VINELAND COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Transcription

1 VINELAND COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN FINAL REPORT Twn f Lincln F Octber 2014

2 CONTENTS 1 Intrductin Purpse Study Area General Methdlgy Reprt Cntent Legislatin and Plicy Review Municipal Act, Planning Act Ontari Heritage Act Develpment Charges Act Prvincial Plicy Statement, Grwth Plan fr the Greater Glden Hrseshe Reginal Niagara Plicy Plan Smarter Niagara Prgrams Niagara Regin Mdel Urban Design Guidelines Twn f Lincln Future Fcus Crprate Plan Twn f Lincln Official Plan Secndary Plan fr Vineland Twn f Lincln Zning By-law Twn f Lincln Sign By-law King Street Envirnmental Assessment Study Cnsultatin Technical Advisry Cmmittee Public Meetings and Wrkshps SWOT Analysis Purpse and Methdlgy Key Observatins Visin...27 Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt i

3 6 Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area Cmmercial Façade Design Guidelines Purpse Design Plicy Directin Design Guidelines Applicatin Public Realm Imprvement Actin Plan Purpse Design Plicy Directin Recmmended Actins Incentive Prgrams Apprach General Prgram Requirements Develpment Charge Reductin Grant Prgram Urban Design Study Grant Prgram Façade Imprvement Grant Prgram Building Imprvement Grant/Lan Prgram Residential Grant/Lan Prgram Affrdable Residential Grant/Lan Prgram Revitalizatin (Tax Increment) Grant Prgram Envirnmental Site Assessment Grant Prgram Brwnfields Tax Assistance Prgram (TAP) Landscaping Imprvement Grant Prgram MONITORING PROGRAM Purpse Descriptin Prgram Adjustments MARKETING STRATEGY Key Objective and Messages Reaching the Target Audience...79 Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt ii

4 11.3 Marketing Tls IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY Basis Purpse Pririties CONCLUSION...84 FIGURES Figure 1: Study Area... 2 Figure 2: Recmmended Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area...29 Figure 3: Public Realm Imprvement Actins...42 TABLES Table 1: Summary f Incentive Prgrams...53 Table 2: Mnitring Variables...76 Table 3: Implementatin Strategy...82 APPENDICES Appendix A - Twn f Lincln Official Plan sectin 7.6 cmmunity imprvement plans...85 Appendix B - Public Meeting and Wrkshp #1 Cnsultatin Summary...91 Appendix C - Public Meeting and Wrkshp #2 Cnsultatin Summary...92 Appendix D - Develpment Charge Reductin Grant Prgram Administratin...93 Appendix E - Urban Design Study Grant Prgram Administratin...97 Appendix F- Facade Imprvement Grant Prgram Administratin Appendix G - Building Imprvement Grant/Lan Prgram Administratin Appendix H - Residential Grant/Lan Prgram Administratin Appendix I - Affrdable Residential Grant/Lan Prgram Administratin Appendix J - Revitalizatin (Tax Increment) Grant Prgram Administratin Appendix K Envirnmental Site Assessment Grant Prgram Administratin Appendix L Brwnfields Tax Assistance Prgram Administratin Appendix M - Landscaping Imprvement Grant Prgram Administratin Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt iii

5 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpse The Twn f Lincln retained RCI Cnsulting in assciatin with GSP Grup Inc. t prepare a Cmmunity Imprvement Plan (CIP) fr the Vineland Central Business District (CBD) area. The cnsultants wrked clsely with a Technical Advisry Cmmittee (TAC) that included senir Twn staff, senir Niagara Regin staff, and representatives frm Vineland CBD during the preparatin f this plan. This CIP was als infrmed and guided by a cmprehensive prgram f stakehlder and cmmunity cnsultatin. The purpse f this CIP is t: a) Outline the legislative, plicy and planning framewrk that supprts the CIP; b) Identify the physical, ecnmic, and ther strengths, weaknesses, pprtunities and threats in relatin t the revitalizatin f the Vineland CBD; c) Articulate a Visin fr the Vineland CBD; d) Recmmend a Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area (Prject Area) fr the CIP; e) Specify a Public Realm Imprvement Actin Plan that cntains recmmended imprvements t varius elements and features in the Prject Area in rder t imprve the pedestrian envirnment and prmte private sectr investment activity; and, f) Develp a tlbx f incentive prgrams that can be ffered by the Twn in cperatin with Niagara Regin t directly stimulate private sectr investment in the revitalizatin and redevelpment f the Vineland CBD. 1.2 Study Area The terms f reference established the study area fr the CIP as the Vineland Central Business District (see Figure 1). This area stretches alng King Street (Reginal Rad N. 81) frm just east f Magnlia Drive t Twenty-Third Street. The study area als extends nrthward n Victria Avenue (Reginal Rad N. 24). The study area and prperties adjacent t the study area were examined t determine current land uses, fficial plan designatin, zning and ptential fr cnversin f nn-cmmercial uses t cmmercial uses. Based n this assessment, the lands mst in need f cmmunity imprvement were identified and included in the recmmended cmmunity imprvement prject area. The cmmunity imprvement prject area is the area where public realm imprvement effrts will be primarily fcused and where financial incentive prgrams will be ffered. The cmmunity imprvement prject area is designated by a by-law passed by Cuncil and the CIP will apply t the designated cmmunity imprvement prject area. The recmmended Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area fr the Vineland CIP is shwn in Sectin 6.0 f this reprt. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 1

6 Figure 1: Study Area 1.3 General Methdlgy A number f tasks were cmpleted in rder t prvide a cmprehensive fundatin fr the preparatin f the CIP. An Interim Reprt was prepared in May This Interim Reprt includes: a) A review f relevant legislatin, and prvincial, reginal and lcal planning and plicy dcuments; A cmprehensive SWOT Analysis f the Vineland CBD based n several walking turs f the area cnducted by cnsulting team members, input received frm the TAC, and input received at the first public meeting and wrkshp held n Nvember 27, 2013; b) Frmulatin f a Visin and directins fr public realm imprvements and financial incentive prgrams based n input received frm the TAC and the first public meeting/wrkshp; c) A recmmended Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area; and, d) A review f best practices utilized by ther Niagara Regin and ther Ontari municipalities t prmte revitalizatin and redevelpment in their dwntwn/cmmercial areas. Based n the SWOT Analysis and Visin cntained in the Interim Reprt, Draft Public Realm Imprvement Actins, Draft Cmmercial Façade Design Guidelines and Draft Financial Incentive Prgrams were prepared. These three deliverables were presented t the TAC fr cmment and minr revisins were made. The Draft Public Realm Imprvement Actins, Cmmercial Façade Design Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 2

7 Guidelines and Incentive Prgrams were then presented t the Twn s Planning and Develpment Cmmittee n June 9, 2014 and at a secnd public meeting/wrkshp held n July 10, Input frm this public meeting/wrkshp and the TAC was used t revise and finalize the Public Realm Imprvement Actins and Financial Incentive Prgrams cntained in this CIP. The Cmmercial Façade Design Guidelines have been prduced as a separate dcument and are referenced in this CIP. 1.4 Reprt Cntent This reprt is divided int the fllwing sectins. Sectin 2.0 prvides a review f legislatin and plicy and planning dcuments that are applicable t the CIP. Sectin 3.0 cntains a summary f the cnsultatin undertaken t date with the prject Technical Advisry Cmmittee (TAC) and the public. Sectin 4.0 cntains a SWOT Analysis summary f the physical, ecnmic and ther strengths, weaknesses, pprtunities and threats in the study area. Sectin 5.0 presents the Visin that frms the basis fr the CIP. Sectin 6.0 shws the recmmended Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area fr the CIP. Sectin 7.0 cntains the Cmmercial Façade Design Guidelines which have als been prduced under separate cver. Sectin 8.0 presents the Public Realm Imprvement Actin Plan designed t help achieve the Visin. Sectin 9.0 cntains a cmprehensive tl kit f municipal incentive prgrams specifically designed t help spur private sectr building and prperty imprvements, redevelpment and intensificatin in the Prject Area. Sectin 10.0 cntains a Mnitring Prgram designed t assist the Twn in mnitring prgress n implementatin f the CIP and the ecnmic and ther impacts f the prgrams cntained in the CIP. Sectin 11.0 cntains a basic Marketing Strategy fr the CIP. Sectin 12.0 cntains an Implementatin Strategy that utlines the pririties fr implementatin f the varius actins in this CIP and the key stakehlders wh will be invlved in implementing these actins. Finally, Sectin 13.0 prvides a brief cnclusin t the CIP. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 3

8 2 LEGISLATION AND POLICY REVIEW This sectin f the reprt reviews the legislative authrity fr preparatin and adptin f cmmunity imprvement plans by municipalities in Ontari. This sectin f the reprt als utlines the prvincial, reginal and twn planning plicies that are relevant t the CIP. 2.1 Municipal Act, 2001 Sectin 106 (1) and (2) f the Municipal Act, 2001 prhibits municipalities frm directly r indirectly assisting any manufacturing business r ther industrial r cmmercial enterprise thrugh the granting f bnuses. Prhibited actins include giving r lending any prperty f the municipality, including mney; guaranteeing brrwing; leasing r selling any municipal prperty at belw fair market value; and giving a ttal r partial exemptin frm any levy, charge r fee. This prhibitin is generally knwn as the bnusing rule. Sectin 106 (3) f the Municipal Act, 2001 prvides an exceptin t this bnusing rule fr municipalities exercising pwers under Subsectin 28 (6), (7) r (7.2) f the Planning Act r under Sectin f the Municipal Act, It is this exceptin under Sectin 28 f the Planning Act that allws municipalities with enabling prvisins in their fficial plans t prepare and adpt Cmmunity Imprvement Plans (CIPs). CIPs prvide municipalities with a cmprehensive framewrk fr the planning and prvisin f ecnmic develpment incentives in areas requiring cmmunity imprvement. Sectin f the Municipal Act, 2001 perates within the framewrk f Sectin 28 f the Planning Act. A municipality with an apprved CIP in place that cntains prvisins specifying tax assistance fr envirnmental remediatin csts will be permitted t prvide said tax assistance fr municipal prperty taxes. Municipalities may als apply t the Prvince t prvide matching educatin prperty tax assistance thrugh the Prvince s Brwnfields Financial Tax Incentive Prgram (BFTIP). Sectin 107 f the Municipal Act, 2001 describes the pwers f a municipality t make a grant, including the pwer t make a grant by way f a lan r guaranteeing a lan, subject t Sectin 106 f the Municipal Act, In additin t the pwer t make a grant r lan, these pwers als include the pwer t sell r lease land fr nminal cnsideratin r t make a grant f land; prvide fr the use by any persn f land wned r ccupied by the municipality upn such terms as may be fixed by Cuncil; sell, lease r therwise dispse f at a nminal price, r make a grant f any persnal prperty f the municipality r t prvide fr the use f the persnal prperty n such terms as may be fixed by Cuncil. In rder t encurage gd stewardship, maintenance and cnservatin f lcally designated heritage prperties, municipalities may, under Sectin f the Municipal Act, 2001, pass a by-law t establish a lcal Heritage Prperty Tax Relief (HPTR) Prgram t prvide tax relief (10 t 40 per cent) t wners f eligible heritage prperties, subject t an agreement, t prtect the heritage features f their prperty. This financial tl is designed t help wners f heritage prperties maintain and restre their Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 4

