How to Use the District Map
> Go see the District Maps (and to view view instructional video)
This series of maps was generated for viewing using Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader software. If you do not have one of these software packages, Adobe Reader is available free on the internet. Simply go to
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html and follow the instructions to download the software.
Each map was created over a series of layers. These can be accessed by clicking the ‘Layer’ icon, which looks like two sheets of paper, one on top of the other. In Adobe Reader, it will normally be the second icon from the top at the left side of the screen. When clicked, a sidebar opens which displays all of the available layers. An eye will appear to the left of the layer title to indicate whether that layer is currently turned on. The District Maps will open with some of the layers turned on and others turned off. By clicking on the box where the eye appears beside the layer title, one can turn on or off that layer.
The District Maps can be saved to your computer. Open the ‘File’ dropdown menu in the software you are using and select ‘Save a Copy’. All of the layers will be preserved in your saved copy, whether they are turned on or off at the time.
To print out a District Map, select which layers you would like to print and turn them on. The maps will automatically print to a paper size of 8.5x11 inches. However, if you would like to print out a map at a larger size, select ‘Choose Paper Source by PDF Page Size’ in the ‘Print Handling’ section of the ‘Print’ dialogue box. This will set the paper size to 11x17 inches.
A note to Mac users: If you have not chosen Adobe Reader as the default viewing software for PDF files, the District Maps will normally be previewed with Preview. Unfortunately, Preview does not have the layering capabilities of Reader. All layers will appear in their ‘turned on’ state, rendering the maps difficult to read. If you are using a Mac, it is recommended that you save the map file first, then open Reader, and open the map file through Reader.
The District Maps will be updated on a regular basis by staff in Councillor Adam Vaughan’s office. Any corrections, omissions, or suggestions should be send to the Ward 20 office at 100 Queen St. West, Suite C50, Toronto ON M5H 2N2, or to Jennifer Chan at
jchan@toronto.ca. Please put ‘District Map Update’ in the subject bar of emails concerning the maps.
The District Map Legend
> Go see the District Maps
Every District Map has a series of layers, each of which displays a different series of information. Below is an explanation of the items that appear in the legend of each District Map.
Building Outline
The ‘Basemap’ layer includes several pieces basic information. One of these is the outline of every building in Ward 20 as of early 2007. Beginning in 2004, the City of Toronto undertook to comprehensively map property data. A series of accurately scaled maps were produced over three years. Ward 20 District Maps use these property data maps as their base layer.
Historical Building
Buildings which are listed on the City of Toronto’s Inventory of Heritage Properties show a red outline on the Basemap as opposed to a navy blue outline.
Property Line
Every property line is shown in light grey as they existed in 2007.
Heritage (Listed)
This layer highlights buildings which are listed on the City of Toronto’s Inventory of Heritage Properties. As well, the boundaries of Heritage Conservation Districts, either existing or under study, are outlined and their areas are shaded.
Parks
The Parks layer highlights public park spaces in the District. Large private green spaces are not included in this layer. Each park appears with its name attached, but the names are written in very small script. They become legible when one zooms into the map.
Parking Lots
All surface parking lots and parking structures are featured in this layer. To be included, a lot must cover all or a significant portion of a property.
City Owned
This layer displays properties currently owned by the City of Toronto and its agencies. Included in this category are public schools, parks, Green P parking lots, TTC properties, and TCHC housing.
Opportunity for Change
This layer summarizes a comprehensive assessment of properties in Ward 20 and highlights properties where new development is either imminent, likely, or welcome. Properties were evaluated based on the condition of the property and buildings, whether the property is a surface parking lot, how well activities utilize the property, whether the property has recently changed hands, if buildings on the property are vacant or derelict, and whether there is an application to amend the Zoning By-Law or Official Plan designation of the property.
Stable Areas
The Stable Areas layer mirrors the Opportunity for Change layer. It displays areas where change is unlikely or unwelcome. To develop this layer, properties were assessed based on the age and condition of buildings, whether the property is listed on the Inventory of Heritage Properties, if activities on the site fully utilize the property, and feedback from consultations with the community.
U of T Properties
All properties currently owned by the University of Toronto appear on this layer. Only the Grange, the Annex, and Harbord Village/Huron Sussex District Maps have this layer included.
U of T Part II Plan Properties
This layer displays all of the properties which are included in the University of Toronto’s Part II plan for future development and/or alteration.
Places of Worship
All churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques are included on the Places of Worship layer.
Fraternity Houses
For the Annex and Harbord Village/Huron Sussex District Maps, the locations of fraternity and sorority houses are displayed on this layer.
Proposed Development
This layer of information shows where new development is proposed. At this stage of the planning process, formal applications may or may not have been submitted, but no approvals have been granted to a developer to begin demolition or construction on a specific property. It is at this stage when residents of Ward 20 are invited to fill out their Community Checklists and collect their thoughts on each proposed new development. In most cases, at this stage of the development process, no physical change has yet occurred on the sites in question.
Approved Development
Approved development has been accepted by Toronto City Council. Designs are mostly finalized and applications have been filed to begin work on the site. Many of these properties are currently under construction. Properties highlighted on this layer will remain so until construction is complete.
Connections Existing/Proposed
This layer displays commonly used pedestrian links either currently used or proposed in each District. These pathways are often informal, such as through a parking lot or an alley. In some instances, sidewalks and/or footpaths already exist, but may need better lighting, street furniture, or signage to formalize the route. The connections layer is built through consultation with Ward 20 residents.
Streetscape Improvements
Streetscapes that are in particular need of improvement are highlighted in this layer. Possible improvements may include more consistent setbacks, building heights, property uses at street level, sidewalk widths and condition, street furniture, trees, rationalized street signage, and interruptions from driveways.
Amenities
Every neighbourhood in Ward 20 has highlighted a few key area features where new investment should be directed. Often these are public park spaces. In some cases, a community centre or particular street intersection is identified as being in need of improvement. On the Harbord Village/Huron Sussex District Map, two properties that consistently present problems for the community are highlighted.
TTC Routes, Subway Routes, Stops
The City of Toronto Official Plan calls for intensification along transit routes and at transit hubs. For this reason, TTC routes and stops are included on each District Map.
View Corridors
The view layer identifies area features that dominate views from certain key locations in each District. Views may be dominated by buildings, an open space, or a cultural feature.
Unnamed Laneways
The City of Toronto is contemplating naming all public laneways. In Ward 20, the community will be asked to participate in this exercise. For this reason, all unnamed laneways have been included on the District Maps.
Landmarks
Area landmarks are labeled on each District Map to help viewers orient themselves on the maps. These landmarks include major cultural institutions, buildings which dominate views, and neighbourhood amenities that were identified by area residents as important.
