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Urban Planning Blog
Architecture and Urban Planning Blog for forward-thinking developers and innovative municipalities who want to achieve smarter density.
Part 4: How Not to Miss The RER Opportunity
As transformative as the RER can be, its potential is not treated accordingly by the media or the government organizations. Subway projects like the Relief Line or the potential extension of Line 1 to Richmond Hill, and even the Eglinton Crosstown project, which is an
Part 3: How to Make the Most of the RER?
Because of these differences in access to the stations, the RER supports a very different type of urban structure than a subway does. The stations are far apart, but the high speed of travel means it is easy to travel between stations across a large
Part 2: How to Tie the RER Station to its Area?
How is the RER Different from a Subway? While the RER will provide frequent all-day service similar to the subway, the two are different and support different urban structures. The general principle of a subway/metro is that the stations are within walking distance for most
Part 1: What is the GO RER
The RER Potential – and How Not to Miss it In recent years, the province has undertaken a project that has the potential to reshape the Greater Toronto Area. The Regional Express Rail (RER) will convert GO Rail from a network that has limited use
3 Critical Urban Planning Principles Toronto Should Adopt from Tokyo ASAP
Back in 2012, as two freshly minted architects, we decided to travel around East Asia for 6 months. It was a very low budget trip, and I am still surprised we were able to pull it off. But we did. Japan was one of the
Just Who Can Afford Real Estate in Toronto and Vancouver?
By: Penelope Graham, Zoocasa It’s not a new narrative that Canada’s largest urban housing markets have been plagued by eroding affordability. However, a new set of data that pits income tax filings against home prices reveals just how financially steep homeownership can be; even
Not Just Simple Supply and Demand: Five Other Places to Look at to Understand What Prevents Us from Achieving Housing Affordability in the GTA
Not Just Simple Supply and Demand: Five Other Places to Look at to Understand What Prevents Us from Achieving Housing Affordability in the GTA Not Just Simple Supply and Demand: Five Other Places to Look at to Understand What Prevents Us from Achieving Housing Affordability
How Does Condo Density Impact the Value of Other Home Types?
By: Penelope Graham, Zoocasa The City of Toronto is often referred to as a “city of neighbourhoods”, a moniker that came about following its 1998 amalgamation, which saw a cluster of boroughs transform into the existing Mega City. The result is a patchwork of
4 of the Most Creative Community Engagement Ideas for City Planners
One of the strongest first impressions I had as a newcomer to Toronto was how passionate the residents are about their city. It was amazing to see how many people, of all ages and backgrounds, showed up to open houses for new developments in order
If Vancouver’s architectural style is so similar to Toronto’s, why does it feel so different at grade? Review of Vancouver’s Urban Design
I constantly hear my Torontonian colleagues using Vancouver as a benchmark for a well-designed city to emulate. I went on a deep dive to investigate why some of Vancouver’s contemporary developments seem more resident-friendly. Looking beyond architecture Interestingly enough, Toronto and Vacnouver are actually quite
What is the Naked House concept and how can it help solve Housing Affordability in Toronto?
What is the Naked House concept and how can it help solve Housing Affordability in Toronto? In search of affordable housing, what are you be willing to give up? Location? It will probably mean a longer commute and a less livable neighbourhood. Land? Smaller or
Balconies that People will Actually Use
It’s incredibly difficult to sell a unit without a balcony — an outdoor space to enjoy with friends and family is at the top of many buyers’ wish lists. But too often balconies are poorly designed and end up being little more than outdoor storage
Review: Growing Up- Planning for Children in New Vertical Communities
I am often asked about the City’s new study: Growing Up – Planning for Children in New Vertical Communities; what does it mean for development and what is going to change. It was by far one of the most interesting and important projects I had
King Street, Toronto / Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Today Toronto started the King Street Transit Pilot, eliminating through-traffic on a section of King Street to allow the streetcars move more quickly. Although the project was scaled down from the ambitious fully pedestrianized King Street to only limits on through-traffic, we still think it’s
Part 01: Mid-rise Buildings That Work – The Guidelines
Written by: Misha Bereznyak and Josh Papernick Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Map of streets designated as Avenues A few years ago, the city of Toronto came up with a new initiative