Uptown Vision 2025 1 5/10/2011
visionstatement Waterloo will partner with the community to enhance Uptown to: Be bold; be world class. Strive for an Uptown that is vibrant, fun, exciting, intelligent and spectacular; an urban core that is safe, accessible and attractive for living, working, shopping, playing and learning. Make Uptown a showcase to enhance the image of Waterloo. Build on and support the successes of 1992 s vision (Project 2007) and Waterloo s historical character and attributes. Bolster its development as a centre for innovation and academic excellence. Enhance the experience and perception of Uptown s public realm so it is pedestrian friendly, green, attractive and integrated with private and public developments. 2 5/10/2011
introduction History The City of Waterloo has for many years supported Uptown as the heart of the city. The Uptown Vision Committee was formed in 1992 at a time when Uptown Waterloo s traditional industries of distilling, brewing and barrel-making were in the process of closing. At that time there were many empty storefronts in the Uptown, as well as fifty acres of unused industrial land. The first Vision for the Uptown was planned for completion by 2007, in conjunction with the City s 150 th anniversary. Project 2007 strove to revitalize the core and make it a vibrant place to live, work and visit. That Vision has largely been realized, and the result is a prosperous, attractive Uptown core. Among the many achievements are a new Public Square, the transformation of the mall in Uptown, and new pedestrian-friendly streetscapes. Hotels, residential buildings, office buildings, shops and a university school have all been built or are under construction. The infill and densification of the Uptown is well underway. About Vision 2025 In 2008, the Uptown Vision Committee began the process of creating a Vision looking towards 2025. The goal of the Committee has been to build on the successes of the previous Vision and provide continuity with it. The committee undertook a number of consultations with stakeholders, coordination with planners and other City staff, surveys of residents, and a public forum to solicit opinions. The result of this collaborative process is this document. Vision 2025 describes the Vision from five perspectives. Each perspective on the Vision includes objectives as well as a few suggested projects aimed at achieving the objectives. The perspectives are: Build A vision for quality buildings, infrastructure and other built form. Live A vision for a safe and livable residential environment. Move A vision that travel to and within the Uptown is accessible and convenient. Work A vision for a cosmopolitan centre of economic activity and prosperity. Play A vision of the Uptown as an entertainment and cultural destination with inviting greenspace. 3 5/10/2011
Next steps Community involvement forms the basis of the Uptown Vision, and community involvement is necessary to achieve the Vision. All the projects in this Vision will benefit from partnership with residents, businesses and local organizations. The Uptown Vision Committee will work with City staff and Councillors to set priorities and implement projects in this Vision, as well as other new projects. Where projects require new money, they will be considered in City programs and budgets. Vision 2025 will be incorporated into the Waterloo Official Plan in 2011. This Vision is an evolving plan that will adapt as Uptown Waterloo continues to grow and improve. All new initiatives that affect the Uptown should be evaluated against the objectives of Vision 2025. 4 5/10/2011
build Summary Buildings, infrastructure, and other built form should build on and protect the elements in Uptown that have made it successful: its sense of history, human scale and pleasant and people-friendly environment. In new developments we should strive for an Uptown that is exciting, intelligent and spectacular. Objectives 1. New development should be of the highest quality in terms of design, functionality, accessibility, sustainability and flexibility; and should contribute to the formation of a livable community. 2. Ensure that new development embodies a diversity of architectural form and expression. 3. Ensure that Uptown has mixed and balanced uses. 4. Ensure that the development of City owned lands supports the Vision and incorporates high quality design with particular emphasis on the public realm. 5 5/10/2011
5. As the Uptown becomes denser, ensure the continued viability of the four stable lowrise residential neighbourhoods: Albert Central area, Moore Bridgeport area, Mary Allen area and Euclid William area. 6. Encourage and respect heritage preservation. 6 5/10/2011