9 prperties. An eligible heritage prperty fr this Prgram is a prperty r prtin f a prperty that is designated under Part IV f the Ontari Heritage Act r is part f a heritage cnservatin district under Part V f the Ontari Heritage Act and that is subject t a heritage easement agreement. The Prvince shares in the cst f the Prgram by funding the educatin prtin f the prperty tax. Municipalities that adpt the HPTR Prgram cntribute t the Prgram by funding their prtin f the tax. 2.2 Planning Act Sectin 28 f the Planning Act allws municipalities with prvisins in their fficial plans relating t cmmunity imprvement t designate by by-law a cmmunity imprvement prject area and prepare and adpt a cmmunity imprvement plan fr the cmmunity imprvement prject area. Once the cmmunity imprvement plan has been adpted by the municipality and cmes int effect, the municipality may exercise authrity under Sectin 28(6), (7) r (7.2) f the Planning Act r Sectin f the Municipal Act, 2001 in rder that the exceptin prvided fr in Sectin 106 (3) f the Municipal Act, 2001 will apply. Accrding t Sectin 28 (1) f the Planning Act, a cmmunity imprvement prject area is defined as a municipality r an area within a municipality, the cmmunity imprvement f which in the pinin f the cuncil is desirable because f age, dilapidatin, vercrwding, faulty arrangement, unsuitability f buildings r fr any ther envirnmental, scial r cmmunity ecnmic develpment reasn. It is imprtant t nte that there are a variety f reasns that an area can be designated as an area in need f cmmunity imprvement. The criteria fr designatin cver physical deteriratin, faulty arrangement, unsuitability f buildings and any ther scial r cmmunity ecnmic develpment reasns. Sectin 28 (1) f the Planning Act defines cmmunity imprvement as the planning r replanning, design r redesign, resubdivisin, clearance, develpment r redevelpment, cnstructin, recnstructin and rehabilitatin, imprvement f energy efficiency, r any f them, f a cmmunity imprvement prject area, and the prvisin f such residential, cmmercial, industrial, public, recreatinal, institutinal, religius, charitable, r ther uses, buildings, structures, wrks, imprvements r facilities, r spaces therefre, as may be apprpriate r necessary. This represents a wide range f pssible municipal actins. Once a CIP has cme int effect, the municipality may: i) Acquire, hld, clear, grade r therwise prepare land fr cmmunity imprvement (Sectin 28 (3) f the Planning Act); ii) Cnstruct, repair, rehabilitate r imprve buildings n land acquired r held by it in cnfrmity with the cmmunity imprvement plan (Sectin 28 (6)); iii) Sell, lease, r therwise dispse f any land and buildings acquired r held by it in cnfrmity with the cmmunity imprvement plan (Sectin 28 (6)); and iv) Make grants r lans, in cnfrmity with the cmmunity imprvement plan, t registered wners, assessed wners and tenants f land and buildings within the cmmunity imprvement prject area, Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 5

10 and t any persn t whm such an wner r tenant has assigned the right t receive a grant r lan, t pay fr the whle r any part f the eligible csts f the cmmunity imprvement plan (Sectin 28 (7)). Sectin 28 (7.1) f the Planning Act specifies that the eligible csts f a cmmunity imprvement plan fr the purpses f Subsectin 28 (7) may include csts related t envirnmental site assessment, envirnmental remediatin, develpment, redevelpment, cnstructin and recnstructin f lands and buildings fr rehabilitatin purpses r fr the prvisin f energy efficient uses, buildings, structures, wrks, imprvements r facilities. Sectin 28 (7.3) f the Planning Act specifies that the ttal f all grants and lans made in respect f particular lands and buildings under Sectin 28 (7) and (7.2) f the Planning Act and tax assistance prvided under Sectin f the Municipal Act, 2001 in respect f the land and buildings shall nt exceed the eligible cst f the cmmunity imprvement plan with respect t thse lands and buildings. Sectin 28(11) f the Planning Act allws a municipality t register an agreement cncerning a grant r lan made under subsectin 28(7) r an agreement entered int under subsectin 28(10) against the land t which it applies and the municipality shall be entitled t enfrce the prvisins theref against any party t the agreement and, subject t the prvisins f the Registry Act and the Land Titles Act, against any and all subsequent wners r tenants f the land. Sectin 69 f the Planning Act allws municipalities t reduce r waive the amunt f a fee in respect f a planning applicatin where it feels payment is unreasnable. Municipalities can use this tl t waive all matter f planning applicatin fees t prmte cmmunity imprvement withut inclusin in a CIP. Alternatively, a municipality can cllect fees and then prvide a partial r ttal rebate f fees in the frm f a grant, but this must be dne within a CIP. 2.3 Ontari Heritage Act The purpse f the Ontari Heritage Act is t give municipalities and the prvincial gvernment pwers t cnserve, prtect and preserve heritage buildings and archaelgical sites in Ontari. While the heritage prperty tax relief prgram under Sectin (1) f the Municipal Act, 2001 is designed t assist prperty wners in maintaining and cnserving heritage prperties, Sectin 39 (1) f the Ontari Heritage Act allws the cuncil f a municipality t make grants r lans (up-frnt r tax-increment basis) t wners f designated heritage prperties t pay fr all r part f the cst f alteratin f such designated prperty n such terms and cnditins as the cuncil may prescribe. In rder t prvide these grants and lans, the municipality must pass a by-law prviding fr the grant r lan. Grants and lans fr heritage restratin and imprvement can als be prvided under a CIP. One f the key administrative advantages f Sectin 39 f the Ontari Heritage Act is that it requires nly passing f a by-law by the lcal cuncil rather than the frmal public meeting prcess under Sectin 17 f the Planning Act required fr a CIP. One f the disadvantages f the Ontari Heritage Act is that Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 6

11 unlike the Planning Act, it des nt allw municipalities t make grants r lans t assignees, e.g., tenants wh may wish t undertake heritage imprvements. Anther advantage f the Ontari Heritage Act is that interpretatin f Sectin 39 (1) f the Heritage Act suggests that this sectin des nt restrict grants and lans nly t heritage features. Sectin 39 (1) f the Ontari Heritage Act refers t paying fr the whle r any part f the cst f alteratin f such designated prperty n such terms and cnditins as the cuncil may prescribe. Cnsultatins with prvincial staff and legal experts have cnfirmed that this sectin f the Act des nt restrict grants and lans nly t heritage features. Sectin 39 (1) f the Ontari Heritage Act can als be used t prvide grants and lans fr the undertaking f prfessinal design studies as these can be cnsidered part f the cst f alteratin. A design study is certainly an imprtant precursr t, and key cmpnent f, any majr heritage feature alteratin. Sectin 39 (2) f the Ontari Heritage Act allws the cuncil f a municipality t add the amunt f any lan (including interest) t the tax rll and cllect said lan in the same way that taxes are cllected, fr a perid f up t 5 years. This sectin f the Act als allws the municipality t register the lan as a lien r charge against the land. 2.4 Develpment Charges Act Sectin 5 f the Develpment Charges Act allws a municipality t exempt a type(s) f develpment frm a develpment charge, but any resulting shrtfall cannt be made up thrugh higher develpment charges fr ther types f develpment. This allws upper and lwer tier municipalities t ffer partial r ttal exemptin frm municipal develpment charges in rder t prmte cmmunity imprvement such as dwntwn redevelpment and/r brwnfield redevelpment. Because this financial incentive is nrmally ffered befre cnstructin, i.e., at the time f building permit issuance, it is a very pwerful cmmunity imprvement tl. 2.5 Prvincial Plicy Statement, 2014 The Prvincial Plicy Statement (the PPS ) is issued under Sectin 3 f the Planning Act and prvides directin n matters f prvincial significance related t land use planning and develpment. Sectin 3 f the Planning Act requires that, decisins affecting planning matters shall be cnsistent with plicy statements issued under the Act. The Prvince f Ontari released the latest versin f the PPS n February 24, 2014 and the plicies tk effect n April 30, The visin fr land use planning in Ontari in the PPS states that the lngterm prsperity and scial well-being f Ontarians depends n planning fr strng sustainable cmmunities fr peple f all ages, a clean and healthy envirnment, and a strng cmpetitive ecnmy. T this end, the PPS prmtes: Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 7

12 Efficient develpment and land use patterns, apprpriate mixes f different land use types, csteffective develpment patterns and standards, envirnmentally sensitive develpment practices, accessible neighburhds, and available infrastructure and public facilities (Sectin 1.1.1); Opprtunities fr intensificatin and redevelpment where this can be accmmdated taking int accunt existing building stck r areas, including brwnfield sites, and the availability f suitable existing r planned infrastructure and public service facilities required t accmmdate prjected need (Sectin ); An apprpriate range f husing types and densities that accmmdate current and future users, that efficiently use the land, services and facilities, and that supprt alternative transprtatin mdes t the autmbile, such as public transit (Sectin 1.4.3); Healthy, active cmmunities with streets, parks, public spaces and trails that are pedestrian and cyclist-friendly and cntain a range f different recreatin pprtunities (Sectin 1.5.1); Lng-term prsperity thrugh the maintenance and enhancement f dwntwn and mainstreets (Sectin 1.7.1c); Encuraging a sense f place, by prmting well-designed built frm and cultural planning, and by cnserving features that help define character, including built heritage resurces and cultural heritage landscapes (Sectin d); Sustainable turism develpment (Sectin g); and Cnservatin f significant built heritage and cultural heritage resurces (Sectin 2.6.1). 2.6 Grwth Plan fr the Greater Glden Hrseshe The Grwth Plan fr the Greater Glden Hrseshe ( Grwth Plan ), released in 2006, is the Prvince f Ontari s grwth strategy fr the Greater Glden Hrseshe regin, which was cmpleted under the Places t Grw prgram. The Niagara Regin is included within the Grwth Plan s area. The Grwth Plan is identified as a framewrk fr implementing the Gvernment f Ontari s visin fr building strnger, mre prsperus cmmunities by managing grwth in the regin t The Grwth Plan prvides an verall grwth strategy fr the regin that cmplements the Prvincial Plicy Statement and is implemented primarily by municipal planning dcuments and ther municipal tls. Within the Grwth Plan the majrity f the land within the Twn f Lincln is lcated within the brader Greenbelt Area designatin (frm the Prvince s Greenbelt Plan), which precludes urban develpment. Underlying this brad designatin, hwever, the urban area f Vineland, including the study area, is designated Built-up Area in the Grwth Plan which permits urban develpment. The Grwth Plan in respect t land within the Built-up Area bundary generally prmtes: Building cmpact, vibrant and cmplete cmmunities (Sectin 1.2.2); Building cmplete cmmunities with a diverse mix f land use types, a mix f husing and emplyment pprtunities, and high quality pen spaces (Sectin 2.2.2g); Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 8

13 The develpment f a multi-mdal transprtatin system that ffers cnnectivity, efficiency, accessibility, and chice (Sectin ); The planning f high density residential and emplyment uses t supprt public transit planning (Sectin 3.2.3a); The creatin f pedestrian and cyclist-friendly envirnments in new cmmunities, which are linked t ther neighburhds and destinatins (Sectin 3.2.4); The creatin f a cnnected pen space system (Sectin ); Prmtes the use f land use patterns and urban design standards that facilitate energy efficiency (Sectin b); The cnservatin f built and cultural heritage resurces as the built up area intensifies (Sectin e). The Grwth Plan requires that at least 40% f all new residential grwth in Niagara Regin by 2015, and annually thereafter, is t be thrugh intensificatin within the Built-up Area bundary in the Regin, which includes the study area. 2.7 Reginal Niagara Plicy Plan The Reginal Municipality f Niagara Official Plan (the Reginal Official Plan ) prvides the strategic directin fr all land use decisins in Niagara. The Reginal Official Plan utlines the Niagara Regin s planning gals and pririties fr a vibrant and sustainable cmmunity, and utlines specific strategies and plicies t help achieve that visin. The study area is identified as an Urban Area in the Reginal Official Plan. Urban areas in the Regin are intended t accmmdate a brad range f urban uses that serve residents in the cmmunity, including cmmercial, residential, industrial, pen space and institutinal uses. The plicies f Sectin 3 f the Reginal Official Plan, Reginal Strategy fr Develpment and Cnservatin, identify seven strategic bjectives fr the Niagara Regin. These bjectives and their supprting principles are designed t preserve and enhance Niagara s unique characteristics and quality f life, while achieving a balance between accmmdating grwth and develpment and cnserving resurces and prtecting the envirnment. Fur f these bjectives are relevant t the subject CIP s preparatin: T recgnize the diversified pprtunities and needs in Niagara by balancing bth urban develpment and cnservatin f natural resurces (develpment and efficient use f lands within urban bundaries first, and minimizatin f cnflicts between incmpatible uses); T facilitate and maintain a pattern f distinctive and identifiable urban cmmunities (maintaining and develping integrated urban cmmunities and the recgnitin f histrical features); T imprve reginal self-reliance thrugh lng-range ecnmic develpment planning and ecnmic diversificatin (relating emplyment and residential areas t discurage cmmuting); and, Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 9

