U of T and local residents develop unique plan for historic downtown neighbourhood

The University of Toronto and the residents of the Huron Sussex community have developed a plan that could see significant positive changes to the historic downtown neighbourhood.  

It's the product of more than five years of cooperative work among the Huron Sussex Residents Organization (HSRO), the University and, most recently, a professional planning firm.  

“HSRO and the university have worked together to create a plan which has the potential to ensure the long-term survival of a vibrant, downtown residential neighbourhood in a way that’s good for neighbours, the university and the city,” said Julie Mathien a Huron Sussex resident who was actively involved in the development of the plan.

Designed to meet community residential needs and the needs of the University, the plan proposes attractive, mid-rise intensification along Spadina Avenue and Harbord Street and low-rise, infill housing within the neighbourhood fronting onto active laneways. The plan also proposes a pedestrian-oriented lane that would provide a north-south ‘green-spine’ through the neighbourhood.  

“This exercise demonstrates the benefits of neighbours and institutions like the U of T working closely together to achieve common goals,” said Scott Mabury, the University’s vice-president of operations.  

Ron Kentner, another resident who played a leading role in the development of the plan, thanked his neighbours for their involvement. “Dozens of neighbours attended planning sessions, gave direction and commented on drafts over the last year to develop this long-term plan, which could become a model for other parts of the city to follow.”  

Both the University and HSRO pointed out that, while the plan has been completed, the process is still in its initial stages of development and implementation. It is not fixed or final but provides a valuable framework for future redevelopment.   

The Huron Sussex neighbourhood, whose roots extend back to the 19th century, is located just west of the Robarts library on the U of T’s downtown St. George campus. Most of the homes in the neighbourhood are owned by the University. Residents of the neighbourhood include a mix of long-time residents – both tenants in U of T-owned housing and homeowners – as well as shorter-term residents, including students and faculty members.  

The Huron Sussex Neighbourhood Planning Study was completed earlier this year by the Toronto planning firm Brook McIlroy. A full version of the plan is available on the website of the University of Toronto.