Overview of the Avenues Policy
1. Toronto’s Official Plan
Toronto divides land use into categories:
Neighbourhoods: Low-rise residential only e.g. Havelock, Dovercourt, Ossington north of Dundas, and part of Dufferin Street.
Apartment Neighbourhoods: High-density residential, including mid-rise e.g. Jameson
Mixed Use Areas: Commercial (shops, restaurants, hotels) + housing; typically mid-rise main streets e.g. College
Note: All links to maps and relevant documents can be found at the end of the document.
❋ Intentional Structure2. What Are “Avenues”?
Avenues are major streets the city identifies as growth corridors—places intended for mid-rise buildings (6–14 storeys) close to transit.
3. Avenues Phase One (Feb 2025)
City Council adopted Official Plan Amendment 778, adding 283 km of new Avenues (now 455 km total). This was the “vision.” See Map 2 below from OPA 778. The roads in purple and pink were approved in Feb[VJ1]
The issue: Many Avenues are still designated “Neighbourhoods,” meaning mid-rise isn’t allowed unless a developer goes through years of rezoning and appeals.
To fix this, the City launched the Avenues Policy Review to redesignate these streets so mid-rise becomes as-of-right (no rezoning required). This essentially “pre-approves” them.[VJ2]
[VJ1]in Feb 2025?
[VJ2]Do you feel comfortable saying this? Tina Yazdani used this phrase in her CityNews segment and I think it's helpful and clear, even if it's not 100% pre-approved.
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Day OneArrive & Meet
As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
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Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
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We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
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