14 T undertake and supprt thse activities which imprve the quality f life fr the Niagara cmmunity (recgnize imprtance f quality f life in cmmunity develpment thrugh husing, emplyment, services, agriculture, and natural features). Niagara Regin initiated its Grwth Management Strategy ( Niagara 2031 ) in 2006 t prvide an updated higher level directin fr Niagara regarding issues f reginal cncern in keeping with recent Prvincial legislatin fr grwth management (the Grwth Plan). Niagara 2031 examined land use and supprting infrastructure t set the stage fr where and hw Niagara will grw until In May f 2009, Reginal Cuncil adpted Amendment t the Reginal Official Plan fr the Niagara Regin. This Amendment was appealed t the Ontari Municipal Bard, and in accrdance with the Ontari Municipal Bard s Order dated Nvember 20, 2013, prtins f Reginal Official Plan Amendment came int frce and effect as f that date. The Amendment updates the Regin's Official Plan, including Sectin 5 where Urban Plicies were replaced by Sustainable Cmmunity Plicies, in rder t implement the strategic directins f Niagara 2031, and aligns the Reginal Official Plan with the Prvince's Grwth Plan fr the Greater Glden Hrseshe and the PPS. Amendment establishes a new urban visin fr the lng term grwth and develpment f Niagara and new plicies t fster the develpment f sustainable, cmplete urban cmmunities. Of particular interest t this CIP, Reginal Plicy Plan Amendment amended Sectin 5 f the Reginal Official Plan t include plicies that encurage mixed and integrated land uses; supprt intensificatin; prmte cmpact, transit supprtive develpment friendly t active transprtatin; and, direct grwth in a manner that prmtes efficient use f existing land and infrastructure. Fr example, Plicy states that the Regin prmtes and will facilitate the revitalizatin f dwntwns. Plicy states that the Regin supprts the Main Street frm f cmmercial develpment, with building facades clser t the street, an efficient use f land, a mix f uses and supprt and access fr active transprtatin. Plicy encurages supprt fr cnservatin, restratin, enhancement and adaptive re-use f Niagara s cultural heritage resurces. Reginal Plicy Plan Amendment als cntains plicies related t urban design and the public realm, which read as fllws: 1. The Regin prmtes urban design analysis, municipal beautificatin, streetscape imprvements, public art campaigns and the establishment f public gardens t ensure ur cmmunities remain attractive places, enhance ur quality f life, and encurage turism. 2. The Regin prmtes adptin f its Mdel Urban Design Guidelines r similar cmmunity design guidelines by the lcal municipalities t supprt the develpment f a strng sense f place and an verall apprach t develpment which cnsiders design at a brader neighburhd and/r cmmunity scale. 3. The Regin encurages inclusin f urban design analysis in the preparatin f lcal fficial plans, neighburhd plans, secndary plans, cmmunity imprvement plans, public wrks prjects, and Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 10

15 private develpment prjects. In supprt f this initiative the Regin als encurages use f enhanced visualizatin techniques t fster cllabratin in design review. 4. The Regin encurages cmplementary private realm site design that addresses public safety, landscaping, and human scale in buildings facing public space. 5. The Regin prmtes the develpment f the public realm in a manner that supprts vibrant scial and cultural gathering spaces. This principle is particularly imprtant in planning fr Niagara s dwntwns. Plicy f the Reginal Official Plan ntes that the Regin may establish prgrams fr the prvisin f grants and lans t lcal municipalities fr the purpse f achieving the gals f Cmmunity Imprvement Plans. 2.8 Smarter Niagara Prgrams The Regin has defined a visin fr urban grwth and cmmunity redevelpment and revitalizatin thrugh its Smart Grwth initiative, Smarter Niagara. This reprt was fully endrsed by Reginal Cuncil. The Regin s Smart Grwth initiative is defined thrugh ten principles and an assciated list f supprting criteria. These ten principles, all f which apply directly r indirectly t the Vineland CIP, are: 1) Create a mix f land uses; 2) Prmte a cmpact built frm; 3) Offer a range f husing pprtunities and chices; 4) Prduce walkable neighburhds and cmmunities; 5) Fster attractive cmmunities and a sense f place; 6) Preserve farmland and natural resurces; 7) Direct develpment t existing cmmunities; 8) Prvide a variety f transprtatin chices; 9) Make develpment predictable and cst effective; and 10) Encurage cmmunity stakehlder cllabratin. Building n the Smarter Niagara reprt, the Smarter Niagara Incentive Prgrams were endrsed by Reginal Cuncil in These prgrams underwent a majr review and update in 2011 and revisins t the prgrams were apprved by Cuncil in Nvember f The Smarter Niagara Incentive Prgrams are described belw. The Regin has established that it will prvide a matching prprtinate share f any financial incentive ffered by an area municipality thrugh a CIP, subject t a maximum share frm the Regin as specified in the Smarter Niagara Incentive Prgrams. Effrts have been nging t implement these prgrams since 2002 and the Regin has budgeted cnsiderable funds fr the implementatin f these prgrams. The Regin and area municipalities in Niagara have established a Regin/Area Municipality Incentive Crdinating Cmmittee t crdinate the prvisin f these incentives thrugh lcal cmmunity imprvement plans. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 11

16 2.8.1 Reductin f Reginal Develpment Charges In Central Areas, the Regin ffers a reductin f 50% f the Reginal develpment charge fr new residential, cmmercial r institutinal develpment r cnversin f existing buildings t thse uses. An additinal 50% Develpment Charge reductin is available t develpments that include Smart Grwth Design Criteria int the prpsed develpment. If the prject is n a brwnfield site in a central urban area, the Regin prvides an autmatic 75% Develpment Charge Reductin with an additinal 25% Develpment Charge reductin available t develpments that include Smart Grwth Design Criteria int the prpsed develpment. The Revised Smart Grwth Design Criteria were adpted by Reginal Cuncil and are in the prcess f being implemented by Reginal staff and/r Lcal Municipal Staff, as applicable. As per the current Reginal Develpment Charges By-law, the recmmended Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area is nt within the Twn s Central Area where a reductin f Reginal develpment charges is ffered. There are a number f vacant and underutilized sites in the Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area that wuld benefit frm the Reginal Develpment Charge Reductin Prgram. Therefre, it is recmmended that nce this CIP is adpted, the Twn f Lincln request the Regin include the designated Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area in Schedule D f Reginal Dc Bylaw (Areas fr Partial (Reginal) Develpment Charge Waiver/Exemptin) Prperty Rehabilitatin and Redevelpment Tax Increment Funding Prgram The purpse f this grant is t stimulate building and prperty rehabilitatin r redevelpment. This includes dwntwn sites and brwnfield sites. The Regin will match the percentage f the tax increment generated by a rehabilitatin r redevelpment prject that is paid by the municipality in the frm f a grant t the applicant. If the prject is n a brwnfield site, affrdable husing r cnfrms t the Regin s Smart Grwth Design Criteria, the Regin will prvide a minimum 75% tax increment grant. Because the Reginal tax share is larger than the lcal municipal tax share, this means that the Regin will cntribute mre t the tax increment based grant than the lcal municipality Building and Facade Imprvement Grant/Lan Prgram The purpse f this prgram is t prmte the structural imprvement f buildings and/r the imprvement f building facades. The Regin will prvide a matching grant r lan n a cst shared basis with the lcal municipality t a maximum grant/lan frm the Regin f $10,000 fr frnt façade imprvement and/r building imprvement and a matching grant/lan frm the Regin f $10,000 fr side and/r rear façade imprvement. All façade imprvements eligible fr this prgram must cnfrm t the Regin s Mdel Urban Design Guidelines r lcal municipal design guidelines Residential Grant/Lan Prgram The purpse f this prgram is t prmte residential cnversin, infill and intensificatin. The Regin will prvide a matching grant r lan n a cst shared basis with the lcal municipality t a maximum Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 12

17 grant frm the Regin f $7,500 per unit r a matching lan frm the Regin f $10,000 per unit, with a maximum f 20 units per prperty Affrdable Husing Grant/Lan Prgram The purpse f this prgram is t prmte the cnstructin f new residential units r renvatin f existing residential units fr affrdable husing. The Regin will prvide a matching grant r lan n a cst shared basis with the lcal municipality, t a maximum grant r lan frm the Regin f $7,500 per affrdable unit, with a maximum f 20 affrdable units per prperty. The Affrdable Husing Grant/Lan Prgram is available in additin t the existing Residential Grant/Lan Heritage Restratin and Imprvement Grant/Lan Prgram The purpse f this prgram is t prmte the restratin and imprvement f buildings designated under the Ontari Heritage Act. The Regin will prvide a matching grant r lan n a cst shared basis with the lcal municipality t a maximum grant r lan frm the Regin f $5,000 per residential prperty and $15,000 per cmmercial r industrial prperty Envirnmental Assessment Study Grant Prgram The purpse f this prgram is t prmte the undertaking f envirnmental site assessments s that better infrmatin is available with respect t the type f cntaminatin and ptential remediatin csts n brwnfield prperties. The Regin will prvide a matching grant n a cst shared basis with the lcal municipality t a maximum grant frm the Regin f $5,000 per prperty t prmte the cmpletin f Phase II Envirnmental Site Assessments, Remedial Actin Plans and Risk Assessments Public Dmain Incentives Prgram This prgram was intrduced in The Regin will prvide a matching grant n a cst shared basis with the lcal municipality t a maximum grant frm the Regin f $100,000 per prject (subject t availability f funding frm the Regin) t supprt public realm imprvements already identified in, r in cmpliance with, municipal planning dcuments including CIPs, Secndary Plans r Official Plans. This prgram is based n a cmpetitive evaluatin prcess whereby the prject must meet the Regin s eligibility criteria and applicatins are evaluated using the Regin s Smart Grwth Design Criteria. These criteria include a green cmpnent cnstituting a minimum f 6% f verall prject cst and cmpliance with lcal r Reginal Urban Design Guidelines. Preference will be given t prjects that include heritage and/r public art cmpnents. 2.9 Niagara Regin Mdel Urban Design Guidelines The Mdel Urban Design Guidelines fr the Reginal Municipality f Niagara were finalized in April The dcument, in part, implements the Regin s smart grwth agenda by prviding a series f smart grwth principles and a cmprehensive set f design guidelines. These Mdel urban design guidelines are intended t be used by area municipalities either during the planning and develpment Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 13

