307A: Fueling Design Solutions Through Evidence-Based Learning: Future-Proofing UGCs For Improved Walkability

In the Winter of 2018, The Province of Ontario, through the Places to Grow Implementation Fund, initiated the “Achieving Urban Growth Centre Activity Integration through Walking” initiative. The objective of the project was to explore ways of improving the integration of activities within Urban Growth Centres (UGC) through enhanced walking conditions. Combining both qualitative research, evidence-based evaluation, and design thinking, the Project Team explored how to improve the pedestrian realm within three UGC typologies; being Developed, Mall-Focused, and Undeveloped.
 

This presentation will provide a brief summary of the categorization of UGCs within this research. It will then introduce the analysis-tool used to evaluate existing conditions within the three Case Study UGCs, being a modified version of Transit-Oriented Development Standard 3.0 (TOD Standard 3.0). Using this tool, the Project Team was able to deduce opportunities, constraints, and key themes within each Case Study UGC and envision how these centres could transform to encourage connectivity and walkability, as conveyed through the Project Team’s design solutions.