Projects Standards 1. Create an Uptown Advisory Committee for site plan and architectural input similar to London, Ontario. 2. Adopt a Floor Space Ratio (FSR) zoning standard to better control building height and massing. 3. Develop an evolving document that highlights leading examples of innovative design from around the world that can be considered for Uptown Waterloo. 4. Strengthen continuity and contextual requirements that require good connections and access for pedestrians between adjacent properties. 5. For new development proposals, ensure wind studies, traffic assessments, shadow analyses, etc. are completed and adhered to. Incentives 1. Create design competitions, sponsorship opportunities and awards for good design in new construction, restoration, and renovation. 2. Create an Uptown Heritage Foundation to encourage updates to older buildings that respect the historical character of Uptown. 3. Promote LEED initiatives in all building and neighbourhood designs with incentives to increase the level of environmental sustainability through justifiable reductions in Development Charges. 4. Consider a Brownfield Remediation Fund from which approved development proposals can receive financial assistance (such as TIFs tax increment financing) Planning 1. Identify where existing neighbourhoods should be protected, and where sympathetic development and re-development may occur. 2. Create a suitable transition between the dense Uptown core and the surrounding neighbourhoods through such means as townhouses or low rise buildings between single family homes and high-rise buildings. Initiatives 1. Develop a plan for the use of Waterworks Park (on William St.) for whenever it may become available. 2. Produce opportunity guidelines for publicly owned lands to indicate what kinds of uses and functions would help implement the Vision and meet other city needs. 7 5/10/2011
live Summary Highlight the need for a safe and livable urban environment that accommodates a diverse range of socio-economic groups and families with a variety of housing options. Objectives 1. Encourage grocery stores, schools, parks and key services within the Uptown to support local residents. 2. New residential development should increase diversity in the Uptown. 3. Encourage housing that is affordable to a wide range of residents. 4. Ensure that Uptown is a great place for families. Projects Standards 1. Strengthen property standards and their enforcement. 8 5/10/2011
2. Review the lodging house licensing program to maintain the integrity of existing residential neighbourhoods. 3. Facilitate the formation of Uptown residents neighbourhood associations. Incentives 1. In conjunction with the Region, establish opportunities for low income housing and develop policies to achieve those. 9 5/10/2011
move Summary Uptown Waterloo must be accessible to all, and inviting for all modes of travel. A pedestrian network with attractive streetscapes will integrate with vehicular traffic, transit and bicyclists throughout the core. Objectives Pedestrians/Cycling 1. Follow The Pedestrian Charter, which gives pedestrian movement priority. 2. Provide a pleasant walking experience with wide sidewalks, shaded streets, seating and inviting connections between places. 3. Uptown should be a hub with major trails radiating from the centre like spokes from a wheel. 4. Ensure that King Street between William and Erb Streets is available for street festivals. 5. Create a more bike-friendly environment, with bicycle lanes and plentiful bicycle parking. 10 5/10/2011
Parking 1. Recognize the importance of parking that is convenient, plentiful, accessible and free. 2. Parking should be intensified in strategic centralized locations. 3. Accommodate the evolution of personal vehicle transportation, such as micro vehicles, car share and electric cars. Transit 1. Continue to treat Uptown as a major transit hub. 2. Inviting and pleasant transit shelters should be created at strategic locations in the Uptown. 3. Avoid platforms and/or structures that obstruct pedestrian movement. 4. Promote eco-fuel friendly buses. Accessibility 1. Design for accessibility. 2. Ensure maintenance of sidewalks and snow removal to enhance accessibility. Projects Trails 1. Improve navigation for cars and pedestrians with clear, branded signage. 1. Complete the Iron Horse trail along Caroline Street. 2. Improve and better define the Laurel Trail along the railway tracks. 3. Create better linkages to existing trails. 11 5/10/2011
4. Continue to create inviting linkages and walkways to the Albert Central area, Moore Bridgeport area, Mary Allen area and Euclid William area neighbourhoods. 5. Ensure public access through the Barrelyards development to Waterloo Park and to the Waterloo Recreation Complex. 6. Create strong connections to Waterloo Park through an integrated trail system with identifiable branding unique to Uptown Waterloo. 7. Provide markings on streets where trails cross. Roads 1. Improve problematic intersections such as Erb/Caroline. 2. Consider Vehicle-Free Sundays. 3. In order to accommodate accessibility, bicycles and pedestrians, transit infrastructure must be flush with the street. Pedestrians 1. Provide benches, drinking fountains and washrooms in convenient locations. 2. Examine problematic pedestrian crossings to ensure that pedestrians can safely travel everywhere in the Uptown; for example, at Erb/Caroline, consider a pedestrian scramble intersection and/or other initiatives. Parking 1. Build a parking structure north of Erb St. Accessibility 1. Work with businesses to reduce confusion around accessibility rules and to replace steps up into stores. 2. Improve snow removal in Uptown and adopt a proactive policy for enforcing snow removal. 3. Maintain sidewalks in a timely manner so that cracks do not cause impediments. 4. Ensure there are drop-off points for taxis and cars at appropriate places. Bicycles 1. Bicycle use should be accommodated on major Uptown streets. 2. Bike sharing and bike rental programs should be considered. 3. Bike parking should be adequate and convenient. There should be a safe option for secure and sheltered bicycle parking. 12 5/10/2011