18 review and apprval prcess r as a guide when preparing mre specific design guidelines fr particular areas within the Regin. While the Design Guidelines are principally riented t new develpments r neighburhds in greenfield areas, Sectin 4b des prvide design guidance fr main street envirnments, including guidelines fr renvatins and preservatin and fr infill develpments. Sectin 3c prvides design guidance fr sidewalks and streetscaping in the public realm, including cmmentary n cmmercial area sidewalks Twn f Lincln Future Fcus Crprate Plan On December 20, 2010, the Twn f Lincln Cuncil ratified the Future Fcus Crprate Plan This Crprate Plan was based n five wrkshps held t examine issues f imprtance t residents and significant pprtunities and challenges that will shape the Twn in the future. The Crprate Plan identified the fllwing five strategic directins alng with actin plans and wrk initiatives fr each: 1. Sustainability fr Lincln - T manage Lincln in a manner that recgnizes envirnmental, scial and ecnmic demands, while building Lincln within the framewrk f the Prvince f Ontari Greenbelt and Places t Grw legislatin; 2. Facilities - T prvide a mix f facilities that meets the evlving needs f the Twn f Lincln residents and families; 3. Perfrmance Management and Service Delivery - T manage the Twn in a business-like fashin that prtects the quality f assets, delivers services in an efficient and effective manner, and encurages a wrking envirnment that creates pprtunities fr efficiencies in service delivery t ensure high value fr prperty taxes fr all residents; 4. Cmmunity Wellness - T cntinue the develpment f a Cmmunity Wellness fcus in Lincln crdinating activities t fcus n cmmn gals which tgether build a healthy cmmunity; and, 5. Cmmunity Engagement T prvide pprtunities fr the citizens f Lincln t engage with Twn Cuncil and staff in meaningful tw-way dialgue emphasizing the sharing f infrmatin and ideas in an atmsphere f mutual respect. By prmting a vibrant and revitalized Vineland CBD, the CIP will help t prmte and achieve a number f these strategic directins. Intensificatin f vacant and underutilized prperties within the cmmunity imprvement prject area utilizes existing infrastructure and helps t reduce greenfield develpment (Strategic Directin 1). Fcusing plicies and prgrams in the CIP n the beautificatin f the Vineland and the incrpratin f sustainable envirnment initiatives als furthers Strategic Directin 1. Reusing, maintaining and imprving infrastructure in the cmmunity imprvement prject area will help the Twn t achieve its perfrmance management and service delivery gals (Strategic Directin 3). Finally, the public cnsultatin that will take place during the CIP prcess will help t engage the cmmunity in the CIP prcess and achieve Strategic Directin 5. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 14

19 2.11 Twn f Lincln Official Plan The Twn f Lincln Official Plan (the Official Plan r OP ) was adpted by Twn Cuncil in 1990 and apprved by the Ministry f Municipal Affairs in 1992, with the stated purpse f prviding a cmprehensive framewrk t guide and direct future grwth, develpment and redevelpment f lands within the Twn. The Twn is undertaking a review f its Official Plan. The Official Plan cntains three primary plicy themes that are relevant t the preparatin f the Vineland CIP, land use, urban design, and cmmunity imprvement, which are discussed belw Land Use The study area is designated Central Business District as per Schedule A, Map 2 f the Official Plan. As per Sectin f the Official Plan, the general bjective fr the Central Business District designatin is t ensure they are primary cmmercial areas within the respective cmmunities that prvide a range and variety f business and cmmercial functins t meet the needs f residents. Generally, a brad range f business and cmmercial uses are permitted, including retail uses, ffices, persnal services, restaurants, entertainment, htels, cmmercial recreatin facilities, institutins and public and gvernment uses. In terms f residential uses, apartments abve cmmercial uses are specifically encuraged, prvided that the cmmercial impacts n the residential uses are minimized, and that they have adequate exclusive amenity areas and parking spaces, as well as ther multiple residential cnsideratins expressed in the residential sectins f the Official Plan. Sectin f the Official Plan ntes that develpment within the Central Business District designatin is required t be sensitive t the character and scale f existing develpment, with adequate ff street parking, and nt unduly disrupt residential neighburhds. Specifically, it identifies that Cuncil will: encurage the preservatin f existing heritage buildings while prmting similar architectural treatment n new buildings in the Central Business District; encurage the crdinatin and linkage f existing private ff street facilities; cnsider the develpment f public ff street parking areas where warranted; and encurage imprvement t the physical and aesthetic nature f the Central Business District, including wrking with business imprvement assciatins, Chamber and senir levels f gvernment. Specifically fr the Vineland Central Business District, Sectin f the Official Plan identifies that: The Vineland Central Business District is at the crss rads f the Wine Rute and Victria Avenue Market Greenway. The Central Business District has a mix f building types and uses with retail plazas, stand-alne retail utlets, street-related retail, ffices and husing. Redevelpment in Vineland shall fcus n the creatin f an urban centre that includes a mix f uses and imprves the verall character f the business area. Sectin f the Official Plan identifies the area as predminately a mixed use area f cmmercial, institutinal and higher density residential uses (drive-thrughs nt permitted), either mixed in the same building r mixed in a brader sense thrughut the area in standalne buildings. Residential uses can Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 15

20 either be stand alne apartment buildings, street r blck twnhuses, r apartments abve cmmercial uses, but may nt be lcated at grade directly adjacent t a public street, which has a predminately cmmercial character. The maximum residential density in the Vineland Central Business District is 100 units per hectare, with minimum and maximum heights established in the zning by law. In terms f design, Sectin ntes that buildings are t be lcated tight t the public street edge, and the building presence n public street frntages is t be maximized with a majrity f façades cmpsed f windws and drs t create pedestrian friendly streets. Building and streetscape design is t reinfrce the fur crners f the Victria and King intersectin as the entrance t Vineland, and a key gateway t the Twenty Valley/Jrdan Harbur Turism Area. Buildings alng King Street are t be situated alng the street recgnizing the future widening f the street right-f-way that is currently being undertaken thrugh the nging Envirnmental Assessment prcess. A gateway is identified t the west f the Vineland CBD at the intersectin f Martin Rad and King Street (Highway 81), which is t be designed with landscaping, architectural features and signage t prvide a sense f entry int Vineland alng the Wine Rute Urban Design Sectin f the Official Plan cntains urban design plicies cncerning the municipal review f all develpment, redevelpment and public wrks prjects in the Central Business District. These plicies are summarized belw. Site Design Building Design Sharing f driveways between prperties; Parking r drive aisles in lcatins ther than between the building frnt and the street; Parking areas t side/ rear f buildings; Parking areas brken int small sectins thrugh lighting, landscaping, and special paving; Parking areas separated frm street with landscaped setbacks; Plantings t visually enhance, screen, and create a cnsistent street treatment alng; Landscape design related t building architecture (entrances and windws, massing, rhythm, detailing, and sightlines); Crdinated package f amenities (such as seating, waste receptacles, lighting, awnings); At least 50% f the main wall f buildings ccupying the street frntage (50% f bth facing walls fr crner buildings); Buildings within 3 metres f the frnt lt line (and exterir lt line fr crners); Similar height fr building sides/rears abutting lw residential uses (pssibly with step-dwns); Main building entrances and primary elevatins f buildings facing street; Entrances flush with the public sidewalk; Buildings with attractive façades (such as display windws, articulated entrances, glazed areas, and variatins in the wall plane); Size, appearance and scale f infill prjects cmpatible with the surrunding character; Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 16

21 Attractive, safe, direct, and barrier free walkways frm buildings t public sidewalks; Landscape lights t illuminate paths f travel and utdr amenity areas; Separate access t lading and servicing areas frm pedestrian areas and rutes; Lading, service, and utside strage areas in areas that d nt face the public street; Internalized garbage strage areas (and utility equipment) within the building; and High level f clarity, visibility, and visual interest fr signage, cmplementing the building architecture. Building prtins 3 streys r higher frm any adjacent lw density Residential prperty set back by a distance equal t its height; Rfs designed t prvide visual interest; Rf tp mechanicals screened and integrated with the architectural frm r designed t be cmpatible in frm, material, and clur; Special architectural treatment alng bth street frntages fr crner buildings; Cnsideratin f develpment effects regarding f shadwing and verlk; Lading/service drs lcated n rear elevatin; Parking structures and belw grade parking fr high density develpments; and Bicycle parking fr high density develpments Cmmunity Imprvement Sectin 7.6 f the Official Plan cntains the Twn s plicies n Cmmunity Imprvement Plans. This sectin f the Official Plan prvides cnsiderable detail and ensures that the Twn can implement a range f incentive prgrams, plicies and municipal actins as part f any CIP. This sectin f the Official Plan als aligns with Reginal and Prvincial plicies. A summary descriptin f the key aspects f Sectin 7.6 f the Official Plan is prvided belw and a cpy f Sectin 7.6 f the Twn f Lincln Official Plan is cntained in Appendix A. Sectin (Preamble) clearly specifies that the Twn may designate cmmunity imprvement prject areas and prepare cmmunity imprvement plans (CIPs) fr thse areas. Sectin (Objectives) sets ut a number f bjectives fr which the Twn may prepare and adpt CIPs. Several f these bjectives apply t the Vineland CBD including the prmtin f public sectr revitalizatin and redevelpment, encuraging infill and intensificatin, repairing and imprving municipal services, imprving the streetscape, imprving the supply f affrdable husing and range f husing pprtunities, and prmting cmmunity ecnmic develpment. Sectin sets ut criteria that must be present fr designatin f a cmmunity imprvement prject area with the requirement that at least ne f the specified criteria must be satisfied. The Vineland CBD satisfies many f the criteria fr designatin f a cmmunity imprvement prject area. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 17

22 Sectin als sets ut the pririties fr phasing f CIPs and the range f actins that the Twn can take t implement a CIP. This includes the full range f actins permitted under Sectin 28 f the Planning Act. Finally, Sectin specifies the general cntents f a CIP and that the preparatin f a CIP shall meet the minimum requirement f the Planning Act fr public cnsultatin Secndary Plan fr Vineland The Secndary Plan and Urban Design Guidelines fr Jrdan, Jrdan Statin and Vineland Urban Areas was cmpleted in Octber 2006 in rder t prvide a cmprehensive lng-term planning apprach t the three cmmunities by establishing a series f plicies t be implemented fr the planning area. The perative parts f the Secndary Plan were incrprated int the Official Plan as Sectin 3.4. Further t the perative parts that were incrprated int the Official Plan, the Secndary Plan prvides a series f key design initiatives in each cmmunity. The Secndary Plan identified the fllwing key design initiatives (riginal Secndary Plan numbering) fr the Vineland Central Business District: 2. King Street Revitalizatin An apprpriate redesign f the Wine Rute thrugh the Vineland cre, and a strategy fr cmplementary redevelpment f adjacent lands ver time, prvides the pprtunity t transfrm the Vineland cre int a thriving mixed use centre that will be an attractive centre piece in the Twenty Valley/Jrdan Harbur Turism Area. 3. Redevelpment f the Urban Cre T imprve the streetscape and encurage pedestrian activity, buildings in the cre area shuld face King Street with minimal setbacks and parking at the back. This new cnfiguratin shuld be required fr all infill develpment and as redevelpment f prperties ccurs. 4. Gateways A gateway is prpsed at the west entry t Vineland at Martin Rad n Reginal Rad 81/King Street. This gateway will be an imprtant entry marker fr thse traveling n the Niagara Wine Rute. The gateway shuld cnsist f a sign, small architectural feature, and landscaping, which shuld reflect the desired character f Vineland Twn f Lincln Zning By-law The Twn f Lincln Zning By law N Z1 (the Lincln Zning By law ) was adpted by Twn Cuncil n February 15, 1993 and was apprved by the Ontari Municipal Bard n Octber 30, The Lincln Zning By law implements the plicies f the Twn s Official Plan by regulating the use f land within the Twn, including regulating permitted land uses, building lcatin and frm, and parking requirements, amng ther cnsideratins. The majrity f the prperties within the study area are zned General Cmmercial (GC) with a Central Business District (CBD) verlay. In terms f land use permissins, the General Cmmercial zne permits a brad range f retail, service and ffice cmmercial uses, as well as accessry residential uses. Permitted cmmercial uses include retail uses, persnal service uses, ffice uses, clinics, eating establishments, public and cmmunity uses, and parking lts, amng thers. Ntewrthy Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 18

