Ontario
Condo Developers Respond to Demand for Dog Amenities
As Toronto's condo-boom continues, condo buyers and councillors alike are calling for developments to be designed with canines in mind. Developers are now looking to include amenities like “pet spas” and rooftop 'dog runs' in their developments.
Researchers Link Density, Destinations to Active Transportation Habits
What, exactly, makes a neighborhood walkable? A new study published in the science journal PLOS-ONE begins to answer that question.
Report Favours Razing Portion of Toronto's Gardiner Expressway
A new report examines Toronto’s options for the crumbling Gardiner Expressway and speaks favourably to the city-building and economic benefits of demolishing the elevated eyesore, a view not shared by Mayor Rob Ford.
Why New Transfer Rules Would Benefit Toronto’s Most Marginalized
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is considering switching its single-trip transfer system to a more flexible time-based system allowing short return trips to be made without paying twice. Low-income and marginalized riders stand to benefit most.
Toronto Transit Mulls Reducing Stops Along Routes
In a move to increase speed, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is looking to cut some stops from its streetcar and bus routes, rousing debate over whether less is really more - particularly in consideration of elderly and disabled riders.
Crowdsourcing Toronto's "Homegrown National Park"
Led by the nonprofit David Suzuki Foundation, a volunteer workforce of "park rangers" is deploying creative green interventions along private properties and public spaces throughout Toronto to create a citywide green corridor.
2013: A Train Wreck Year for Toronto
Christopher Hume reflects on Toronto’s year of natural, political and transit catastrophes.
Fear of "Hyperdensity" Grips Toronto's Leaders
Since it was passed in 2006, Toronto's growth has largely gone according to its Official Plan, with new development clustered in key areas of the city. But the city's chief planner and others fear some areas are in danger of becoming "hyperdense".
Toronto Asks Gehry to Go Back to Drawing Board
Toronto city council has rejected a proposal by developer David Mirvish and architect Frank Gehry to build three landmark condos – each more than 80 storeys - in Toronto’s core. Concerns include height, heritage loss, and density.
"Catastrophic" Ice Storm Freezes Toronto, Mayor
A severe ice storm struck southern Ontario and the northern U.S. over the weekend, delivering prolonged power outages and disrupting holiday travel. Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was allegedly unreachable after the storm.
Could a Gas Tax Hike Pay for Toronto's "Big Move"?
A government-appointed panel has recommended raising Ontario's gas tax to help pay for an ambitious 25-year transit construction plan dubbed the "Big Move". Political opponents were quick to reject the proposal.
Future-Proofing Underground Condo Parking
Declining demand for zoning-mandated underground condominium parking has Toronto developers and architects talking about ways to design flexible sub-surface spaces to accommodate the possibility of alternate future uses.
Boston’s Big Dig Could be Model for Toronto
As Toronto contemplates the future of its crumbling Gardiner Expressway, columnist Christopher Hume suggests looking to Boston’s Greenway for a glimpse of what downtown might be like without the elevated eyesore.
Toronto Bails Out its Bike Share System
Apparently Toronto's dysfunctional mayor hasn't stopped the rest of the city's government from functioning. With the city's bike share program facing insolvency, the city council voted to provide the Bixi-operated system with an infusion of cash.
How the Ford Fiasco Jeopardizes Toronto’s Financial Future
Taking office on a promise of fiscal responsibility, scandal-plagued mayor Rob Ford threatens Toronto’s reputation and future prosperity. Adam Giambrone shares insights from some of Toronto’s business leaders and financial experts.
Toronto's Problems Are Bigger Than Rob Ford
Sure, having a boorish crack-smoking mayor who refuses to get help or step down is a problem. But Toronto's existential problems are structural, writes Richard Florida. The city's "outmoded growth model and system of governance" threaten its success.
Itemizing the Cost of a Great Street
Great streets don't come cheap. From bike lanes to planters to special signage, it takes more than curbs and concrete to make a nice street. The Grid itemizes what it costs to outfit a specific intersection in Toronto's St. Clair West neighborhood.
Ontario Contemplates "Green Bonds" to Pay for Transit
While Canada’s most populous province continues its heated transit funding debate, Premier Kathleen Wynne recently suggested green bonds as a potential revenue tool. Don Curren sheds light on the bonds and how they might get transit projects rolling.
Will Rob Ford Take Toronto Down With Him?
With the news this week that Toronto police have in their possession the video that allegedly shows him smoking crack, Mayor Rob Ford has been thoroughly disgraced. Marcus Gee argues the scandal threatens "the success of Canada’s biggest city."
Are Planners to Blame for Toronto's Mediocre Architecture?
The Toronto Star architecture critic Christopher Hume introduces a provocative premise - the city's "planning-by-default" approach is responsible for a skyline of sameness.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
