1.5 ConEd Learning Hours

2:00 p.m.‐3:30 p.m.

Amid a landscape of inexorable development in Southern Ontario, the Government of Ontario's Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program accelerates the construction of mixed‐use housing near transit stations using the delivery model of the Minister's Zoning Orders (MZO) to facilitate development applications for private sector partners. MZOs override prevailing municipal policies, empowering the provincial government and development partners to reshape the urban landscape as part of the realization of transit infrastructure. As such, the drafting of MZOs presents significant design opportunities, and equally significant responsibilities to the public interest.

In our work on TOCs, governance acts as a guiding principle in navigating this constantly evolving policy framework. How do we forefront social value in the urgent creation of transit‐supportive densities in the Greater Toronto Area? What roles do we play in this process, as architects, urban designers, planners, and client advisors? Drawing on examples from our ongoing work in master planning, mixed‐use development, and client advisory, this session highlights the importance of multidisciplinary dialogue in our projects in pursuit of good governance.

Learning Objectives
1. Understand and define a Transit‐Oriented Community.
2. Understand what are Minister’s Zoning Orders, and how they are created.
3. Learn about the advantage of multi‐disciplinary practices in working on projects where there is an MZO.
4. Learn about the governance structures required to effectively deliver projects where an MZO is in place (also how to navigate with stakeholders.)

Gesine Junker, Dipl-Ing. Arch, MRTPI
Associate director / head of masterplanning
Westonwilliamson and Partners

Gesine is WW+P’s head of masterplanning, leading the architecture practice’s global portfolio of projects. As a town planner with an architectural background, she has a wealth of experience in masterplanning projects, public realm design, and policy development. In recent years, she has developed significant project experience in the integration of movement infrastructure, such as stations, mass transit lines, and bridges within the United Kingdom. In this sector, she has advised both on a strategic masterplanning scale and over-site development, as well as on the local integration into the public realm, making her a specialist in transport-oriented development.

Sean Fine, OAA, AIA
Managing Director
Weston Williamson

Sean is an Ontario, California, and Florida architect with more than 18 years of experience. He has worked on a broad variety of project types; including airports, rail stations, museums, courthouses, large multi‐family residential buildings, tenant improvements, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse. Sean leads the Transit Oriented Communities team as Technical Advisor for the Yonge North Subway Extension and Scarborough Subway Extensions. His work is focused on the integration and interface between development and transit buildings from a financial, physical, and governance perspective. Sean has worked in multiple jurisdictions throughout North America, and is currently leading WWP’s North American operations.

Stephanie Hong, OPPI, CIP, RPP (Candidate)
Planning Lead
Weston Williamson

Stephanie is the planning lead at WW+P’s Toronto and Montreal studios. She holds 10 years of professional work experience in the public sector and non‐governmental organizations. She is a qualified expert witness on land use planning matters at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB). Her in‐depth knowledge of Ontario’s planning system and various policies is credited to her previous experience as planner for the City of Toronto on a variety of both small and large‐scaled development projects surrounding major transit station areas in downtown Toronto and North York.