23 is the permissin fr autmtive uses in the General Cmmercial designatin, which includes vehicle sales, service, repair and fueling uses. Generally, the range f permitted uses is apprpriate fr a dwntwn cmmercial setting, althugh autmtive use permissin may warrant further cnsideratin. In terms f land use regulatins, the General Cmmercial zne cntains a range f prvisins regarding the use f land. Additinally, the Central Business District verlay cntains further regulatins that supersede thse f the General Cmmercial zne fr affected prperties Twn f Lincln Sign By-law The Twn s Private Prperty Sign By law (By law N ) was adpted by Cuncil in 2005 and regulates the design and placement f signs thrughut the municipality. It is principally cncerned with regulating the type, lcatin, size and permitting f signs n private prperties within the Twn. The Sign By law permits a brad range f sign types, which are typically fund in mst cmmercial areas, thrughut the study area. This includes wall signs, billbard signs, grund signs, prjecting signs, and ple signs, as well as ther types. Animated r flashing signs are specifically prhibited by the Sign By law. The Sign By law specifies prvisins fr the varius sign types thrughut the Twn; including sign face area, lcatin, height, and illuminatin. Specifically fr wall signs, the mst cmmn sign thrugh traditinal cmmercial areas, the Sign By law limits the area f wall signs t n mre than the lesser f 10 square metres r 25% f the face f the building, and prjecting n mre than 0.3 metres frm the respective building wall King Street Envirnmental Assessment Study The Regin f Niagara is currently undertaking an Envirnmental Assessment Study fr Reginal Rad 81 (King Street) in the effrts f recnstructin f the rad. The study area generally extends frm Twenty Third Street in the east t Vinehaven Trail in the west. Public cnsultatin sessins were held in 2013 t present the study, discuss existing cnditins, and present preliminary design plans. The preliminary design plans as they apply t the CIP study area include: A centre median n King Street west f the Twenty Third Street intersectin; Tw travel lanes thrughut King Street with dedicated left turn lanes (eastbund and westbund) at Victria Avenue; Dedicated bicycle lanes between Orchard Avenue and Twenty Third Street as well as west f the Victria Avenue intersectin; Shared vehicle/bicycle lanes between Victria Avenue and Orchard Avenue; New curbs and curb-side sidewalks n bth sides f the street (sme areas with curb-side bulevards separating sidewalks) thrughut the study area; and, A small pcket f n-street parking west f Victria Avenue. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 19

24 3 CONSULTATION 3.1 Technical Advisry Cmmittee A Technical Advisry Cmmittee (TAC) was frmed t help guide preparatin f the CIP. The cmmittee is cmprised f senir Twn staff, Reginal staff, and business representatives in the Vineland CBD. Several meetings f the TAC were held thrughut preparatin f the CIP. These meetings allwed the cnsultant t: Prvide the TAC with prgress updates; Discuss results f the SWOT Analysis, the public realm imprvements, financial incentive prgrams and ther key cmpnents f the CIP with the TAC; Obtain cmments and input frm the TAC n draft reprts prir t finalizatin f these reprts; and, Crdinate public meetings and ther steps required t cmplete the CIP. The Twn als prduced a series f Newsletters that were psted t the Twn s website. These newsletters prvided prject updates and invited members f the public t the public meetings and wrkshps that were held during the preparatin f the CIP. 3.2 Public Meetings and Wrkshps Public Meeting/Wrkshp N.1 The first Public Meeting and Wrkshp was held n Nvember 27, 2013 t: a) Prvide the cmmunity with an verview f the prcess f preparing a CIP; b) Present and receive input n the SWOT Analysis and Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area; c) Develp a Visin fr the Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area; and, d) Explre ideas t prmte renewal and revitalizatin f the Prject Area. Apprximately 37 peple attended the first Public Meeting sessin. Attendees included business and prperty wners, residents and members f Twn Cuncil. Almst all the attendees stayed fr the Wrkshp sessin where the attendees were divided int fur (4) wrking grups and asked t discuss and answer the fllwing questin: What is yur Visin fr the Vineland CBD? (i.e., if yu went away and came back in 10 years, what wuld yu like t see?) In respnse t this visining questin, attendees were asked t think abut and cmment n: a) Types f uses and activities; b) Building cnditins and facades; c) Streetscape cnditins, including trees, plantings, street furnishings and amenities; and, Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 20

25 d) Signage and gateways. Attendees were als prvided with a cmment sheet and invited t prvide written cmments. Tw (2) cmment sheets were received and reviewed by Twn staff and frwarded nt the cnsultants fr review. A summary f the respnses frm the wrking grups is prvided in Appendix B. Respnses in Appendix B that were mentined mre frequently, i.e., by tw r mre grups, are nted with an asterisk *. The wrking grup cmments alng with plicy directin in the Official Plan and cmments prvided by the TAC were utilized by the cnsultant t finalize the SWOT Analysis and develp a Visin fr the Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area Public Meeting/Wrkshp N.2 A secnd Public Meeting and Wrkshp was held n July 10, 2014 t: a) Prvide a prject update and highlights f the Interim reprt; b) Present the Visin fr the CIP; c) Present the Draft Public Realm Imprvements and Cmmercial Façade Design Guidelines; and d) Present the Draft Incentive Prgrams being cnsidered fr inclusin in the CIP. Apprximately 22 peple attended the secnd Public Meeting. Attendees included business and prperty wners, residents, and at least ne member f Cuncil. Mst f thse in attendance stayed fr the Wrkshp sessin where the attendees were divided int (2) tw wrking grups and asked t discuss and answer the fllwing questins: 1) What changes r additins t the prpsed Draft Public Realm Imprvement Actins wuld yu like t see? 2) Which f the prpsed Draft Public Realm Imprvement Actins d yu think are mst imprtant? 3) D yu have any cmments n the prpsed Cmmercial Façade Design Guidelines? 4) What changes r additins t the prpsed Draft Incentive Prgrams wuld yu like t see? 5) Which f the Draft Incentive Prgrams d yu think are mst imprtant? A summary f the cmbined respnses f the tw wrking grups t these questins is prvided in Appendix C. Attendees were als invited t prvide written cmments and several written submissins were received and reviewed by Twn Staff and the cnsultants. The input btained at the Public Meeting and the written cmments received after the Public Meeting were utilized t finalize the Public Realm Imprvement Actin Plan and Incentive Prgrams cntained in this CIP. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 21

26 4 SWOT ANALYSIS 4.1 Purpse and Methdlgy A cmprehensive analysis f current cnditins and strengths, weaknesses, pprtunities and threats in the Study Area was undertaken t gain an understanding f the key issues and needs fr the CIP. This SWOT Analysis prvides a key fundatin fr the preparatin f the CIP. The SWOT Analysis included a review f aerial phtgraphs and several walking turs f the Study Area. During these walking turs, cnsulting team members tk phtgraphs, made bservatins and tk ntes with respect t the built frm, physical characteristics and cnditins, land uses and ecnmic activity in the Study Area. In additin, the cnsulting team members als made bservatins regarding the strengths, weaknesses, pprtunities and threats in the Study Area. The SWOT Analysis fcused n land use, built frm, the public realm, transprtatin and parking, and ecnmic activity. Results f the SWOT Analysis were presented at the first Public Meeting and Wrkshp. Cmments received during and after the Wrkshp were utilized t finalize the SWOT Analysis cntained herein. 4.2 Key Observatins Seven key bservatins were nted thrugh the SWOT Analysis and cmmunity cnsultatin fr the Vineland Study Area. Generally, these bservatins nted that the Vineland CBD has: 1. A small, but busy cmmercial nde The statistics n business activity belw are based n bservatins made in Nvember f The Vineland CBD is a relatively small and cmpact business area emanating frm the intersectin f King Street and Victria Avenue. There are 34 business addresses in the CBD with 3 vacant buildings/business units and 2 vacant cmmercial lts fr sale. This level f building vacancy and cmmercial land underutilizatin presents a cause fr cncern regarding the ecnmic future f the CBD. But, as discussed belw, the building vacancies and prminently lcated vacant lts als represent a significant pprtunity fr the additin f new businesses and cmmercial r mixed uses t help spur revitalizatin f the CBD. Of the 29 perating businesses in the CBD, there is a gd mix and range f business types with 65% service cmmercial uses and 35% retail cmmercial uses. There are several business anchrs in the CBD that draw shppers t this area including a supermarket, hardware stre, pharmacy and a credit unin. There are als a number f service cmmercial uses including a car wash, autmtive service, cnvenience stres, medical and prfessinal ffices. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 22

27 2. A number f underutilized prperties The Vineland CBD has a number f buildings and prperties that are underutilized and culd psitively cntribute t the vibrancy and activity f the village cre thrugh imprvements r redevelpment. There are a number f prminently lcated prperties that are currently undevelped (n buildings). There are a few existing buildings in a significant state f disrepair (derelict) and these buildings warrant redevelpment (demlitin and new cnstructin). Finally, there are a number f buildings that d nt efficiently use the entirety f the site n which they are lcated and these buildings culd be intensified r redevelped. This inventry f vacant land, vacant buildings, and underutilized sites, represents a significant pprtunity t inject new businesses and activity int the Vineland CBD. It is quite pssible that sme dzen r mre new businesses units culd be added t the current number f businesses if existing business vacancies are filled and existing vacant lts are develped fr cmmercial r mixed use. There is als the ptential fr sme mixed use residential infill. The additin f a significant number f new businesses t the Vineland CBD culd help t revitalize the cmmercial area by drawing mre residents, shppers and turists t the area. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 23

28 3. A well-travelled crssrads The Vineland CBD is situated at the intersectin f tw principal, well-travelled rutes within the Twn f Lincln and the brader regin. King Street (Highway 81) is the main east-west rute thrugh the brader regin and frms part f the Wine Rute thrugh Niagara Regin. Victria Avenue is a main nrth-suth rute between the QEW and areas suth f the Niagara Escarpment. The crssrads f the tw rutes draws significant vlumes f traffic. This is psitive fr existing and ptential businesses, but it is als a ptential negative in terms f perceived safety and cmfrt fr pedestrians mving thrughut the cmmercial area. A significant cncern is the amunt f truck traffic using Victria Avenue, which impacts the quality f the street and pedestrian envirnment. Pedestrian cmfrt surrunding the intersectin and alng King Street suffers, particularly given the gemetry f the intersectin and the cnditin f crsswalks. Additinally, nise frm trucks can impact utdr spaces, including public amenity spaces and thse spaces assciated with businesses. 4. Little defined presence at its main entrances While the Vineland CBD is situated at a prminent crssrads in the brader regin, there is little that cnveys the distinct character r identity f the village cre when entering the cmmercial area frm any f the fur entrances n King Street and Victria Avenue. Typically, fr dwntwn and main street areas, gateway and directinal signage are utilized t create a first impressin t an area that cnditins visitrs t the verall experience f a visit. The Secndary Plan recmmends a gateway feature at the western entrance t the Vineland CBD at Martin Rad n King Street as an imprtant entry marker fr thse traveling n the Niagara Wine Rute. This gateway feature is t cnsist f a sign, small architectural feature, and landscaping, which shuld reflect the desired character f Vineland in a cnsistent manner with ther such features thrughut the Twn. Such a gateway feature has nt been installed as yet. This presents a significant pprtunity t develp a cnsistent theme fr the gateways int the Vineland CBD that cnveys Vineland s distinct identity and character. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 24

29 5. A challenging pedestrian netwrk The Vineland CBD des nt present an envirnment that it is cmfrtable and enjyable t navigate n ft. There are places where there are n sidewalks, r where sidewalks simply end, frcing pedestrians t walk alng the shulder f a busy reginal rad between quick mving traffic and parking areas. Sme f the existing sidewalks are t narrw fr cmfrtable mvement fr pedestrians passing each ther, particularly fr thse with mbility devices r parents with strllers. Sme f the surface cnditins f sidewalks in the area als present accessibility cncerns fr thse mving with mbility devices. The intersectin f King Street and Victria Avenue als presents a large hard edge t pedestrians, effectively dividing the east and west sides f King Street fr pedestrian mvements. 6. An absence f streetscape elements The Vineland CBD is lacks the typical streetscape elements that create a quaint and cmfrtable village cre setting, particularly alng King Street. The Secndary Plan fr Vineland ntes this cnditin identifying that the King Street cre prvides n sense f place and des nt prduce an attractive streetscape and, cnsequently, the shpping experience is very utilitarian, rather than inspiring. In additin t a cntinuus netwrk f sidewalks, ther functinal streetscape elements typically fund alng a main street that are absent in the Vineland CBD include: decrative street Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 25

