Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Toronto has launched a new online submission tool for development applications.
Created in 2020 to implement recommendations in the city’s review of the development review process, the Concept 2 Keys (C2K) program office C2K is transforming development review from pre-application consultation to occupancy by reimagining organizational structures, processes and technology.
“Transforming how the city delivers effective and coordinated development review services and competes globally for development is vital to Toronto’s prosperity and will help us recover economically from this pandemic,” said Mayor John Tory.
“Concept 2 Keys is already helping get more affordable housing built and making sure those applications are expedited.”
Improvements will play a vital role in supporting affordable housing and Toronto’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
The tool allows development applicants to submit applications and supporting materials digitally, simplifies and improves application circulation and review and facilitates better communication between City staff and applicants. An easy and secure way for applicants to upload their applications, the tool also enables real-time application status updates.
Developers helped test and refine the tool, using it to submit affordable housing applications prioritized as part of C2K and development applications in the Etobicoke York District.
“The Concept 2 Keys team worked with the customer experience transformation and innovation program, city planning, the building and technology services division to design, create, test and refine the AST, delivering an easy and intuitive online tool that will contribute to a better experience for both development applicants and staff,” said City Manager Chris Murray.
Since C2K launched its priority affordable housing development review stream in January, newly created interdivisional review teams have approved 15 affordable housing developments and three private purpose-built rental projects. This has resulted in a proposed total of 1,211 new affordable and supportive rental homes.