TERMS OF REFERENCE
THE YONGE SUBWAY ADVISORY TASK FORCE
January 17, 2008
1.0 The Basis for Transit Integration and Transit-Oriented
Development Measures in the Yonge Subway Corridor:
Transit-Oriented Development recognizes the
relationship between how we grow and our ability to provide efficient and
effective transit services. The
principles are illustrated in York Region’s, Transit-Oriented Development Guidelines – City Building and Supporting
Transit Through Good Design, which was approved by Regional Council on
September 21, 2006. The
In order to further the Yonge Street subway work The
Yonge Subway Advisory Task Force will be formed to act as a forum for
stakeholder consultation to promote and support the goals and objectives of the
Region and local Municipalities for the delivery of a comprehensive higher
order transit network, intermodal connectivity and transit supportive
development. The Task Force will also
act as a forum for discussions with the City of
2.0 The
Goal of the Advisory Task Force:
To support and promote Transit-Oriented Development in
the areas adjacent to the Yonge Subway Extension, from Steeles Avenue to
Richmond Hill Centre, in accordance with the policies, plans and guidelines of
York Region and the local municipalities of Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Markham
and to liaise with the City of Toronto on matters of mutual interest.
3.0 The Objective of the Subway Advisory Task Force:
To support the Yonge Subway Extension and the
integration of the subway with the Viva Rapid Transit network, YRT, GO rail and
GO 407 transit systems, consistent with the objectives of the York Region
Official Plan and area municipality plans, through the application of the
principles of Transit-Oriented Development, in order to:
a) Achieve development densities adjacent to station sites that
support a sustainable higher order rapid transit system, based on heavy rail
(subway) and Viva rapid transit technologies;
b) Benefit
from the creation of attractive, well-designed, compact and pedestrian friendly communities;
c) Achieve
a diverse mix of land uses that contribute to the creation of vibrant communities;
d) Realize
the environmental and social benefits of developing communities consistent with the principles
Transit-Oriented Development;
e) Fulfill the potential of the
f) Take advantage of the opportunities emerging in the Greater
Richmond Hill Centre and Langstaff areas on the north and south sides of the
407/Highway 7 Corridor to become the premier intermodal hub and transit
oriented gateway in York Region;
g) Integrate surface transit and subway support facilities in
to the
h) Consider the location, function and character of potential
intermediate stations along the Yonge Corridor between the
4.0 The
Mandate of the Advisory Task Force:
It is the mandate of the Advisory Task Force to:
a) Provide strategic support and assistance to York Region and
the local municipalities in facilitating and implementing Transit-Oriented
Development, in accordance with the respective municipal policies, plans and
guidelines;
b) Promote and support the efficient integration of
Transit-Oriented Development and subway station sites with surface transit,
commuter parking, passenger pick-up and drop-offs and pedestrian routes;
c) Act as a forum for discussion for the purposes of issue
identification and problem solving, and to partner with
d) Communicate the economic, financial, social, environmental
and aesthetic benefits of Transit-Oriented Development to all sectors of
society;
e) Undertake specific tasks, in partnership with the
municipalities, to support or advocate Transit-Oriented Development, including
working with external agencies, landowners and senior levels of government to
address such matters as funding or planning/development issues affecting the
implementation of Transit-Oriented Development;
f) Liaise and consult with City of
5.0 Primary Focus:
The Yonge Subway Advisory Task Force will primarily
focus on three areas of interest along the Yonge subway alignment:
·
The Intermodal Gateway at
·
Transit facilities and transit-oriented development integration
within the Steeles station district;
·
The consideration of intermediate stations along the subway corridor
in addition to Steeles and
Areas of interest may also include properties within a
convenient (5 to 10 minute) walking distance (400 - 500 metres) of the station
sites.
6.0 Relationship
to the Municipal Planning (Planning Act)
Processes:
The Advisory Task Force will operate independently
from the on-going municipal planning processes and will not affect the planning
processes carried out by
7.0 Advisory Task Force Membership:
The Advisory Task Force will be composed of:
·
The Regional Chair who shall be ex officio;
·
Two (2) appointees from
·
Two (2) appointees each from the City of Vaughan, Town of Richmond
Hill and Town of Markham who shall be members of Municipal Council;
·
One (1) non-elected member, who represents local stakeholder
interests, may be appointed by the Region and each Municipal Council.
The appointments shall be at the sole discretion of
the respective Councils.
8.0 Chair:
The Chair and Vice-Chair shall be elected by the
Committee members at the inaugural meeting for a term of two years.
9.0 Term:
Members of the Advisory Task Force will serve
concurrently with the terms of Regional/Municipal Council. Such appointments shall expire at the end of
term for both Councils.
10.0 Remuneration:
Not Applicable.
11.0 Meetings:
The Advisory Task Force will meet not less than
quarterly throughout the calendar year.
The quarterly meetings will be established annually at the first meeting
of each calendar year. More frequent
meetings may be required from time to time.
Such meeting dates will be set by the Chair in consultation with the
Task Force members.
12.0 Reporting:
Minutes of the Advisory Task Force meetings will be
recorded and forwarded to the appropriate Committees/Councils of
13.0 Administration and Technical Services:
Administrative (Secretariat) Services will be provided
by