30 lights, benches and ther furniture, and garbage cntainers. Aesthetic streetscape elements that are absent include plantings alng the sidewalks and street edges and trees planted alng the street edge t prvide a cntinuus canpy. Taking int cnsideratin the verhead wires n the nrth side f King Street, and the unfinished appearance f the nrth side f King Street, the King Street streetscape is nt attractive. Of nte, the nging Envirnmental Assessment fr King Street wuld be expected t address a number f these cncerns. 7. Principally cntemprary, utilitarian and functinal buildings The Vineland CBD appears relatively newer in terms f age cmpared t ther small dwntwns r main streets that primarily serve resident needs. It des nt have a traditinal main street frm f buildings with a rich heritage fabric f architecture, ften the case fr traditinal main streets that can act as a fundatin fr imprvements t the character f the area. Buildings in the Vineland CBD are mre cntemprary in style and pssess a mre utilitarian and functinal design. Nevertheless, mst buildings with active businesses in the Vineland CBD appear fr the mst part t be in gd cnditin and are well maintained. Sme f these buildings culd benefit frm façade restratin r imprvement. Thse few buildings that are derelict r in a state f serius disrepair are prime candidates fr redevelpment. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 26

31 5 VISION The visin fr the Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area is a set f statements that describes hw the cmmunity wants this area t lk, feel and functin in the future. A visin includes a brad range f elements such as the type and nature f uses and activities, features and amenities desired within the cmmercial area; pprtunities fr mving peple arund the area; the feel r character f the buildings and spaces within the area; and the verall identity and image f the cmmercial area. The establishment f a visin fr the Vineland CIP is a critical cmpnent f the CIP prcess because it prvides the verarching, lng-term fundatin that directs the public realm imprvements, cmmercial façade design guidelines and incentive prgrams that frm the CIP. The plicy directin cntained in the Twn s Official Plan and Secndary Plan set the framewrk fr develpment f a cmmunity visin at the first public meeting. Cnsultatin with the TAC and the general themes that emerged frm the discussin and respnses amng the varius participants in the wrkshp grups were used t develp a Visin fr the Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area. This Visin utlined belw frms the basis fr this CIP and was used t guide physical imprvement initiatives and incentive prgrams cntained in the CIP. The Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area will: 1. Preserve and enhance Vineland s distinct identity, character and functin The Prject Area will have a distinct identity that celebrates Vineland s agricultural histry, heritage and viniculture. It will include shps that ffer unique lcal gds and a main street shpping experience, while recgnizing its functin as a service centre fr the surrunding area. It will maintain and build upn its histry, lcal flavur and unique hmegrwn businesses, such as lcal wineries, with new business additins, while remaining quaint and cmpact. 2. Be vibrant and thriving The Prject Area will be interesting with a variety and mix f uses including retail and cmmercial uses that prvide a destinatin fr lcal residents as well as visitrs. Building frm its existing cmmunity cmmercial anchrs, it may include specialized retail shps and cmmercial uses such as cffee shps, restaurants and specialty fd shps that act as destinatins where residents and visitrs alike can spend time in the area. Businesses in the area are busy and thriving and peple cme t the area t bth shp and scialize. 3. Supprt mre pprtunities fr living in the cre The Prject Area will prvide mre pprtunities fr peple t live within the area, in turn prviding further supprt fr businesses in the area. This will include encuraging residential cmpnents in new infill mixed-use redevelpments, r stand-alne residential buildings. New infill develpments will be lcated clse t the street edge, ver time prviding a mre intimate enclsure f the street. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 27

32 4. Have an imprved streetscape and majr intersectin The Prject Area s King Street streetscape will be significantly imprved thrugh integrated effrts by the Regin, Twn and prperty wners t imprve bth the public and private aspects f the streetscape. This imprvement includes a recnstructed King Street right-f-way that accmmdates vehicular and pedestrian traffic equally well and prvides a mre attractive and mre functinal public space. The burying f verhead hydr wires shuld be cnsidered during the Envirnmental Assessment and detailed design fr the King Street recnstructin. King Street imprvements will be cmplemented ver time by significantly imprved building facades that prvide mre visual interest and transparency t sidewalks and walkways, as well as new buildings replacing vacant lts and derelict buildings. The intersectin f King Street and Victria Avenue will be strengthened as the main crssing in the prject area. It will be functinally imprved with enhanced crsswalks t better balance vehicular and pedestrian mvements, imprved lighting, and signage that reinfrce its prminence as a gateway. 5. Be mre accessible and pedestrian friendly t all users The Prject Area will prvide a safe, cmfrtable and friendly shpping envirnment. It will be pedestrian friendly with imprved sidewalks and pedestrian crssings. The streetscape will be tidy, functinal, and interesting, featuring street furniture, benches, planters, and imprved street lighting. Opprtunities fr a public gathering space that can hst small cmmunity events and festivals will als be explred. 6. Be greener, sfter and mre interesting in appearance The Prject Area will have a greener envirnment with elements that prvide mre visual interest and clur. Mre trees and landscaping as part f rad wrks, publicly wned prperties, and redevelpment sites will prvide sfter edges. Opprtunities fr public art in strategic lcatins will add visual interest and celebrate lcal histry. Buildings and landscaping feature clur t generate interest and prmte visitrs t stp and explre the area. Gateway signage, street lighting, and street signage and banners will add further interest t the aesthetic alng the streetscape. Sectins 7, 8 and 9 f this CIP identify the cmmercial façade design guidelines, public realm imprvements, and financial incentive prgrams that are recmmended fr the verall imprvement f the Prject Area. They have been recmmended t target ne r mre f the specific visin principles that cmprise the visin statement abve. Taken tgether, the recmmendatins address all visin principles n a cmprehensive basis. The fllwing sectins identify, with a similar graphic t that illustrated t the right, the relevant visin principles that each specific recmmendatin addresses. Targeted Visin Principles Preserve and enhance distinct 1 identity, character and functin 2 Be vibrant and thriving Supprt mre pprtunities fr 3 living in the cre Have an imprved streetscape 4 and majr intersectin Be mre accessible and 5 pedestrian friendly t all users Be greener, sfter and mre 6 interesting in appearance Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 28

33 6 COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AREA In rder t delineate a recmmended Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area fr the Vineland CIP, the study area defined by the Twn f Lincln in Figure 1 and prperties adjacent t the study area were examined t determine current land uses, fficial plan designatin, and zning. This was augmented by the SWOT Analysis that examined vacant and underutilized prperties, building cnditins, and the ptential fr cnversin f nn-cmmercial uses t cmmercial uses. The area assessment alng with the SWOT Analysis was used t identify predminantly cmmercial and mixed use lands mst in need f cmmunity imprvement. These are the lands that are included in the recmmended cmmunity imprvement prject area. The Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area is the area where public realm imprvement effrts will be fcused and where financial incentive prgrams will be ffered, althugh sme f the public realm imprvements, e.g., lcatin f gateways, may actually be lcated just utside the recmmended Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area. The recmmended Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area (Prject Area) fr the Vineland CIP is shwn in Figure 2. The cmmunity imprvement prject area is designated by a by-law passed by Cuncil and the CIP will apply t the designated cmmunity imprvement prject area. Figure 2: Recmmended Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 29

34 7 COMMERCIAL FAÇADE DESIGN GUIDELINES 7.1 Purpse The Cmmercial Façade Design Guidelines express the Twn s design expectatins fr develpment review and are meant t assist in raising the standard fr high quality, well-designed prjects that supprt the small scale and pedestrian-riented character f the Vineland CBD. Building n the land use and design plicies f the Lincln Official Plan and the Vineland Secndary Plan, the design guidelines prvide design guidance fr imprving existing r creating new facades fr cmmercial and mixed-use develpments within the Vineland CBD. The Guidelines are intended t be a flexible guide t prperty wners and business wners when making imprvements t existing Targeted Visin Principles 1 Preserve and enhance distinct identity, character and functin 2 Be vibrant and thriving 3 Supprt mre pprtunities fr living in the cre 4 Have an imprved streetscape and majr intersectin 5 Be mre accessible and pedestrian friendly t all users 6 Be greener, sfter and mre interesting in appearance buildings within the area as well as t prperty wners during the redevelpment f prperties within the area. Als, they are intended as a design tl t be used by the Twn when reviewing applicatins fr new develpments r applicatins under CIP incentive prgrams. 7.2 Design Plicy Directin The Twn f Lincln Official Plan envisins the Vineland CBD t be maintained as the primary cmmercial area within the Vineland cmmunity, prviding a range and variety f business and cmmercial functins t meet the needs f residents. Further, the Vineland Secndary Plan envisins King Street transfrmed int a thriving mixed use centre that will be an attractive centre piece in the Twenty Valley/Jrdan Harbur Turism Area. Frm a design perspective, the Official Plan has three principal design themes fr new develpment and redevelpment in the Vineland CBD: 1. Prvide a strng street presence with buildings ccupying at least 50% f the main wall ccupying the street frntage and situated within 0 t 3 metres f the frnt lt line. 2. Prvide attractive façades with elements such as display windws, articulated entrances, glazed areas, and wall plane variatins; rfs that prvide visual interest; special architectural treatment alng bth street frntages fr crner buildings; and, rf tp mechanical units screened and integrated with the architectural frm and treatment f the building. 3. Maintain a main façade prminence with principal building entrances and primary elevatins facing the public street, entrances that are flush with the public sidewalk, and, lading and service drs n rear building walls. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 30

35 7.3 Design Guidelines Nine design principles frm the fundatin f the Cmmercial Façade Design Guidelines. These principles are meant t prvide the general, higher level directin fr cmmercial facades, while rganizing the specific design guidelines fr particular design elements. While the applicatin f the guidelines are flexible and are meant be interpreted and applied n a case-by-case basis, façade imprvements and new facades within the Vineland CBD shuld cnsistent with all f the design principles Building facades shuld be designed t fllw gd main street principles f design, rather than replicating a particular architectural style. The Vineland CBD generally has a relatively cntemprary age and frm as cmpared t a traditinal frm and style seen in many dwntwns and main streets thrughut the regin. Given this, building design and façade imprvements shuld nt attempt t create a fake histry, but rather shuld take cues frm traditinal main street buildings regarding the alignment and arrangement f architectural elements fund n such buildings (either within the area, within the Twn, r elsewhere), albeit with a mre cntemprary fashin. This includes taking cues frm the rhythm and pattern f windws and dr penings n façades; the rati f windw and dr area t slid wall fr the façade as a whle; and, the lcatin traditinal elements such as crnice lines, sign bands, windw bases ( kickplates ), transm windws, clumns r piers, and ther elements. A building façade that fllws gd main street principles utilizing a cntemprary style and palette f materials. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 31

36 7.3.2 The grund flr f the building façade shuld be scaled and riented t the pedestrian walking alng the street. The Lincln Official Plan requires street presence with the main wall f new buildings situated within 3 metres f the frnt lt line and ccupying at least 50% f the prperty s street frntage. Wrking with this principle, façades shuld be cmprised f pedestrian-scaled prprtins characteristic f a traditinal main street. Generally, traditinal strefrnt widths generally are up t 7.5 metres in width, s new buildings with strefrnts wider than 7.5 metres shuld include a series f bays that are defined by vertical elements, such as changes in materials, building prjectins, clumns, r ther vertical architectural elements, t emphasize the individual units f the buildings and maintain the traditinal small scale feel f the strefrnt façade. Buildings with narrwer widths fr strefrnts are assciated with traditinal main streets, which prvides a fine-grained divisin f strefrnts that are mre supprtive f a cmfrtable pedestrian setting. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 32

37 7.3.3 The grund flr f the building façade shuld be transparent t maximize interest, views, and cmfrt pedestrians walking alng the street. A large prprtin f the grund flr façade shuld be cmprised f transparent windws and drs. Building design shuld cnsider a balance between transparency fr visibility int stres and energy cnservatin, s an apprpriate rati f transparent-t-slid materials n the façade is generally 40 t 60%. Strefrnt windws shuld use transparent glass t prvide an area fr display space and that encurages windw shpping, t allw natural light int shps, and t allw visibility between the interir f shps and the street. The sides f any recessed entrances shuld have transparent surfaces t enhance cmfrt and visibility as well. Cmmercial drs fr strefrnts that are principally transparent glass shuld be used fr buildings, and nt residential drs that prevent visibility (ther than secndary drs t any residential units n the upper streys). Façades with large prprtins f transparent glass n windws and entrance drs assist with creating vibrant and visibly interesting streetscapes. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 33

