emerging Planning Initiatives to a collection of strategic studies that form part of the Tower Neighbourhood Renewal initiative.
Since 2007, the Tower Neighbourhood Renewal initiative has been working to tackle one of the most pressing planning challenges of our times – the renewal and revitalization of Toronto’s post-war Apartment Tower Neighbourhoods.
ERA Architects, planningAlliance and the Centre for Urban Growth and Renewal (CUG+R), have been working with project partners at the City of Toronto, Tower Renewal Office, Province of Ontario, University of Toronto, United Way Toronto, and Toronto Public Health to produce the reports Tower Neighbourhood Renewal in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Toward Healthy Apartment Neighbourhoods, and A New Approach to Zoning for Apartment Neighbourhoods.
This recent research and policy development has helped lead to the adoption of new zoning for Apartment Neighbourhoods to allow for new investment and new uses in these areas throughout the city, as well as a process of strategic community investment.
The Tower Neighbourhood Renewal initiative has also been recognized with a Canadian Association of Heritage Practitioners Award of Excellence, a Toronto Urban Design Award of Excellence, and a National Urban Design Award for Sustainable Development.