The Neptis Foundation in collaboration with the Canadian Urban Institute presents the key findings of the first independent review of the Growth Plan: Implementing the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe: Has the strategic regional vision been compromised? as a part of the 2014 +PLACE MAKERS series.
Since the Growth Plan was introduced to great acclaim in 2006, municipalities throughout the region have been working hard to implement its goals. A key question asked by Neptis is whether the Growth Plan has been successful in encouraging intensification and more compact, mixed use development that can support transit and is conducive to walking and cycling. While Neptis praises the level of effort expended to create a radically different planning regime, the authors conclude that development patterns are not changing as quickly as hoped. Some municipalities - like the Region of Waterloo - propose to go beyond minimum density targets, while others are promoting business as usual. Join us for a presentation on key report findings followed by a lively discussion from an expert panel that will address:
- What factors are driving local decision making on creative densification?
- How has the development industry responded to the Plan?
- Do we need better tools to help achieve the goals of the Growth Plan?
- As the Ontario Growth Secretariat prepares to review the first 10 years, what kind of indicators will be introduced to monitor progress?
DATE THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014
TIME 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
VENUE MEMORIAL HALL, BURGUNDY ROOM, 5100 YONGE STREET, NORTH YORK
NEAREST TRANSIT STOPS NORTH YORK CENTRE
Register for the event through CUI.
SESSION MODERATOR:
CUI Senior Associate Paul Bedford, FCIP, RPP, former City of Toronto chief planner and member of the Transit Panel
KEYNOTE:
Marcy Burchfield, Executive Director, Neptis Foundation
Philippa Campsie, Co-Author, Research Affiliate, Neptis Foundation
FEATURE PANELISTS:
Rob Horne, MCIP, RPP, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services, Region of Waterloo
Leith Moore, Vice President of Development, Sorbara Group (past president, Ontario Home Builders Association and past chair, BILD)
Dr. Pamela Blais, Principal of Metropole Consultants and author of Perverse Cities
Larry Clay, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Infrastructure (Ontario Growth Secretariat)