38 7.3.4 The upper strey prtin f the building facade shuld cmplement the grund flr in terms f treatment and details. While the grund flr f building façades shuld be fcus fr pedestrian riented details, the upper streys shuld carry a cmplementary design treatment s that the verall façade reads as a single, unified unit. This may accmplished thrugh similar materials, similar clurs, and architectural elements (such as clumns r prjectins/recessins) that extend frm the grund flr t the upper streys; r, it thrugh different, yet cmplementary, materials and clurs with distinct hrizntal lines that separate the upper streys and emphasize the grund flr. Regardless f the apprach taken, the design fr new buildings and façade imprvements shuld cnsider upper strey windw patterns in traditinal façades, in which upper windws generally are rectangular shape, with decrative architectural features, such as crnices r lintels, fr emphasis and shuld be recessed int the wall surface t assist in articulating the facade and creating interesting shadw patterns n the upper streys. Upper strey windws shuld have transparent glass surfaces and shuld be able t be pened t encurage natural ventilatin. A range f different ptins are apprpriate fr cnnecting the grund flr with the upper streys n a building facade, whether a cnsistent apprach r a cmplementary apprach. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 34

39 7.3.5 Rflines f buildings facades shuld apprpriately cap the tp f the building façade. Rflines shuld terminate and punctuate the tp f the building s façade, prviding a visually interesting streetscape particularly fr thse passing at a distance r frm acrss the street. They may include detail, such as material changes, crnice, parapets, and ther features, t prvide an apprpriate cap t a building, and shuld cmplement existing rf lines in the area, as applicable and as warranted. Given the cntext f the Vineland CBD, rfline details shuld be simple and cntemprary rather than verly rnate attempting t replicate traditinal buildings. Generally, flat rfs with a parapet r crnice are traditinally used fr cmmercial frms f buildings, while slped rfs cmbined with a rf parapet are used fr residential frms f buildings. Visible gutters, dwnsputs r vents shuld be painted t match the trim r the clur f the base materials n the verall façade. Simple rflines that cap the tp f the façade are a better fit with the Vineland CBD rather than mre rnate details. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 35

40 7.3.6 Signage n the building shuld be visually attractive and nt verpwer the verall façade cmpsitin. While many types f signs are permitted under the Twn s Sign By-law, three shuld be specifically encuraged as part f new buildings r façade imprvements: Fascia signs shuld be lcated in a sign band that divides the strefrnt windws frm the upper façade; shuld be attached parallel and flush with the building wall, lcated t avid bscuring façade elements such as windws, drs, strefrnts, building entrances, crnices, clumns; and preferably shuld use raised lettering that prvides depth t the signage. Hanging signs shuld be lcated and sized t prvide safe passage by pedestrians underneath; shuld be installed perpendicular t the façade and hang frm a munted wall brace; and, shuld be limited t ne per business frntage. Windw signs n strefrnt windws shuld be installed s as t maximize visibility t and frm the interir f the stre (n mre than 25% f a windw s surface area) with etched glass n the windws r using paint that is durable and fade resistant t ensure their quality ver time. Regardless f type, all signs within the Vineland CBD shuld be cnstructed f durable materials that cmplement the material palette f the verall façade. Lighting fr signage shuld be dwn light nly, t limit intrusin f lighting. Nen, electrnic messages, r flurescent lighting fr illuminatin shuld nt be used fr any sign type. Signs shuld nly be lcated n the grund flr prtin f the façade, and nt n the upper streys. There are a number f different sign styles that are apprpriate within the main street setting, given their design character, materials, and lcatin. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 36

41 7.3.7 Clurs n the building façade shuld be used t accent architectural elements and display the individuality f different businesses. Façades shuld have a pattern f principal base clurs and secndary accent clurs. Base clurs shuld be limited t tw clurs, and shuld be used preferably fr defining the vertical distinctins f the building (i.e. strefrnt versus upper streys) if using mre than ne clur. Accent clurs shuld be limited t tw r three maximum, selected t cmplement the base clurs f the façade, and shuld preferably be used t accent architectural features (such as windw r dr frames, pillars r clumns, sign lettering) n the façade. In terms f clur selectin, a range f clurs shuld be encuraged. Mre vibrant clurs are certainly encuraged, hwever, they shuld be muted and sft in nature as cmpared t bld and bright, and shuld be limited t accent clurs, such as windw and dr frames, building trim, sign bands and lettering, and ther details, rather fr the principal clur f the façade in rder t avid vercluring a building s façade. Clur used apprpriately n an existing façade (left) and a new façade (right) t highlight key architectural elements and distinguish different businesses alng the street. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 37

42 7.3.8 Materials selected fr the building façade shuld take cues frm thse existing materials in the surrunding area. Materials selected fr a building s façade shuld be high quality, durable, and easily maintainable; cmplementary t ne anther; and apprpriate fr the building s architectural style. The palette f materials used shuld be based n a series f principal and accent materials. Principal base materials shuld be limited t ne r tw materials n the façade. Pressed unglazed brick, lcal stne, mrtar, cncrete and wd shuld be the preferred base materials, while materials that mimic ther materials ( faux materials), aluminum r sheet metals, ther siding systems, r nn-lcal stne materials shuld nt be used. Secndary accent materials shuld be limited t tw r three materials n the façade. A mre varied range f materials, such as wd trim, cpper, steel, r ther metals, can be used fr the accent materials. Materials that mimic ther materials ( faux materials), aluminum r sheet metals, ther siding systems, r nn-lcal stne materials shuld nt be used. When multiple building materials are used, changes in material shuld be at the pint f a recessin r prjectin at inside crners, r defined with a prnunced expansin jint alng flat building walls, s as t avid the lk f the material as a veneer n the façade. Brick and stne are amngst the preferred base materials fr facades, while there are a range f apprpriate accent materials that can prvide a distinct lk t façades. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 38

43 7.3.9 Outdr spaces that cmplement the verall façade and prvide activity alng the space. Outdr spaces shuld be cnsidered, where pssible, t prvide spill-ut space frm the business t help animate the street. Cafés r patis shuld be designed and lcated t ensure they d nt detract frm the visual quality f the streetscape and d nt impede mvement fr all users alng the sidewalk. Flwerpts and planter bxes n r near building entrances shuld be cnsidered t add clur and variety t the landscape. These include ptential lcatins such as verhangs, clumns r psts, balcnies, and belw windws. Where retractable awnings abve strefrnt windws and drs are desired fr weather prtectin, they shuld be a traditinal square r triangular shape and shuld be fabric material rather than synthetic materials. They shuld span the façade s windw and dr penings nly and nt the entire façade, munted in the strefrnt prtin f the façade and nt cvering architectural elements (such as piers, clumns, pilasters, clerestry windws, architectural expressin lines). Multiple individual awnings shuld be used fr larger frntages rather than a single cntinuus awning. While nt part f the design f the façade, utdr spaces and landscape treatments shuld wrk with the verall façade in creating a psitive image alng the streetscape. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 39

44 7.4 Applicatin The Cmmercial Façade Design Guidelines are intended t apply t cmmercial r mixed-use buildings (residential abve cmmercial r cmmercial abve cmmercial) in the Vineland CBD. They are intended t be used by the varius participants invlved in the design prcess, as a guide fr designers, landwners, and business wners invlved in designing new buildings r façade imprvements, as well as a tl by the Twn when evaluating develpment applicatins and when reviewing incentive prgram applicatins, shuld they be ffered. They are meant t prvide design guidance with the understanding that they are t be applied n a case-by-case basis as the specific situatin warrants, and nt as a checklist in that every guideline applies. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 40

45 8 PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENT ACTION PLAN 8.1 Purpse The public realm is a cmbinatin f streetscapes and pen spaces which make up a dwntwn envirnment. In vibrant dwntwns, the public realm is typically the mst immediate and mst lasting impressin visitrs have f a dwntwn. It plays a significant rle in creating a high quality sense f place and it sets the envirnment in which shps and and businesses perate. Generally, there are three main types f public realm imprvements that assist in cmmunity imprvement effrts: thse initiatives geared t enhancing the dwntwn identity by better defining the dwntwn s character and image t visitrs; thse initiatives geared t imprving the cnnectins within and functinality f the dwntwn; and, thse initiatives geared t imprving the visual quality f the dwntwn s public streets and spaces. The Public Realm Imprvement Actin Plan identifies key imprvements t the Vineland CBD s public realm t establish a mre attractive, interesting and cmfrtable setting fr businesses and shppers. The recmmended public realm imprvements are designed as strategic investments by the Twn that will spur and reinfrce private sectr investment in buildings and prperties t further generate activity in the Vineland CBD. The Twn is principally respnsibility fr the imprvements identified in the Actin Plan, hwever, Niagara Regin will als need t be invlved given King Street and Victria Avenue are bth Reginal Rads. The Twn will need t engage and wrk cllabratively with Niagara Regin and prperty wners thrughut the design prcess fr the imprvements t ensure safety, peratinal, and maintenance matters are taken int cnsideratin. 8.2 Design Plicy Directin The Official Plan envisins the Vineland CBD t be maintained as the primary cmmercial area within Vineland, prviding a range and variety f business and cmmercial functins t meet residents needs. Further, the Vineland Secndary Plan envisins King Street transfrmed int a thriving mixed use centre that will be an attractive centre piece in the Twenty Valley/Jrdan Harbur Turism Area. Specifically, the Secndary Plan identified the fllwing key public realm design initiatives: King Street Revitalizatin An apprpriate redesign f the Wine Rute thrugh the Vineland cre, and a strategy fr cmplementary redevelpment f adjacent lands ver time Redevelpment f the Urban Cre T imprve the streetscape and encurage pedestrian activity, buildings in the cre area shuld face King Street with minimal setbacks and parking at the back. This new cnfiguratin shuld be required fr all infill develpment and as redevelpment f prperties ccurs. Gateways A gateway is prpsed at the west entry t Vineland at Martin Rad n Reginal Rad 81/King Street. This gateway will be an imprtant entry marker fr thse traveling n the Niagara Wine Rute. The gateway shuld cnsist f a sign, small architectural feature, and landscaping, which shuld reflect the desired character f Vineland. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 41

46 8.3 Recmmended Actins The Public Realm Imprvement Actin Plan identifies general imprvement actins t be undertaken by the Twn and ther stakehlders in imprving the public streets and spaces within the Vineland CBD. The fllwing seven imprvement actins illustrated n Figure 3 are described n the fllwing pages: 1. Recnstructin and streetscape imprvements t King Street thrughut the Vineland CBD; 2. Definitin f pedestrian crssings at the King Street and Victria Avenue intersectin; 3. Installatin f entrance features at the eastern, western, and nrthern gateways t the Vineland CBD; 4. Explre pprtunities fr cmpleting the sidewalk netwrk n side streets like Tallman Drive, Orchard Avenue and Twenty Third Street; 5. Redefinitin f the existing public space at the King Street and Victria Avenue intersectin; 6. Explratin f ptential additinal ff-street public parking pprtunities alng King Street east f Victria Avenue; and, 7. Explratin f pprtunities fr additinal landscaping alng expsed private prperty edges alng King Street. Figure 3: Public Realm Imprvement Actins Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 42

47 8.3.1 Recnstructin f King Street and streetscape imprvements t King Street and Victria Avenue. Recnstructin f King Street and streetscape imprvements fr King Street and Victria Avenue present the mst significant pprtunity t redefine the functin and image f the Vineland CBD. The Regin is currently undertaking an Envirnmental Assessment (EA) Study fr King Street (Reginal Rad 81) in the effrts f recnstructin f the rad. The Twn is a key stakehlder in that prcess and wuld be respnsible fr undertaking the streetscape imprvements ver and abve the Regin s recnstructin. Targeted Visin Principles 1 Preserve and enhance distinct identity, character and functin 2 Be vibrant and thriving Supprt mre pprtunities fr living in the cre Have an imprved streetscape and majr intersectin Be mre accessible and pedestrian friendly t all users Be greener, sfter and mre interesting in appearance While the EA Study will ultimately determine the functin and cnfiguratin f the King Street right-fway and its elements (travel/turning lanes, bike facilities, n-street parking, bulevards, and sidewalks), the fllwing cnsideratins are intended t prvide directin t the Twn regarding preferences frm a cmmunity imprvement perspective with respect t the EA Study: a) Overhead wires shuld be buried at the time f street recnstructin in the interests f dramatically imprving the streetscape quality fr the lnger term by eliminating the visual clutter. b) The Twn will have t establish pririties fr the recnfiguratin f King Street in the interests f a vibrant cmmercial area, given the existing narrw right-f-way. Where space is limited, the pririties shuld be: (1) a cntinuus sidewalk system; (2) n-street parking pprtunities; (3) landscaped bulevards with a cnsistent street tree planting scheme; and, (4) n-street bicycle facilities, dedicated r shared. c) A crdinated theme f streetscape furnishings shuld be installed thrughut the Vineland CBD n bth King Street and Victria Avenue. The existing style and type f streetscape amenities alng King Street in the Beamsville CBD is apprpriate fr the Vineland CBD. At a minimum, furnishings shuld include street trees with prtective grates and guards; decrative light standards with hanging banners and baskets; benches and garbage receptacles; and, bicycle parking fixtures. The design f all streetscape elements shuld recgnize at the utset the financial, peratinal and resurce requirements needed t prperly maintain the streetscape amenities and installatins ver the lng term. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 43

48 8.3.2 Definitin f pedestrian crssings at the King Street and Victria Avenue intersectin. The Twn tgether with the Regin as part f the design and recnstructin f King Street shuld implement imprvements t the intersectin f King Street and Victria Avenue. Currently, pedestrian cmfrt in the Vineland CBD is affected by the discnnected sidewalk system as well as the physical barrier that is the King/Victria intersectin. Imprvements t this principal crssrads within the Vineland CBD shuld be designed t imprve cmfrt fr east-west pedestrian mvement alng King Street and acrss the King/Victria intersectin. Targeted Visin Principles 1 Preserve and enhance distinct identity, character and functin 2 Be vibrant and thriving Supprt mre pprtunities fr living in the cre Have an imprved streetscape and majr intersectin Be mre accessible and pedestrian friendly t all users Be greener, sfter and mre interesting in appearance Mdificatins t the King/Victria intersectin shuld include a distinct surface treatment fr crsswalks, such as a stamped asphalt r cncrete, which wuld visually and physically identify the crsswalk t pedestrian and drivers. Universal accessibility, durability, ease f maintenance, and visual interest shuld be key cnsideratins fr identifying a suitable surface treatment (as well as vlume f truck traffic in terms f selectin and timing f installatin). Additinally, the Twn and Regin shuld cnsider implementing traffic calming features at the intersectin, where apprpriate and technically feasible. Such mdificatins tgether with the installatin/recnstructin f cntinuus sidewalks in all fur directins and supprting streetscape amenities (such as light standards/signal standards) wuld assist with imprving the pedestrian cmfrt arund the King/Victria intersectin. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 44

49 8.3.3 Installatin f entrance features at the eastern and western gateways t the Vineland CBD. The Twn shuld install entrance features within landscaped centre median islands at the tw King Street entrances t the Vineland CBD. Gateways such as these are lcated at key arrival pints and can play a significant rle in welcming visitrs t the area. Well designed, visually attractive, and lcally-themed entrance features can help prvide a psitive first impressin f the Vineland CBD and add t visual interest alng the streetscape. Targeted Visin Principles Tw entrance lcatins are identified n King Street fr the Vineland CBD: a western gateway entrance near the Magnlia Drive intersectin and an eastern gateway entrance near the Twenty Third Street intersectin (the exact lcatins may be further utside r inside the Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Prject Area). A third feature is identified at the nrthern entrance alng Victria Avenue (the suthern entrance is captured by the crner treatment and space identified in Sectin belw). A detailed design prcess shuld be undertaken t determine the specific lcatin, character and style f the specific gateway feature. A crdinated design and palette f materials shuld be used fr bth entrance features, and shuld capture Vineland s agricultural and rural theme, style and imagery. Cntextually-sensitive materials shuld be used that are present in the lcal setting (such as bricks and stnes as well as ther accent materials). Design elements shuld be cnsistent acrss all three urban area cres t maintain a cnsistent Twn-wide apprach, while still allwing unique elements fr each urban area t accentuate individuality. In additin t signage, plantings shuld be used t accentuate the entrance and prvide visual interest at these prminent lcatins. Landscaping within a central median shuld be a cmbinatin f taller deciduus canpy trees as well as lwer fundatin plantings at their base. Additinally, a similar treatment with a cmbinatin f canpy trees and fundatin plantings shuld be cnsidered fr the curb-side bulevard t punctuate the entrance, particularly given the limited space fr plantings thrughut the King Street right-f-way. 1 Preserve and enhance distinct identity, character and functin 2 Be vibrant and thriving Supprt mre pprtunities fr living in the cre Have an imprved streetscape and majr intersectin Be mre accessible and pedestrian friendly t all users Be greener, sfter and mre interesting in appearance Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 45

50 Demnstratin f ptential design f entrance features recmmended fr the eastern and western gateways t the Vineland Central Business District. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 46

51 8.3.4 Explre pprtunities fr cmpleting the sidewalk netwrk n side streets like Tallman Drive, Orchard Avenue and Twenty Third Street. The Twn shuld explre pprtunities fr cmpleting the netwrk f sidewalks n the side streets within the Vineland CBD. These include Tallman Drive (currently has sidewalks nly n the nrth side f the street), Orchard Avenue (currently n sidewalks) and Twenty Third Street (currently n sidewalks). At a minimum, these side streets shuld have a sidewalk n at least ne side f the street, althugh sidewalks n bth sides are ideal fr enhancing pedestrian cnnectivity t the Vineland CBD. Targeted Visin Principles 1 Preserve and enhance distinct identity, character and functin 2 Be vibrant and thriving Supprt mre pprtunities fr living in 3 the cre Have an imprved streetscape and 4 majr intersectin Be mre accessible and pedestrian 5 friendly t all users Be greener, sfter and mre 6 interesting in appearance Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 47

52 8.3.5 Redefinitin f the existing public space at the King Street and Victria Avenue intersectin. The Twn shuld explre pprtunities fr creating a new, redefined public space at the nrthwest crner f the King/Victria Streets intersectin. There is an existing signage piece at this crner n the private prperty that wraps the crner, but this des nt fully capture the full pprtunity at this prminent lcatin. Three cmpnents shuld be cnsidered as part f the design f this space: a) A lw rnamental wall lining the crner that prvides a separatin buffer frm the intersectin Targeted Visin Principles traffic. The wall shuld utilize cnsistent and cmplementary materials with the entrance features and shuld accmmdate pprtunities fr signage related t the Vineland CBD. The wall shuld be f a height that allws visibility arund the crner f the intersectin. b) A public art piece that prvides a visual accent at the crner. A public art piece in this lcatin culd take different frms (such as sculptures r landscape features) and utilize different artistic mediums (such as metals, stnes, r bricks). Its design shuld be related t Vineland s agriculture and viticulture character. Such a public art piece shuld be accentuated by fundatin landscape plantings. c) A small area that prvides pprtunities fr sitting within this space. Such a small sitting area shuld be situated away frm the intersectin as much as pssible, given traffic cnsideratins, with cnnectins t the public art piece and public sidewalk. Benches and garbage receptacles in keeping with the streetscape theme shuld be installed in this sitting area, cupled with supprted fundatin plantings and street trees fr shade. 1 Preserve and enhance distinct identity, character and functin 2 Be vibrant and thriving Supprt mre pprtunities fr living in 3 the cre Have an imprved streetscape and 4 majr intersectin Be mre accessible and pedestrian 5 friendly t all users Be greener, sfter and mre 6 interesting in appearance Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 48

53 Demnstratin f ptential design f public space lcated at the nrthwest crner f Victria Avenue and King Street. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 49

54 8.3.6 Explratin f ptential additinal ff-street public parking pprtunities alng King Street east f Victria Avenue. The Twn shuld investigate ptins fr a centrally lcated public parking lt alng King Street that accmmdates an adequate quantity f cnvenient, safe and inviting parking fr visitrs. While the existing Tallman public parking lt prvides 25 spaces, the lt is nt ideally lcated t supprt cmmercial activity alng King Street. Optins fr a public parking lt n the nrth side f King Street, east f Victria Avenue shuld be cnsidered given the cncentratin f cmmercial activity and businesses in that lcatin, Targeted Visin Principles Preserve and enhance distinct identity, 1 character and functin 2 Be vibrant and thriving Supprt mre pprtunities fr living in 3 the cre Have an imprved streetscape and 4 majr intersectin Be mre accessible and pedestrian 5 friendly t all users Be greener, sfter and mre 6 interesting in appearance as well as given ptential impacts n the existing parking supply resulting frm the design and recnstructin f King Street. Such a lcatin culd eventually allw ptential redevelpment f the existing Tallman lt alng Victria Avenue. Alternatively, the Twn shuld make imprvements t the existing Tallman parking lt shuld a new public parking lt n King Street nt be pssible r feasible. Regardless f lcatin, public parking lts within the Vineland CBD shuld be designed t be functinal fr bth drivers and pedestrians, visually attractive, and easily identifiable t visitrs. This includes cnsideratins fr landscaped edges thrugh a cmbinatin f planting and decrative fencing r walls; defined crssings and walkways fr pedestrians thrugh distinct surface treatments; naming and signing the lt t prvide a clear identity fr reference purpses; landscaped parking islands at the end f rws t break the surface area int smaller cmpnents fr larger lts; and, adequate parking lt lighting t prvide user cmfrt and safety at night. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 50

55 8.3.7 Explratin f pprtunities fr additinal landscaping alng expsed private prperty edges alng King Street. The Twn shuld encurage the imprvement f edges fr private prperties that have buildings set back frm the street edge and parking lcated between the building frnt and the street edge. The Secndary Plan envisins that the King Street crridr wuld be redevelped ver time with buildings brught clser t the street edge t reinfrce pedestrian activity and animate the street. As this redevelpment will take sme time t ccur, imprved landscaped prperty edges can prvide an attractive edge t the street in the meantime. Targeted Visin Principles 1 Preserve and enhance distinct identity, character and functin 2 Be vibrant and thriving Supprt mre pprtunities fr living in 3 the cre Have an imprved streetscape and 4 majr intersectin Be mre accessible and pedestrian 5 friendly t all users Be greener, sfter and mre 6 interesting in appearance The fllwing three elements shuld be encuraged as part f imprvements t private prperty edges: a) Landscape plantings that prvide a greener edge t the King Street streetscape s as t add t visual interest and pedestrian cmfrt alng the street. Plantings shuld include a cmbinatin f deciduus street trees and fundatin plantings t prvide visual interest. Landscaped area shuld be at least 3.0 metres wide t prvide enugh depth fr planting and grwth. b) Decrative walls that prvide additinal visual accent and screen views int parking areas. Such walls shuld be lw in height (maximum 1.0 metre tall), made f high quality materials that fit with the envisined character f the Vineland CBD (like bricks r stnes with metal railings), and, allw fr unimpeded pedestrian mvement t building entrances frm the street. c) Cnslidatin f multiple driveway entrances alng King Street int shared driveway entrances between prperties where feasible. Such cnslidatins wuld cnslidate access/egress and prvide additinal space alng King Street fr the abve landscape treatments. Vineland Cmmunity Imprvement Plan Final Reprt 51