Planning Policies & Guidelines
Transportation Demand Management Land Development Guidelines
Changes to the Planning Act were recently made by the Province through Bill 13 and Bill 109. Phase 1 - Interim Draft Terms of References/Guidelines were approved by the Planning Committee on November 29, 2022. The interim draft guidelines will provide clarity for development applications as to City requirements and will be subject to additional public and stakeholder consultation with Phase 2 terms of references in Q2 2023 before finalization.
The Transportation Demand Management Land Development Guidelines were created as a tool for developers and City staff to include TDM initiatives into new development, redevelopment and existing buildings through the development approval process.
The purpose of the Transportation Demand Management Land Development Guidelines is to:
- encourage sustainable travel choices by supporting alternatives options over the convention of frequently driving alone by encompassing a wide range of strategies including:
- shifting travel modes such as walking, cycling, taking transit or carpooling instead of driving alone
- reducing the number of trips people must make to destinations and activities such as work and shopping, near each other
- travelling more efficiently such as making trips outside of peak hours
Benefits for Developers
There are many potential benefits to pursuing TDM within development projects. These benefits will vary by type of development, location, and context, but in simple terms may include:
- opportunities to build at higher densities, as sustainable modes maximize the use of existing infrastructure
- lower development costs by reducing parking requirements and the number of driveway entrances to be built
- using space that would be directed to additional parking to supply additional units and building amenities
- access to changing markets and customers who desire transportation alternatives
- support for LEED accreditation for building or neighbourhood level
Why the City wants to Integrate TDM
TDM plays a vital role in the design of urban environments and its influence on travel choices. Some of the outcomes that the City aims to achieve by integrating TDM and development are:
- more attractive streetscapes that are inclusive and inviting for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists
- development of neighbourhoods and districts with a variety of uses that allow people to live and work in closer proximity
- reserving streets and public space for a more balanced transportation system with
- more and better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure such as bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks
- more efficient and integrated transit
- promoting public health and active lifestyles
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