BIG IDEA: Thomson’s Blue Print to Cut Red Tape

• Posted on: July 21, 2010
• Submitted by: votetoronto2010 staff

Who: Sarah Thomson

Her Idea: Better architecture and a focus on long-term city planning

In her latest policy announcement, Sarah Thomson is pledging to cut bureaucratic red-tape and beautify our city at the same time. A plan aimed at wooing the urban planning and architecture communities Ms. Thomson released “Unlocking Architecture and Long-Term Planning.” This latest piece focuses on implementing a long-term focus to city planning to “protect our vast public spaces and parklands, to expand our subway system, and to attract new businesses and job opportunities to our city.”

Ms. Thomson’s plan is broken down into six parts:

1. Design for Excellence Program – As one of the most diverse cities in the world, Toronto’s architecture should reflect that diversity. Ms. Thomson argues that through her Design for Excellence program Toronto’s wide array of cultural diversity will be better reflected our city’s architecture. As part of this program, Ms. Thomson’s review panel (of architects and designers) would fast-track “good designs.” (She compares this program to the LEED program.)

2. Unlocking Long-Term Planning and Growth – Ms. Thomson believes that “current delays in the building application process are too long and the existing zoning along transit corridors does not support the density increases suggested in our official plan.” To fix this problem she proposes”

• Reducing Section 37 fees – She proposes working with the Ontario Municipal Board to determine the reasonable rate and set a three year review    period. (Rocco Rossi previously proposed diverting section 37 fees to priority neighbourhoods)
• A developer concierge service – A service that would “essentially shepherd developers through the various layers of red tape — and reduce bureaucratic delays — which Thomson says can take years to navigate.”
• Pre-zoning transit corridors – Ms. Thomson would pre-zone and improve density opportunities alone transit corridors.

3. Unlocking True Collaboration – She pledges to involve community and business groups and citizens in the beginning stages of the planning and building process.

4. Heritage Protection – All government-owned buildings built before the 1920s would be spared the wrecking ball under a Thomson administration (unless it is beyond saving).

5. Buy Local and Employ Local Talent – With a plan that encourages showcasing local talent and job creation, Ms. Thomson wants to employ locals whenever possible.

6. Unlocking Beauty for Everyone – Burying hydro wires, cleaning up graffiti, creating boulevards and more green space are all encouraged.

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