The Case for Transition Zones
The case for Transition Zones is grounded in an understanding of the core issues and challenges associated with Toronto's housing crisis. It has been derived by asking the right questions to a broad array of stakeholders. It is based on the realization that our municipal land use policy framework is a key contributing factor to the housing problem, but is also part of the solution. It is built on an understanding of the cumulative impacts presented by an increasing population, shrinking households, and a lack of housing diversity. Its urgency is compounded by an appreciation that Toronto's growth areas are intensifying beyond their carrying capacity, while its neighbourhoods are declining. It is designed to address the simplicity of the inherent mathematical problem, while acknowledging and responding to the complexity of the resulting political challenges.
Transition Zones will allow Toronto to re-establish historic neighbourhood populations, while accounting for modern lifestyles. They will encourage development in proximity of commercial main streets, frequent and reliable public transit and other amenities, while maintaining the stability of neighbourhoods. They will allow Toronto to diversify its housing stock and cater to a greater range of housing needs. In doing so, they will make Toronto's communities more vibrant and resilient, while allowing for the optimization of existing services and infrastructure.
Transition Zones will respect, reinforce and expand upon Toronto's existing municipal land use policy framework, while serving as a logical next step forward in an already well-defined, accepted and rational approach to city building. They will promote the principles of social, economic and environmental sustainability, while tipping the balance on the housing crisis, in order to accommodate the needs of Toronto's residents, and begin the process of saving its neighbourhoods. Lastly, they will not be the solution to Toronto's housing crisis, but will form a part of a broader approach which will require strong, coordinated, thoughtful and timely leadership.
This website is dedicated to outlining the key Issues and Challenges associated with Toronto's housing crisis, and introducing the concept of Transition Zones as one part of a broader Solution. Please click the links above to learn more.
Transition Zones will allow Toronto to re-establish historic neighbourhood populations, while accounting for modern lifestyles. They will encourage development in proximity of commercial main streets, frequent and reliable public transit and other amenities, while maintaining the stability of neighbourhoods. They will allow Toronto to diversify its housing stock and cater to a greater range of housing needs. In doing so, they will make Toronto's communities more vibrant and resilient, while allowing for the optimization of existing services and infrastructure.
Transition Zones will respect, reinforce and expand upon Toronto's existing municipal land use policy framework, while serving as a logical next step forward in an already well-defined, accepted and rational approach to city building. They will promote the principles of social, economic and environmental sustainability, while tipping the balance on the housing crisis, in order to accommodate the needs of Toronto's residents, and begin the process of saving its neighbourhoods. Lastly, they will not be the solution to Toronto's housing crisis, but will form a part of a broader approach which will require strong, coordinated, thoughtful and timely leadership.
This website is dedicated to outlining the key Issues and Challenges associated with Toronto's housing crisis, and introducing the concept of Transition Zones as one part of a broader Solution. Please click the links above to learn more.