work Summary In 2025, Uptown Waterloo will be a cosmopolitan centre of economic activity and prosperity, anchored by a diverse range of businesses and community and educational organizations. The Uptown s economic potential will be realized through the availability of mixed use spaces that accommodate the traditional and innovative activities that will define Waterloo. Objectives 1. Ensure the Uptown is a major employment node and an attractive destination for local, national and global organizations and employers. 2. Encourage the development of additional office space. 3. Use the Uptown to build on Waterloo s reputation as an Intelligent Community, a centre for high-tech companies, and the home of internationally renowned universities and institutes. 4. Promote economic activity and employment growth along the Uptown side streets as well as the King St. corridor. 13 5/10/2011
Projects 1. Enact policies that encourage mixed-use development such as having lower levels of buildings for retail uses. 2. Prepare and implement a strategic land inventory and development plan for the publicly owned lands in the Uptown. 3. Promote the addition of more institutes and research facilities in Uptown. 14 5/10/2011
play Summary Uptown Waterloo will be a destination for recreational and leisure activities, arts and culture, distinctive events and festivals for all ages, while also ensuring that it meets the day to day needs of Uptown residents. Uptown will continue to be the premier place for tourism, shopping and dining in our City and Region. 15 5/10/2011
Objectives Parks 1. Ensure that existing parks, gardens and trails throughout the Uptown are enhanced and maintained through a well designed and coordinated approach. 2. Ensure Uptown Waterloo remains a vibrant and attractive focal point for the City that includes a variety of green spaces for active and passive enjoyment. 3. Provide creative, innovative rest areas throughout Uptown. Culture 1. Encourage and promote restaurants, outdoor patios etc to locate in Uptown to create a vibrant street life. 2. Ensure active, continuous programming of the public square to bring people to the Uptown. 3. Promote Uptown as the hub for festivals throughout the year. 4. Promote the arts in Uptown so that culture is considered an important and essential element of Uptown. 5. Promote the central Uptown visitor information and assistance centre. Shopping 1. Preserve and promote a unique and diverse shopping experience for residents and visitors. Wellness 1. Encourage future design and development that supports healthy environments and lifestyles for residents and visitors. 2. Ensure the availability of recreational facilities and programs for families and individuals. 3. Ensure there are areas and places where people can be physically active. 4. Protect, and where possible expand, the availability of sports fields in the Uptown area. 5. Offer attractive and accessible alternate transportation routes that promote exercise (i.e., bike lanes and trails). 16 5/10/2011
Projects Parks and Green Spaces 1. Undertake a comprehensive Green Pedestrian Master Plan to identify and establish a network of corridors and nodes to identify where green spaces can be added into the urban fabric. 2. Transform parks at King-William (Heritage Green and Brewmeister Green) as gateways to the Uptown. 3. Establish gateway parks at strategic locations throughout the Uptown. 4. Provide green space north of Erb St. such as at King-Bridgeport. 5. Preserve the small park near the Marsland Centre on Erb St. 6. Make the green space behind City Hall into an inviting park area. 7. Work with the GRCA to establish a naturalization plan for Laurel Creek in the Uptown to create a strong pedestrian corridor. 8. Expand the BIA Streetscape improvement program to Willow St., Regina St., Erb St, and Caroline St. 9. Increase pedestrian seating on an annual basis. 10. Increase shade trees and implement a tree replacement program. 11. Study and improve Uptown laneways. Public Square 1. Enhance the Public Square with trees in large pots, more seating, more umbrellas, a concession area and fountain that children can use as a splash pool. 2. Maintain and enhance programming in the Public Square. Provide several regular attractions such as a Saturday market or Sunday afternoon concert. 3. Form a citizen s committee to assist with programming and funding for the Square. Culture 1. Expand and promote historical walking tours. Create signage explaining historical buildings and areas. Establish a culture fund to commission and/or acquire unique pieces of art. 2. Provide a small stage somewhere in the Uptown where licensed buskers can perform. 3. Enhance the Uptown LOOP with sidewalks, maps coordinated with way markers, etc. 4. Encourage and promote outreach initiatives with institutional facilities as major attractions to the Uptown. 17 5/10/2011
Retail 1. Encourage and promote street levels of buildings for retail. 2. Provide incentives for facades/storefront improvements. Wellness 1. Implement attractive and clean public washrooms. 2. Consider establishing health and wellness standards/requirements for development proposals. 18 5/10/2011