Planning

Highest and Best Use Studies

We help developers and landowners evaluate the development potential of sites.

In 2019, we worked on a very interesting and complex highest and best use study.
The context, the development precedents and the current policy made it difficult to assess what would be eventually approved on the site.
Earlier in 2022, it was announced that Capital Developments is settling with the City of Toronto for a new residential development on this exact site.
And here’s the comparison in front of you: to the left: our study from 2019 (Client: Lyle Jones Brunswick Developments) and to the right: the approved (settled) concept.

Infill Site

Outside the core, a narrow, shallow lot in a simple context; a single low- or mid-rise building.

Large

A wide or deep lot; two mid-rise buildings, high-rise, hybrid mid- and high-rise.

Master Plan

Development with new public realm elements e.g. streets, open spaces; phased development; multiple tall buildings.

The report is a distilled analysis of the three main areas of consideration of the development potential:

  • Review of the relevant regulatory framework and planning policies governing the site;
  • Analysis of the relevant development applications in the area;
  • A building massing and the associated GFA yields, based on planning and design considerations.

The report doesn’t include:

  • Floor plans
  • Unit mix
  • Parking layouts
  • Architectural expression
  • Rendered images

Are you interested in any of these features? Contact us  and we will be in touch.

The proposed fees apply for sites within the Greater Toronto Area. For sites located outside of the GTA, an additional fee is required.

The standard turnaround time is 15 Business days for infill and large sites and 15 days for a master-plan. A 15% rush fee will be applied to orders with a shorter turnaround time.

The thoroughness of the report is suitable for the due-diligence phase. However, our clients have found it to be a powerful tool as early as the bidding phase since it provides the leverage you need.

Do you need to understand the development potential of a specific site?