Smart Density is excited to announce that we have been awarded the City of Toronto’s contract for the Downtown East and Dundas-Sherbourne Area Master Plan and Development Study. This project represents a strategic opportunity to support several key City initiatives, including the HousingTO Plan, Toronto Housing Charter, Downtown East Housing Strategy, and the revitalization of the Dundas-Sherbourne neighborhood.
Our approach prioritizes feasibility, functionality, and urban vibrancy. The City’s ambitious goal of creating 25,000 new rent-controlled homes—including 2,500 new rent-geared-to-income homes—requires a master plan that is both visionary and financially viable. Too often, master plans fail when they are not grounded in financial feasibility, implementation clarity and community needs.
Project Team:
- Urban Design, Planning, and Engagment: Smart Density
- Cost and Feasibility Analysis: Altus Group
- Indigenous Community Engagement: Dable
Our Integrated Design Approach
Tosupport a realistic and actionable strategy, Smart Density will implement a methodology that integrates rigorous analysis with meaningful urban design and community engagement. Our process includes:
Early identification of feasibility risks: By diagnosing red flags early, we can explore alternative development approaches that maximize potential and reduce project delays.
Informed due diligence: Ensuring the City has sufficient time to conduct necessary studies and make data-driven recommendations.
Public realm and mobility opportunities: Identifying key areas for community consultation to enhance neighborhood vibrancy.
Prioritization of top development sites: Grounding site selection in financial feasibility to create a master plan that can be implemented.
Urban design integration: Addressing constraints and opportunities early in the planning process.
Community-Centered Development
Our team recognizes that revitalization must be informed by those who live and work in the community. As part of this study, we will work closely with stakeholders to assess existing community housing and support needs, define development options, and ensure alignment with broader neighbourhood improvement efforts.
This study will work in tandem with the Dundas-Sherbourne Community Development Plan (CDP) to address service gaps and enhance safety, health, and social outcomes. To ensure a coordinated approach, Smart Density will collaborate with the Housing Secretariat and CDP team to align findings and streamline community engagement.
Advancing the Right to Housing
The work completed in this Master Plan and Development Study will contribute to the City’s broader efforts to implement the HousingTO Plan and the Toronto Housing Charter, advancing the realization of the right to adequate housing. Through detailed market and regulatory analysis, community engagement, and strategic site planning, we aim to deliver solutions that maximize housing opportunities while minimizing disruption for existing residents.
Smart Density is honoured to play a role in shaping the future of the Downtown East and Dundas-Sherbourne area, ensuring that new housing developments are both visionary and feasible.
We look forward to collaborating with the City to develop a practical and forward-thinking plan that delivers real housing solutions.