Steps to Build Downtown Mississauga Approved

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Published February 22, 2013 at 9:16 pm

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The future Downtown Mississauga will be a more vibrant, transit-oriented urban centre, following a unanimous vote of approval at City Council today. Council voted to approve a new planning framework, outlined in a corporate report approved by the City’s Planning & Development Committee last week.  The report details the legislative steps required to redesign the downtown envisioned in the City’s Downtown21 Master Plan.

“We’ve set a new course for our downtown’s future,” said Mayor Hazel McCallion.   “Downtown21 mapped out our vision – now we have the legislation and standards that will guide the City and our partners as we build that vision.”

Downtown21 describes an urban centre that is desirable for all Mississauga residents, as well as businesses and their employees.  It will be a collection of walkable neighbourhoods, each with its own character, and easily accessible by transit. The downtown will be a place to live, work, learn, shop and play.  Building a more vibrant downtown is a goal outlined in Mississauga’s Strategic Plan.

Marilyn Ball, Director of Development & Design, explained the City began its work on a new downtown planning framework after Downtown21 received the support of Council in April 2010.  An interim control bylaw enacted in March 2011 put a hold on development; this allowed time for research and study. The interim control bylaw will expire on March 8, 2013.

“Council’s decision today directs staff to bring forward the legislation required for Council approval on March 6, 2013,” said Ball. The legislation includes amendments to the Official Plan, a new Downtown Core Local Area Plan, a zoning amendment bylaw and new built form standards.

According to Ontario’s ‘Places to Grow’ Growth Plan, Mississauga is an urban growth centre and transit hub; the number of people living in downtown Mississauga is expected to grow from 32,000 to 70,000 by 2031.  Ball says the new framework, along with Mississauga’s Official Plan, will guide development during a period of significant growth in population and jobs in downtown Mississauga.  

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