Celebrate Vaughan 2016 | Page 46

UPDATE THE OFFICIAL PLAN AND SUPPORTING STUDIES + CREATE AND MANAGE AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS PLANNING NOW AND FOR THE TERM OF COUNCIL PRIORITIES The City of Vaughan will be updating its Official Plan to accommodate projected population and employment growth to the year 2041. The Official Plan provides the City with the land-use and development policies that will guide its future growth and intensification. It must conform to the Provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and York Region’s Official Plan which are currently being reviewed and updated. The population is expected to grow from the current 325,000 to 500,000 by 2041. The amendments to the Official Plan, which are required to support this growth, will be identified through a review of the current Growth Management Strategy and a Municipal Comprehensive Review. THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: • Active Together – the Parks, Recreation, Facilities and Libraries Master Plan • Drainage and Stormwater Master Plan • Employment Sectors Strategy • Fire and Rescue Services Master Plan • Green Directions Vaughan • Long-Range Financial Plan • Transportation Master Plan • Updated Official Plan • Water and Wastewater Master Plan HIGHLIGHTS • Kirby GO Station – One of three new GO stations proposed along the Barrie line as part of the Metrolinx GO Regional Express Rail program. A study on Kirby and the New Communities Secondary Plans for growth areas north of Teston Road is underway. AFFORDABLE HOUSING SOLUTIONS 624 MOMENTUM REPORT 2015 / 2016 • City-Wide Urban Design Guidelines – The study, which began in August 2016, will help shape development and promote high-quality architecture, design excellence, connectivity and placemaking in Vaughan. • Vaughan Healthcare Centre – This is a landscape development concept for the streets, public spaces, infrastructure and future development blocks. It is also supporting development of the hospital to create a walkable, mixeduse health and wellness centre. • Edgeley Pond and Park development – The design of the Edgeley Pond and Park, which will serve as a key recreation and amenity space for the City’s new downtown, is underway. • The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Culture and Public Art Framework and the City’s first ever Public Art Program were approved by Council in June 2016. Secondary Suites As a growing city, Vaughan is working to provide housing options that support strong and healthy neighbourhoods as well as affordable options for residents. A “made-in-Vaughan” approach is being used to develop a policy for secondary suites. From basement apartments to space above a garage, a plan is being created that will provide solutions for the community.