It’s time to hit reset button on how we plan our city

Re What a lost opportunity, May 8

Many aspects of urban life will be ready for the reset button when we get over the COVID-19 crisis. One of them could be urban planning. It is long overdue.

The announcement of ending collaboration with Sidewalk Labs on developing the 12-acre Quayside site and possibly affecting 190 acres of Port Lands was no surprise. It could open our eyes to what Toronto can do alone to build affordable housing, units for aging in place, mixed uses, transit and all the rest that was discussed with Sidewalk Labs. The research and consultation cost $75 million and must have taught us something.

Toronto certainly has the talent for developing this land. We have outstanding planners, architects, designers, data experts, investors and above all Waterfront Toronto with a proven record of developing the waterfront.

What we don’t have is urban planning regulations with a backbone. We know what we want and need in new buildings, but they usually end up pretty much like the plans developers submitted — plus a bit taller. The City’s planning department, Waterfront Toronto and civic groups are consulted, but seem to have only an advisory role and no clout.

Let’s grab this lull in building and think about creating a more beautiful and livable city. When decided, make binding planning regulations that enable city planners to put conditions and caps on proposed buildings.

It can be done, but it requires political will.

Ulla Colgrass, Toronto