Project Type
Research and Publication
Year
Winter 2025
Client /Professor
Professor Vivian Gomes
Role
Group Project, Architectural Designer, Researcher
ABTSRACT
This project was developed as part of the Site Planning I course at Toronto Metropolitan University, which provides students with hands-on experience in applying planning principles to real-world development contexts. The course emphasizes the integration of urban design, policy analysis, community engagement, and technical site planning to prepare students for professional planning practice.
The selected site, located at 4185–4191 Kingston Road in Scarborough’s West Hill neighbourhood, offered an opportunity to explore the transformation of an underutilized, auto-oriented site into a vibrant, transit-oriented, mixed-use development. Working collaboratively, our team developed a comprehensive planning and design proposal supported by contextual analysis, policy alignment, and public input. The final report was submitted in December 2024 and is intended to reflect best practices in complete community design, transit integration, and equitable intensification.
Full Report Link: 4185 Kingston Rd, Site Planning
PROJECT BRIEF
This site planning project explores the redevelopment potential of an underutilized site at 4185–4191 Kingston Road. The project focuses on translating provincial, municipal, and site-specific planning policies into a coherent and implementable site plan. Through detailed research, site analysis, and policy review, the proposal identifies opportunities for mixed-use, transit-oriented development that responds to community needs, surrounding land uses, and long-term growth objectives.
DESIGN QUESTION
How can an underutilized site along Kingston Road be redeveloped to support transit-oriented growth while respecting surrounding neighbourhood context, planning policy, and community needs?
SITE CONTEXT
The site lies along Kingston Road, a designated Avenue in the City of Toronto Official Plan, and is zoned as CR – Commercial Residential under the Scarborough West Hill Community Zoning By-law. It is situated between Emcarr Drive and Payzac Avenue, with convenient access to the Guildwood GO Station, which is serviced by both GO Transit and VIA Rail.
Surrounding land uses include low-rise residential, mid-rise apartment buildings, and commercial plazas, while community amenities such as schools, parks, and daycares are located within walking distance. As part of SASP 272 and 641, the area is targeted for intensification with a minimum density of 150 residents and jobs per hectare.
PLANNING OBJECTIVES
Support transit-oriented development within the Guildwood GO PMTSA
Align site design with provincial and municipal planning policy
Ensure appropriate height transitions to adjacent low-rise residential areas
Activate the public realm through retail, open space, and pedestrian-friendly design
Integrate sustainable design strategies and active transportation infrastructure
SITE & POLICY CONTEXT
Location within Mixed Use Areas and the Guildwood GO Protected Major Transit Station Area
Reviewed applicable policies including zoning by-laws, Official Plan policies, urban design guidelines, and transit-oriented development objectives
Conducted site visits and photovoice studies to document existing conditions, land uses, access points, and neighbourhood character
Evaluated opportunities and constraints related to land use compatibility, height, massing, and public realm connections
DESIGN OUTCOME
The final proposal delivers a comprehensive site plan supported by detailed drawings, policy analysis, and contextual studies. The project demonstrates how planning policy can be translated into a clear, functional, and community-oriented development framework. The outcome presents a realistic and policy-compliant approach to sustainable redevelopment, reinforcing the site’s role in supporting transit-oriented and mixed-use growth along Kingston Road.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
As part of a small team, I was responsible for producing detailed site planning drawings, supporting graphics, and conducting policy and zoning analysis to ensure full compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines. I carried out site visits and photovoice documentation to inform the design, and integrated research findings directly into the planning and design process.
PROJECT SCOPE & LIMITATIONS
The project was completed with a limited team consisting of one designer and two researchers, requiring careful prioritization of tasks and efficient time management. Despite resource constraints, the project successfully delivered a complete and well-supported site planning proposal.
CREDITS
Orcel Manalang (Design Lead)
Led all aspects of site planning, urban design integration, and graphic production, including 3D massing, diagrams, maps, layouts, and final visualizations. Responsible for synthesizing design decisions with planning policy and presenting a cohesive visual and spatial strategy for the proposal.
Collaborators:
Karian Chen
Contributed to site research, policy analysis, and co-led the final presentation delivery.
Snow Bai
Supported background research, contextual analysis, and planning policy review.
