For Ken Greenberg, it's clear Toronto is "going through a metamorphosis of extraordinary proportions," comparable to the development of New York in the mid-20th century. He examines how the city must prepare for an unprecedented scale of development.
Greenberg takes the recent debates over a proposal for a massive new project by architect Frank Gehry destined for the city's theatre district as just the recent indication that, "[l]ike it or not, Toronto is becoming a different city. It's now clear," says Greenberg,
"that we're transitioning to a city with a vastly different level of
intensity."
So what will be required to maintain a high quality-of-life in this transformed city? Toronto must confront its "infrastructure deficit" he argues. "We have failed to
make the investments in public transit that are urgently needed. Our
narrow sidewalks and poorly designed streets are already jammed. We will
need to invest in public services to accommodate the major increases in
population. Our public spaces are meagre and poorly equipped and
maintained."
Clearly, says Greenberg, the city must have a public conversation about the cumulative impacts of the massive projects transforming the city. And why not start with the project designed by hometown hero Frank Gehry, which has already engendered much debate?
"The extreme makeover of the King Street West entertainment strip may be
the pretext or catalyst for exactly the kind of public conversation
Toronto needs to have about the future of our city and its downtown."
FULL STORY: Extreme makeover: Toronto’s density challenges
Not 'The One' and Done—Toronto Amidst a Skyscraper Building Boom
Toronto has been the hottest scene In North America for skyscrapers in recent years, leading to comparisons to New York of the 1920s. Here's a look at a new wave of expected skyscrapers in Toronto.
How Tall is Too Tall?
What is the best height to promote good urban living? It needs to be high to attain necessary density but not so high that it detracts from the quality of life, particularly for existing residents. In short, what is the Goldilocks height level?
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.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service