Toronto's Avenues Review and prefabricated cold-formed steel

Toronto's "Avenues Policy" is a framework for turning key corridors into mixed-use communities. It encourages mid-rise development, higher residential density and growth supported by transit, in response to the city's housing needs.

TRREB's feedback on the City of Toronto Avenues Review says these corridors could accommodate up to 160,000 new housing units. Getting there takes policy support and efficient construction.

Engineered Building Systems Global (EBS Global) makes prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) panel systems. They suit the mid-rise buildings the Avenues call for: fast to build, affordable and durable.

What the Avenues Review covers

The Avenues Policy designates major arterial streets for more intensive growth, with mid-rise, mixed-use buildings that add housing and commercial space along these corridors. The aim is complete communities where residents can live, work and play with easy access to public transit.

According to TRREB, the Avenues Review is an opportunity to revitalize key corridors and improve urban design. Designated Avenues mix residential, commercial and institutional uses, which suits walkable, transit-oriented mid-rise development.

What TRREB recommends

TRREB's submission asks the city to use the Avenues Review to support local businesses, improve quality of life and simplify the development process.

• Growth on Avenues. Avenues must be able to take future growth while providing services and amenities for residents. City staff have acknowledged that Avenues are important for intensification and transit-supported growth, which makes them the right place for higher-density residential and mixed-use development.
• A simpler development process. TRREB supports as-of-right zoning for Avenues to cut lengthy studies and costly spot re-zonings. This would allow lot consolidation, reduce re-zoning applications for mid-rise buildings and give developers more certainty.
• Areas of concern. It is not clear how discretionary local area reviews would be conducted, and if they became standard they could hold back development along the Avenues. Proposed Avenue typologies might complicate land use designations and require additional Official Plan amendments, and TRREB urges the city to make sure they do not limit the mix of projects a balanced community needs. TRREB also wants a financial feasibility study of mid-rise building standards. Without one, financial constraints on builders and developers could limit what the policy achieves.

How prefabricated cold-formed steel fits

For mid-rise buildings in the range the Avenues policy contemplates, EBS Global's prefabricated CFS panel systems are affordable, durable and fast to build.

• Cost. Prefabricated CFS panels cost less than traditional building methods. EBS Global's manufacturing process is consistent and efficient, which keeps costs manageable without lowering construction standards.
• Schedule. Panels are manufactured off site, which means faster assembly, lower labour costs and less disruption in dense urban areas. Combined with simpler zoning, developers can meet tight timelines.
• Durability. Cold-formed steel lasts a long time and resists weather, fire and pests, so buildings need less maintenance.
• Environment. Steel is recyclable and prefabrication produces less construction waste, which matches the Avenues Review's focus on eco-friendly growth.
• Design. Prefabricated panel systems accommodate different floor plans and appearances, so mid-rise buildings can fit the character of existing neighbourhoods and the mixed-use developments TRREB argues for.