On Wednesday, July 19th, leaders in the development of Toronto’s Residential Apartment Commercial (RAC) Zoning by-law gathered at York University to celebrate and explore challenges and next steps in empowering communities to utilize Toronto’s newest zone. The esteemed panel had representation from property owners, entrepreneurs, community members, academics and city builders with Graeme Stewart, Principal at ERA Architect and the Centre for Urban Growth and Renewal as the Panel Moderator.
Panelists included:
- Michael Mizzi Director, Zoning and Secretary-Treasurer Committee of Adjustment, City Planning Division at the City of Toronto
- Jason Thorne, General Manager Planning and Economic Development, City of Hamilton
- Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health, City of Toronto
- Doug Saunders, Author, and Journalist
- Ayan Yusuf, Community Program Worker, Rexdale Community Health Centre
- Gobal Mailwaganam, Managing Director, Municipal Affairs & Housing and Operations CAPREIT
The evening provided a platform for the celebration of Toronto’s new Zone as well as a discussion about the next steps in rolling out the RAC Zone on a large scale.
For coverage of the event see:
– “Changes coming to business and social services for apartment towers“, Graeme Stewart’s interview on Metro Morning
– “Towering Ambitions“, article by Globe and Mail
– “Zoning changes give new life to Toronto’s ‘apartment neighborhoods’: Hume“, article by Toronto Star
Forget laneway housing. This is the Toronto re-zoning story of the year. https://t.co/sY98Tazq2D
— Jeff Ranson (@jeffranson) July 18, 2017
Great, patient leadership of @ERAArch @GraemeJStewart to advance the vision of Tower Renewal in the city. Break thrus coming. @metromorning
— Richard Joy (@RichardJoyTO) July 19, 2017
I'm speaking tonight at what may be the 1st ever "party" to celebrate a new zoning bylaw … and people are actually here! #toronto #RACZone pic.twitter.com/cugTdchvEa
— Jason Thorne (@JasonThorne_RPP) July 19, 2017
Talking "Residential Apartment Commercial (RAC) Zones" at @yorkuniversity. A big step to improving Toronto's high-rise communities: pic.twitter.com/m6YhKVFfYu
— UrbanToronto (@Urban_Toronto) July 19, 2017
A meeting on the" Residential Apartment Commercial (RAC) Zone" might sound like very nerdy urbanism, but here's proof that zoning matters: pic.twitter.com/MshYA1ufMq
— Stefan Novakovic (@NovakovicTO) July 19, 2017
For more information on RAC zoning, visit http://www.raczone.ca