ORCA Project
The ORCA Project is a high-density mixed-use development with significant open space. The subject site is 5.01 hectares (12.38acres) of contiguous open space, or approximately 58% of the total subject site area. The rail corridor overbuild created a unique connection to old neighbourhoods with new ones by stitching back together street blocks and pedestrian linkages that have been severed from a century of rail operations.
Our office was retained in 2016 to prepare and submit an Official Plan application over the rail corridor between Front St and Fort York Blvd. These lands were originally designated as Utility Corridor under the City of Toronto Official Plan and were subject to the policies of the Downtown and Central Waterfront areas of the Plan. The application set out a high density mixed use development with multiple buildings, significant open space.
The Official Plan Amendment was approved by the Ontario Land Tribunal (formerly LPAT) in 2021. R.E. Millward + Associates then worked on supporting SvN Architects + Planners (now WW+P Architects) in a subsequent Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment application as part of the Rail Deck Reset process. Our team continued to provide support to the team until 2021.
Partners
Dermot Sweeny Architect
WW+P Architects
Client:
P.I.T.S. Development Inc.
Services:
Project Management and organization, Review of planning policy and development context in Toronto, Prepare Planning rationale, Draft Official Plan amendment, Community Services & Facilities Study and Housing Issues Report.
Date:
2016 – 2021
Location:
Toronto