Vaughan Privately Owned Publicly Accessible Spaces (POPS) Study
The City of Vaughan is undertaking a study to develop city-wide standards and guidelines for privately owned publicly accessible spaces (POPS).
The City is undertaking this study in response to the legislative changes from the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s Bill 23. The study aims to integrate POPS effectively into the Vaughan’s open space network and set expectations regarding planning, design, maintenance and operations.
What are POPS?
POPS are privately owned areas that are open for everyone to use. These spaces can include plazas, parks or courtyards, located within private properties, such as office buildings or condominiums. POPS provide more places for people to relax, socialize and enjoy outdoor recreational activity.
About the study
The primary goal of the study is to establish a set of standards and guidelines to help guide the development, design, maintenance and operations of these spaces.
The study will also cover different types of POPS, address site design, public and private interface, access and landscape considerations for the various communities, intensification and employment areas of the city, as defined by the Vaughan Official Plan 2010 and Draft Vaughan Official Plan 2022.
This initiative will enhance the quality and effectiveness of POPS as functional, attractive and integral elements of public spaces. The study will also establish guidelines and specifications for the design and implementation of POPS, setting criteria for them to be eligible for a parkland dedication credit as per the Parkland Dedication By-law 168-2022.
The project team consists of City of Vaughan staff, prime consultant DTAH, in partnership with Gladki Planning Associates, Aird and Berlis, and A.W. Hooker.