URBAN DESIGN ACTION PLAN Community Design and Environmental Services Committee April 20, 2009
What is the Urban Design Action Plan? The Action Plan is a guiding document to address how design-thinking can be better integrated into the planning and development of the city. It starts by outlining a vision for how Guelph could evolve and identifies what actions are needed to get us there.
The Project: 1. Baseline Analysis 2. Engagement 3. Action List Deliverables: Staff and Council Bus Tours Stakeholder Interviews Participated in Community By Design Symposium Hosted Places to Grow Downtown Charette Market Place Urban Design Plan (demonstration project) Hosted Workshops and Open Houses Action Plan draft publications
Guelph is Guelph is
Guelph is also Guelph is also
The City s Role Plans and studies Policies, standards and guidelines Opportunity Areas Projects Processes Promotion and education Institutional Strengthening The Urban Design Action Plan
Report Structure: S A M P L E
Opportunity Areas Downtown Community Nodes Intensification Corridors New Communities Employment Areas Guelph Innovation District The Campus Note: diagram based on existing mapping
Downtown
Downtown Precedents
Downtown Priority Actions 1 downtown secondary plan 2 baker street urban design study/main branch library 3 community improvement plan phases 5 heritage conservation study 6 civic square 7 infrastructure and streetscape improvements 8 wilson street parkade 9 mobility hub
Community Nodes
Community Node Precedents
Priority Actions 1 Adopt recommended urban design policies and guidelines 2 Prepare a new plan for the East Node 3 Establish transit hubs in the West & South Nodes
Intensification Corridors
Intensification Corridor Precedents Intensification Corridor Precedents
Priority Actions 1 Amend the structure and urban design policies of the Official Plan 2 Prepare streetscape and corridor guidelines for York Road
New Communities
New Community Precedents
Priority Actions 1 Complete the study of alternative development standards 2 Adopt sustainable community design policies and guidelines
Employment Areas and Guelph District
Employment Area Precedents Priority Actions 1 Complete Guelph Innovation District secondary plan and implementation strategy 2 Adopt recommended urban design policies and guidelines
The University Campus
Priority Action Continue and enhance meetings between City and University planning staff
City-wide Opportunities Neighbourhood Infill Natural Heritage and Trees Utilities and Lighting The Hanlon Expressway Public Art
Neighbourhood Infill Priority Actions 1 Update Official Plan policies to encourage sensitive infill 2 Require pre-consultation with the community 3 Undertake Heritage Conservation District studies 4 Complete an infill design study
Project Review
Strategies and Actions Work closely with communities undergoing change Require and create new communication tools Submit major projects to a rigorous urban design review process Foster a more integrated, team-based approach Reinforce the role of urban design within CDDS
Promotion Grant Programs Urban Design Awards Symposia and Lectures Youth Outreach and Education City Hall Displays
Page 68 Summary Key actions underway: OP Update Downtown Secondary Plan Baker Street Study Civic Square Design & Construction Wilson Street Parkade Alternative Development Standards Guelph Innovation District Plan sets stage for new community concepts describes new vision for historic centre provides model for new downtown vision provides new model for public space example of design-based development updates new development designs opportunity for new community vision
Recommendation: THAT the Community Design and Development Services report, dated April 20, 2009, regarding the Urban Design Action Plan, Be Received; and THAT Council adopt the Urban Design Action Plan as the multiyear guideline document for developing urban design policy and guidelines, implementing or refining procedures and practices with regards to Guelph s urban design; and THAT Community Design and Development Services provide an annual report on the status of the priority actions identified in the Urban Design Action Plan; and THAT staff identify the Urban Design Action Plan priorities, as appropriate, in the upcoming 2010 budget setting process.