Chief Planner Jennifer Keesmaat has broken rank from Mayor John Tory on the issue of whether to replace or remove an elevated highway along the city's waterfront. The cost to replace the expressway, $919 million, is more than removing it.
"Toronto chief planner Jen Keesmaat is calling for the removal of the eastern Gardiner, putting her at odds with the mayor on one of the most important issues facing the city," reports Oliver Moore.
Keesmaat's prompted the coverage by making the following remarks in support of removing the elevated roadway recently at a conference in Toronto: "This is a decision that needs to be made by looking into the future and thinking about the kind of city we want to be in the future….We have an opportunity to create a grand new landscape in our city." Mayor John Tory supports the more expensive proposal to leave the road in place.
According to Moore, "[t]he decision over the eastern stretch – with a price tag that could range up to close to $1-billion – is set to come to council in early June." The article also includes a discussion about city staff speaking out on this issue and others. Until Keesmaat's recent remarks, a report by Waterfront Toronto had offered the most pointed opposition to the idea of replacing the elevated roadway.
FULL STORY: Toronto chief planner at odds with mayor over eastern Gardiner removal
Toronto City Council Decides to Rebuild Gardiner East Expressway
Coulda, woulda, shoulda. The Toronto City Council sided with Mayor John Tory this week to rebuild an elevated freeway in downtown rather than tearing it down.
Proposed Toronto Highways Raise Environmental Concerns
Opponents of two new planned highways in greater Toronto argue the construction of new roads is 'short-sighted at best' and would threaten the region's greenbelt areas.
Opinion: Build Housing, Not Expressways
As it rebuilds the Gardiner Expressway, Toronto could use the opportunity to create more real estate for affordable housing.
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing
The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.
California Governor Vows to Protect EV Credits
If the federal government eliminates the tax credit for electric vehicles, the governor will need legislative support to restart a state-level incentive program.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
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.
Los Alamos County
City of Culver City
Skagit Transit
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners