master plan vision document

1. The Junction Gardens BIA
Streetscape Master Plan Vision

3. STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................1
1.1 Study Area.....................................................................................................1
1.2 Purpose of the Document........................................................................1
2.0 VISUAL INVENTORY....................................................................................3
2.1 Observations................................................................................................3
2.2 Existing Conditions Imagery..................................................................4
3.0 VISION AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES..........................................................9
3.1 A Vision for The Junction BIA..................................................................9
3.2 Design Principles..................................................................................... 10
4.0 STREETSCAPE KIT OF PARTS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS........................................................................... 11
4.1 Gateways to the Junction Gardens BIA........................................... 12
4.1.1 Keele Street Intersection............................................................ 12
4.1.2 Pacific Avenue................................................................................ 14
4.1.3 Keele Street Underpass............................................................... 15
4.2 Flankage Parkettes.................................................................................. 16
4.3 Parklets........................................................................................................ 17
4.4 Street Trees................................................................................................ 18
4.4.1 Tree Inventory................................................................................ 18
4.4.2 Tree Guards..................................................................................... 18
4.4.3 Tree Grilles....................................................................................... 19
4.5 Paving Materials....................................................................................... 20
4.6 Streetscape Furnishings........................................................................ 21
4.6.1 City of Toronto Coordinated Street Furniture.................... 21
4.6.2 Custom-Designed Furnishings................................................ 21
4.6.3 Streetscape Demonstrations................................................... 22

4. ii THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA
4.7 Lighting....................................................................................................... 23
4.7.1 Street Lighting............................................................................... 23
4.7.2 Decorative Pedestrian Lighting.............................................. 24
4.8 Public Art.................................................................................................... 25
4.9 Buffers and Screening............................................................................ 26
5.0 ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................. 27
5.1 Cycling Conditions.................................................................................. 27
5.2 Storefronts and Signage....................................................................... 27
APPENDIX
Opportunities Plan
Phasing and Costing Matrix

5. STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Area
The Junction Gardens BIA Streetscape Master Plan Vision covers
the eight blocks along Dundas Street West from Quebec Avenue to
Indian Grove.
The Junction Gardens BIA represents a very active, creative and
engaged community of people with a wide variety of backgrounds
and interests, that makes this area of Toronto one of the most
distinctive and interesting neighbourhoods to live, work and visit.
The streetscape treatment along Dundas Street West should strive
to capture and reflect the energy that defines this neighbourhood,
as well as consider the cultural significance of its history.
1.2 Purpose of the Document
The master plan is intended to provide a framework to facilitate
decision-making related to present and future streetscape
improvements within the Junction Gardens BIA, with a view to
integrating the history and identity of the neighbourhood by
enhancing business and establishing the district as a destination.
The document presents the results of a visual inventory, followed by
mapping of key opportunities for intervention and a ‘kit of parts’, or
tool kit, of potential interventions. Lastly, the document offers some
guidance with respect to phasing of projects along with estimates to
help the BIA plan and budget for improvements.
1.1a: Diagram showing
the study area boundary

6. 2 THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA

7. STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 3
2.0 VISUAL INVENTORY
2.1 Observations
The following observations were noted during a visual inventory of
the streets within the BIA.
Landscape Elements
Street Trees
• Street trees are numerous in the BIA compared to other districts
within the City. The greatest number of trees are found along
Dundas Street West. In total, there are 133 street trees in the BIA:
61 on the north side, and 72 on the south side.
• Of the BIA’s 133 street trees, 21 are growing in concrete planters,
the design of which varies according to when they were
installed. Tree pits are also varied in their design. (Refer to the
images in Section 2.2, Existing Conditions Imagery.)
• It is worth noting that trees on both sides of the street receive
sunlight.
Paving
Sidewalks and Crosswalks
• The sidewalks along Dundas Street West, where the majority
of street furnishings are located, range in width between
approximately 3.0 and 4.0 meters.
• Sidewalk paving treatments were installed fairly recently and
correspond to the standard City detail.
• Crosswalks are generally not strongly demarcated, and line
painting has faded.
Furnishings
Bus Shelters
• With the exception of a few, bus shelters have for the most
part been updated to the new City standard as part of the
Coordinated Street Furniture Program.
Litter Bins
• The number of litter bins is adequate according to the BIA.
However a number of bins, which correspond to the City’s
coordinated street furniture program, are in disrepair.
Newspaper Boxes
• While generally clustered, newspaper boxes are not neatly
arranged, which may cause hazards for pedestrians. Corrals
would help organize the boxes and help keep them in place.
Benches and Seating
• Benches are found sporadically along Dundas. Amenity areas
and opportunities for social interaction are lacking in the public
realm.
Lighting
Street Lighting
• Street lights along Dundas Street West were installed recently.
Their design and placement creates rhythm along the street.
• Along Keele Street, light standards are inconsistent in both their
type and spacing.
• While the current light standards along Dundas Street West allow
for pedestrian lighting, there currently is none installed. Two
light standards along Keele Street provide pedestrian lighting.
Keele Street Underpass
While the Keele Street railway bridge is located outside the limits
of the BIA, the underpass serves as a point of entry into the area.
However, the underpass is poorly lit, creating an unsafe condition for
pedestrians and cyclists both day and night.

8. This interface with the area is unattractive and uninviting.
Arts and Culture
While the BIA is known as one of the more creative districts within the City, there
are few public art pieces, and an overall design theme could help focus efforts to
increase the presence of the arts.
2.2 Existing Conditions Imagery
Pedestrian Crossings Bus Shelters
4 THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA
Litter Bin Light Standards
Bench

9. Tree Pits Concrete Planters Seasonal Plantings
STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 5

10. Street Flankages
High Park Avenue – South East Side
High Park Avenue – South West Side
Dundas St. W. and Medland St. – South West Side
6 THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA
Edges
Canadian Tire Gas Bar – Keele Street
Heintzman Street – South Side
Heintzman Street – West Side
Rear of Gas Bar

11. STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 7
Keele Street Underpass
Keele and Dundas Pacific Avenue
BMO Parking Lot – Keele & Dundas Looking West Pacific Avenue – North East Side
Pacific Avenue – North West Side
Keele St. Underpass Looking North
Keele St. Underpass Looking South
Underside of Keele St. Underpass
BMO Parking Lot – Keele & Dundas
Image Sources: Google Earth, Junction BIA, and NAK Design Strategies

12. 8 THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA

13. STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 9
3.0 VISION AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Fundamental to the creation of a master plan is, first and foremost,
the establishment of a vision. In order to stimulate the interest of
community members, focus efforts, leverage investment of time and
money and sustain commitment over an extended period of time,
the project vision needs to rally and energize the entire community.
3.1 A Vision for The Junction BIA
The Junction BIA encompasses an area of the City that is rich with
history, creativity and culture. Historically the intersection of two
Native Canadian trading trails, and later the junction of major
railway lines, today’s Junction still bears the imprint of the industrial
landscape that once took shape there.
Steeped in railway and industrial heritage, the neighbourhood is
home to families and businesses that have contributed to the area’s
renaissance and continue to spur its transformation into a hotbed of
design, art and culture.
Inspired by the area’s railway legacy and the unruly beauty of
this post-industrial landscape, the streetscape master plan vision
provides an organizing framework that further strengthens the
central theme of the Junction as a point of convergence for business,
culture, the arts and shared community values.
KEY DESIGN THEMES
Railway Heritage
The Junction as Meeting Place
Promote the Arts, Design and Culture
PROJECT VISION
Create a distinct identity within the Junction Gardens BIA,
establishing the area as a destination within the City, and
stimulating business and investment, for the benefit of
residents and businesses alike.

14. 3.2 Design Principles
The following design principles provide the foundation for
development of this Streetscape Master Plan Vision.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Integrate clean and contemporary materials and furnishings
into the streetscape. Strive for an uncluttered approach.
ENHANCE SAFETY
For safety and aesthetic reasons, streetscape elements
should ensure visual transparency and avoid cluttering of
the street. Lighting is also crucial to safety.
CELEBRATE HERITAGE
To connect us to our past as we look toward the future,
streetscape design elements should honour and celebrate
the historic fabric and character of the area.
CREATE MEETING PLACES
Provide opportunities for organized and chance encounters,
and where social interaction can take place spontaneously
and with ease and comfort.
CURATE LOCAL CULTURE
Encourage the thriving art and design culture within The
Junction by partnering with local creative resources to
implement components of the master plan.
STIMULATE BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT
Streetscape enhancements should stimulate business and
act as a catalyst for new investments into the public realm.
10 THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA

15. STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 11
4.0 STREETSCAPE KIT OF PARTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Dundas Street W
Quebec Ave
Mcmurray Ave
High Park Ave
Pacific Ave Pacific Ave
Indian Gr
Medland St
Mavety St
Keele St Keele St
Heintzman St
Indian Gr
Quebec Ave
Dundas Street W
Dundas Street W
Quebec Ave
Mcmurray Ave
High Park Ave
Pacific Ave Pacific Ave
Indian Gr
Medland St
Mavety St
Keele St Keele St
Heintzman St
Indian Gr
Quebec Ave
Dundas Street W
Keele Street
Underpass
Keele and
Dundas Street Pacific Avenue Flankage
Condition
Existing
Flankage
with Patio
Hotspots Public Art
or Mural
This section maps a series of opportunities for streetscape
interventions in various categories, and presents a ‘kit-of-parts’, or
tool kit, of possible interventions. Each section is accompanied by a
set of recommendations for next steps or implementation.
The diagram below identifies the key opportunities, and the
following pages describe potential interventions. An overall
Opportunities Plan showing both opportunities and existing
conditions is included in the Appendix.
4.0: Diagram showing key opportunities and areas for intervention

16. 4.1 Gateways to The Junction Gardens BIA
Typically located at community entry points, gateways signal
arrival into the community, creating an initial impression of the
character and identity of the neighbourhood. While The Junction
Gardens BIA spans the blocks between Indian Grove and Quebec
Avenue, the key intersections are located at Keele Street and Pacific
Avenue.
Furthermore, while it is not located within BIA boundaries, the
Keele Street underpass constitutes an important point of entry into
The Junction, and is also part of the master plan study area.
4.1.1 Keele Street Intersection
The intersection at Dundas Street West and Keele Street is
considered a major gateway due to its location at the intersection
of two arterial roads and the scale of surrounding buildings. This
location, with three of its four corners featuring older buildings
oriented towards the intersection, is ideal for creation of a major
gateway experience.
12 THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA
decorative crosswalks
custom gateway feature
possible gathering space/
parkette
potential parking lot screen
4.1.1b: Diagram showing the intersection of
Keele and Dundas, with opportunities for
intervention
4.1.1a: Image showing the existing intersection

17. STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 13
Recommendations:
Declutter the intersection by removing BIA signage and relocating
donation boxes;
Utilize a news corral to organize newspaper boxes;
Consider decorative paving to define the intersection, provide
traffic calming and enhance pedestrian safety;
Update the old bus shelters along Keele Street to the newer model
according to the City’s Coordinated Street Furniture Program;
Engage the owner of the Bank of Montreal property in updating
the existing feature adjacent to the bank and transforming it into
an vibrant gathering space with potential to integrate a custom
gateway feature such as a railway inspired clock or a custom-designed
art piece, enhanced plantings, special paving, feature
lighting and wayfinding elements;
Consider integrating a railway-inspired gateway feature such as a
clock into the proposed Bank of Montreal amenity space on the
south west corner of the intersection;
Consider an artful fence or screen treatment to attenuate the
impact of the Bank of Montreal parking lot.
4.1.1c, d & e: Examples of a gathering
space / parkette (top left), special
pedestrian crosswalk treatments (top
right) and an artful fence screening
treatment (bottom left)
4.1.1f & g: Examples of modern and heritage railway station clocks as a
potential gateway feature

18. 4.1.2 Pacific Avenue
While it is less prominent than Dundas Street West and Keele
Street, the intersection of Dundas Street West and Pacific Avenue is
another intersection with potential for creation of a gateway.
The BIA currently uses a stretch of Pacific Avenue north of
Dundas as a place to host its events. There is potential to create
a more pedestrian-friendly zone in this area for regular activities
to take place, such as farmer’s markets, festivals, etc., through
implementation of a Woonerf street.
The example in figure 4.1.2a to the right shows a recently
implemented Woonerf street in Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market.
Woonerfs are sometimes defined as ‘living streets’ where
pedestrians and cyclists have priority over motorists. They are often
characterized by shared pedestrian-vehicular space, traffic calming,
low speed limits, special paving and a curbless design.
Recommendations:
Introduce special crosswalk paving to enhance safety and define
the area as a gateway;
Consider transforming the portion of Pacific Avenue north of
Dundas into a Woonerf street as a place to host BIA activities and
events;
Working with property owners, businesses and the City, design
attractive side flankage treatments along Pacific Avenue, integrating
permanent or temporary public art.
14 THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA
4.1.2a: Market
Street in
Toronto’s
St. Lawrence
district features
special paving
and is defined
by bollards;
pedestrians and
vehicles share
the street with
potential for
traffic closures
during events
BIA event space /
Woonerf street
flankage parkette or other
special flankage treatment
decorative crosswalks to identify
the area as a gateway
public art opportunity
expanded seating area with
existing public art
4.1.2b: Diagram showing the intersection of Pacific and Dundas,
with potential interventions

19. STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 15
4.1.3 Keele Street Underpass
While it is located outside BIA boundaries, the Keele Street
underpass constitutes an important point of entry into The
Junction, and has been included within the master plan study
area. Currently, the underpass is unattractive and makes a
poor impression for visitors from the north. Furthermore, it is
inadequately lit and poses a safety risk for pedestrians and cyclists.
There is an opportunity to transform this area into a safer and more
appealing place.
Recommendations:
Improve lighting within the underpass, using safety lighting or an
artful light display that both improves light levels and serves as a
decorative feature;
Consider painting the underpass bridge (on both the north and
south sides, and on the underside) to create an attractive and
memorable point of entry / exit;
Consider murals or other art displays within the underpass to create
a more engaging experience.
4.1.3a: Image showing the approach to the underpass from the south
side of Keele Street
4.1.3b, c & d: Images showing possible
underpass treatments, including
bridge painting (top left), safety
lighting and murals (top right) and
decorative lighting (bottom left)

20. 4.2 Flankage Parkettes
Flankages are wide setback areas located adjacent to corner
buildings on the streets that intersect with Dundas, for example,
Pacific Avenue or Medland Street. While some side flankages
adjacent to restaurants and cafés are used to provide patio
space for patrons, many of them are used as car parks or simply
underutilized.
These side flankages present excellent opportunities for greening
or transformation into parkettes or small amenity spaces for the
public to enjoy. They lend themselves to integration of amenities
such as seating and bicycle or stroller parking. As gathering spaces,
flankage parkettes provide opportunities for social interaction,
contributing to building social capital within neighbourhoods.
The diagram below identifies locations that lend themselves to the
establishment of parkettes. Flankages greater than 4.0 meters from
building face to edge of curb are deemed large enough for special
flankage treatments. The Opportunities Plan in the Appendix also
shows possible flankage locations. Recommendations:
16 THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA
Work with property owners, businesses
and the City to design attractive side
flankages that are compatible with
adjacent businesses and support
community activities;
Consider introducing amenities such
as bicycle or stroller parking within
flankage parkettes;
Integrate permanent or temporary
public art into flankage parkettes.
Dundas Street W
Quebec Ave
Mcmurray Ave
High Park Ave
Pacific Ave Pacific Ave
Indian Gr
Medland St
Mavety St
Keele St Keele St
Heintzman St
Indian Gr
Quebec Ave
Dundas Street W
Flankage
Opportunities
Existing
Flankage
with Patio
4.2a: Diagram showing flankage locations
4.2b, c & d: Images showing
examples of flankage parkettes
integrating seating and greening,
bike parking and public art

21. STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 17
4.3 Parklets
Parklets are small park-like spaces that often occupy parking spaces
as an extension of the sidewalk, but can also be located at flankage
locations. Parklets may be thought of as permanent or temporary,
but are always designed to be removable if necessary. They provide
amenities and green space along the street, and offer a place to
stop, sit and rest or engage in street life. Like flankage parkettes,
they have the potential to stimulate social interaction and help
build social capital.
Individually-designed parklets can be viewed as works of art in and
of themselves, and present an excellent opportunity for creative
expression. While they may be hosted by individual businesses,
parklets should ideally be designed as public spaces that are open
to all rather than business-specific amenities that represent a form
of privatisation of public space.
Recommendations:
Work with property owners, businesses and the City to design
and implement parklets, either permanently or temporarily;
The BIA should consider alternative forms of funding for
implementation of parklets, such as partnering with local
businesses to design and install the parklets, perhaps under a
sponsorship funding model.
4.3a, b, c & d: Images
showing examples of
parklets, which may be
implemented along the
street edge or at flankages

22. 4.4 Street Trees
Street trees and plantings soften and humanize the scale of the
streetscape. Trees in particular are assets that increase curb appeal
and should be given a high degree of design consideration.
While our city streets offer challenging conditions for growing
trees, opportunities also exist to green the street with planters. For
additional information about planters, see Section 4.6, Streetscape
Furnishings.
4.4.1 Tree Inventory
The BIA boasts 133 street trees, 61 of which are located on the
north side of Dundas Street West, and 72 on the south side. A total
of 21 trees on the north side of Dundas Street West are currently
encased in concrete planters.
Different types of tree pits (ranging in size from 1.1m x 1.2m to
1.1m to 2.5m) are found within the BIA (refer to page 7 for images).
These variations can be seen across the City, and reflect the fact
that trees have been added to the streetscape at different periods
in time.
Despite these differences, it is possible to achieve a consistent
appearance by applying the same treatment to all tree pits,
regardless of size. This can be achieved by removing unit pavers
within tree pits and applying a layer of mulch as in the example on
the following page.
18 THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA
Many of the trees along Dundas Street West are young trees planted
relatively recently, and multiple different species are present.
Because the north side of Dundas Street West receives sunlight,
the trees located on the this side of the street have the potential to
succeed. However the BIA reports that each year some of its trees
succumb to damage. Tree protection is desirable to ensure that trees
are not abused of damaged by object strikes or bicycles.
4.4.2 Tree Guards
Young trees in urban conditions require protection from wind,
animals, vandalism and urban traffic. In areas of high pedestrian and
vehicular traffic in particular, metal tree guards offer protection and
add to the appeal of the streetscape. The guards should be large
enough to avoid impacting or inhibiting the growth of trees and be
visually coordinated with the streetscape and street furniture.
The guards are available in a variety of heights and finishes, and
can also be designed to accommodate displays of flowers. Refer to
page 22 for a streetscape demonstration drawing showing a custom-designed
tree guard mounted with flower baskets. Refer to the
following page for examples of tree guards.

23. STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 19
4.4.3 Tree Grilles
Tree grilles are typically placed around the trees at the level of the surrounding
surface paving to reduce soil compaction and root zone damage caused by
pedestrian traffic. Tree grilles may be employed adjacent to new residential
development sites where pedestrian traffic is anticipated to be significant. The
design and colour of the grille should be coordinated with that of the tree guard.
Recommendations:
Remove concrete planters encasing trees and place
trees at grade;
Achieve a more consistent tree pit look by removing
unit pavers from those pits that feature them and
applying a layer of mulch at the base of all trees;
Implement tree guards to protect young trees from
damage and ensure their health as they establish
themselves and grow;
In high traffic areas, such as where new, higher-density
developments are planned, there is potential to apply
a tree grille treatment to tree pits to prevent soil
compaction and ensure tree health;
Encourage business owners to participate in keeping
trees looking attractive and healthy by removing debris
from tree pits and watering in times of drought;
Investigate opportunities for infill tree plantings in
consultation with Urban Forestry.
4.4.3b: Example of tree guards and
grilles
4.4.3a: Example of mulched tree
pits with tree guard

24. 4.5 Paving Materials
Paving materials are important to the appearance and function of a street. They
offer visual cues about the function of the street, delineate different zones and
even provide traffic calming. Pedestrian crossings that are demarcated with
special paving signal to vehicles that they are entering a new zone, and improve
pedestrian safety as a result.
This master plan envisions special paving treatments to define pedestrian
crosswalks in order to enhance safety, define gateways and create identity within
the district. This special treatment should preferably consist of thermal plastic
inlay asphalt, which is available in various colours and designs. However, should
The Junction achieve heritage status, treatments such as precast unit paving
may be considered.
20 THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA
4.5b: Concrete and unit
paver crosswalk
4.5c: Thermal plastic inlay
crosswalk
Dundas Street W
Quebec Ave
Mcmurray Ave
High Park Ave
Pacific Ave Pacific Ave
Indian Gr
Medland St
Mavety St
Keele St Keele St
Heintzman St
Indian Gr
Quebec Ave
Dundas Street W
4.5a: Diagram showing possible locations for implementation of
special pedestrian crosswalk treatments
4.5d: Well-defined crosswalks enhance pedestrian safety and
provide traffic calming at intersections
Recommendation:
Implement special paving treatments at crosswalks
to enhance pedestrian safety, define intersections,
emphasize gateway locations and create identity within
the district.

25. STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 21
4.6 Streetscape Furnishings
Street furnishings should be functional and attractive elements of
the streetscape that don’t contribute to visual clutter. Generally
speaking, they should be consistent with the City’s Coordinated
Street Furniture Program, with some flexibility for a unique, custom-designed
pieces such as a planter or bike ring.
There are two categories of furnishings:
• Standard furnishings are located along the streetscape and
adhere to City of Toronto guidelines for placement (refer to the
Vibrant Streets Street Furniture Design and Policy Guidelines);
• Custom furnishings such as a bike ring or a planter could
be designed and fabricated especially for the BIA, possibly
engaging local talent, and located in special areas such as at
flankages or gateway locations.
4.6.1 City of Toronto Coordinated Street Furniture
bus shelter bench
bulletin board litter bin news corral bike ring
4.6.2 Custom-Designed Furnishings
Planters offer an additional means of greening the street and
bringing seasonal interest to the streetscape. The BIA may
encourage its businesses to install and maintain their own
storefront planters, or it may choose to design and implement a
custom planter to be installed along the street edge. Custom bike
rings may also represent a cost-effective means of expressing the
BIA’s distinct identity.
Recommendations:
Should the BIA choose to implement a custom-designed planter, it
should be placed along the same line and within the same zone as
other street furnishings such as benches, bike rings, etc., and paired
with a light standard wherever possible to create a rhythm along
the street.
With respect to custom bike rings, they should be located at
flankage conditions or in special locations; preference should be
given to the City’s standard bike rings in all other locations along
the street edge.
Refer to the next page for a streetscape demonstration drawing
showing a custom-designed planter.
4.6.2: Example of a custom-designed planter (left) and bike
ring (right)

26. 22 THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA
Recommendations:
Implement furnishings from the City of
Toronto’s Coordinated Street Furniture
Program;
When selecting new and replacement
furnishings from the City’s Coordinated
Street Furniture Program, choose the black
options;
The opportunity exists to install additional
bike rings throughout the BIA. Refer to the
Vibrant Streets Street Furniture Design and
Policy Guidelines for information on locating
bike rings. Consider pairings or groupings
where space allows. Remember that locating
bike rings in proximity to tree guards will
deter cyclists from tying their bicycles to
trees guards;
Consider commissioning local talent to
design and fabricate one or two signature
pieces for the BIA, such as a custom bike ring
or planter;
Standard and custom-designed street
furnishings all present opportunities for
branding, either by their unique design
or through use of the BIA logo. When
implementing new furnishings, the BIA may
consider taking advantage of the option to
have its logo placed on various pieces, such
as benches, litter bins, etc.
4.6.3 Streetscape Demonstrations
4.6.3a: Streetscape demonstration showing a custom-designed planter element
4.6.3b: Streetscape demonstration showing a custom-designed tree guard mounted with flower baskets.

27. STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 23
4.7 Lighting
Lighting is crucial to creating a safe and vibrant streetscape
throughout the evening and night, enhance the appearance of the
street, and create a strong identity within a district.
4.7.1 Street Lighting
New lighting was implemented along Dundas Street West relatively
recently, at the same time that utility lines were buried. The black
light standards are distinctive, and create a uniform rhythm along
the street. Two key areas are identified for intervention related to
lighting:
• Keele Street is an important arterial road that currently features
different types and styles of light standards;
• Pacific Avenue fulfills an important role with respect to festivals
and other events for the BIA, yet lighting does not address its
role or special uses.
There is an opportunity to reinforce the identity along both streets
by coordinating their light fixtures with those found along Dundas
Street
4.7b: Light standard along
Keele Street
4.7c: Light standard along
Dundas Street West
4.7a: Diagram showing possible locations for intervention related to lighting
Decorative Pedestrian
Lighting
Lighting Coordinated
with Dundas Street
Light Standards

28. 4.7.2 Decorative Pedestrian Lighting
The existing light standard along Dundas Street West is designed
to accommodate pedestrian-scaled lighting. There may also be
potential to utilize these light standards to introduce a decorative
pedestrian lighting fixture, creating a distinct identity for the BIA,
and bringing year-round interest to the streetscape with elements
that bring colour and life to the street during the cold, dark winter
months.
24 THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA
Recommendations:
Coordinate light standards along Keele Street and Pacific Avenue
with the black standards currently found along Dundas Street West;
Rather than lighting trees, which is costly and can damage the trees
over time, consider implementing a signature light fixture which can
be mounted directly onto existing light standards at pedestrian level.
This will allow the BIA to eliminate the electrical outlets currently
mounted to the trees;
The BIA should consider engaging local designers in developing a
signature decorative pedestrian light fixture for the BIA.
4.7.2a, b & c: Examples of light
standards mounted with a
decorative pedestrian fixture

29. STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 25
4.8 Public Art
The Junction is known for its thriving arts and design community,
and the BIA should consider engaging local talent to help curate
arts and culture in the area. The Streetscape Master Plan Vision
identifies key opportunities for public art installations within the
community. Public art may be permanent or temporary, and
consideration should be given to contemporary art forms. Refer to
the Opportunities Plan in the Appendix for proposed locations.
A number of art forms lend themselves well to implementation
within the BIA:
• Murals are a familiar art form within Toronto that add interest
to the streetscape;
• Sculptures are an excellent way of commemorating important
places or events, and can be combined with plaques or
interpretive features;
• Urban or street projections are an emerging form of expression
in Europe and many North American cities that involve
projecting an image onto a building wall or façade. Projections
may consist of artwork, or the BIA could consider using this
technology to advertise events or communicate messages to
the community without having to install signs. Even short films
could be projected in this manner. Similar to murals, blank
walls and even building façades are suitable canvases for urban
projections. However, care must be taken to avoid locations
that impact residents when projecting directly onto building
façades or near windows.
4.8a, b & c: Examples of street projections,
which can be curated to be ever-changing
features of the landscape
Recommendations:
The BIA should continue to pursue opportunities to implement
sculptures and murals within the BIA;
As much as possible, the BIA should engage local artists to design
and implement art pieces and installations;
The BIA should explore street projections as a way to distinguish
itself from other neighbourhoods in the City and further integrate
the arts into BIA programming.
4.8d, e & f: Examples of murals (top left),
paving inlays (bottom left) and a railway
inspired sculpture (above)

30. 26 THE JUNCTION GARDENS BIA
Figure 5.3ca Examples
of a planted parking lot
buffer
Figures 5.3c & d:
Example of a mass
planting of grasses and
perennials
4.9 Buffers and Screening
Within the BIA, there are locations along the street that would lend
themselves to implementation of buffers or screening, either to
screen land uses or to create a continuous street edge. Screening
may consist of plantings alone or in combination with fencing,
or perhaps even fencing embellished with decorative elements.
Well-placed buffers or screening can enhance the appeal of the
streetscape and create attractive views from various vantage
points. The Opportunities Plan in the appendix identifies potential
locations for implementation of buffer or screening elements.
Figure 5.3b: Example
of a screen consisting
of fencing embellished
with decorative
elements
Recommendations:
The BIA should consider engaging property owners to explore
the potential to screen those locations that contribute to an
unattractive streetscape;
In locations that don’t lend themselves to planted buffers, such as
when light conditions are inadequate or there is insufficient space
to accommodate them, the BIA should consider other methods of
screening such as fencing embellished with decorative elements;
When selecting species for planted buffers, preference should
be given to drought and salt tolerant species with an emphasis
on natives. Consideration should also be given to plant species
that maintain structure and provide interest during the winter
months. The use of mass plantings is particularly appropriate to the
established design theme, as they evoke the meadow and forest
landscapes often found along railway lines.

31. Where A-frame or sandwich board signs are used, they should be
located to avoid obstructing the path of pedestrians, wheelchairs
and strollers;
Encourage businesses and property owners to enhance the
architectural aspects of their properties, such as brickwork,
windows and entrances;
Where compatible with business activity, encourage café or
outdoor seating that extends the indoors out, animating and
enlivening the streetscape;
Encourage property owners to allow window-dressing of vacant
store fronts, for advertising by local businesses or for temporary art
installations;
To contribute to greening of the street, encourage businesses to
install and maintain storefront planters.
STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN VISION 27
5.0 ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Cycling Conditions
BIA residents and business owners alike have expressed the desire
to see cycling conditions improved within the neighbourhood.
While a pedestrian and cycling study was outside the scope of this
master plan vision exercize, the BIA should actively involve itself in
efforts to improve conditions for cyclists, working with the City as
well as local residents and cycling advocacy groups.
5.2 Storefront and Signage
The shops, businesses and residents located along Dundas Street
West and intersecting streets are vital to the success of The
Junction Gardens BIA. They draw people to the area and generate
activities that enliven the neighbourhood.
Storefront and residential entrances and signage are critical
elements of the streetscape, and it is incumbent upon all
businesses and property owners to take part in creating attractive
storefronts and entrances, and maintaining the streetscape outside
their front door.
Recommendations:
Assist businesses in taking advantage of the City of Toronto
Commercial Façade Improvement Program for help in redesigning,
renovating or restoring commercial building façades;
Consider developing signage guidelines to help harmonize
signage without curtailing originality;
Encourage business owners to create engaging window displays to
highlight the BIA’s unique array of goods and services;
Encourage pedestrian-oriented signs that are mounted
perpendicular to the sidewalk or placed at pedestrian eye level;
5.1a Example of a storefront that reflects the
aesthetics of the business while being respectful of
the overall building architecture.

33. APPENDIX