Vaughan Design Review Panel a First in York Region

Oct. 3, 2011 11:00 a.m.
Vaughan Council has approved a new Design Review Panel pilot project whose members will provide professional recommendations to the City on proposed high density development projects in Vaughan. The City of Vaughan is the first to establish such a Panel in York Region.
 
“Design excellence will play a key role in meeting future challenges for development and intensification in Vaughan, and will serve as a basis for creating a more livable and beautiful city,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “The Design Review Panel will provide a valuable voice to Council and City staff within the development approvals process to ensure we maintain high design standards for buildings in which our residents will live and work.” 
 
The Design Review Panel will act as an advisory body to the City’s Planning Department and meet on a monthly basis depending on the number of development applications.  As a volunteer advisory group, it will make recommendations only.
 
Applications to the Panel were received earlier this year with approved members providing professional experience in the following areas: planning, urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, ecology, heritage, and social/cultural issues related to design.

The pilot project will run for a period of two years during which time the Panel will:
 
• assist Council in fulfilling Official Plan objectives relating to urban design and sustainability of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, the City’s proposed downtown development, and other areas of urban intensification within Vaughan;
• aid development proponents to deliver design excellence through the development approvals process, including high quality architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and environmental sustainability;
• promote an understanding of design excellence;
• foster an effective working relationship with the development industry.
 
“The members of our newly-established Design Review Panel bring with them the diversity and expertise required to create an exciting urban environment,” said City Manager Clayton Harris. “This includes the creation of pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods, green buildings, and a commitment to balanced and sustainable growth.”
 
The first meeting of the Design Review Panel is scheduled for October 2011 with priority placed on reviewing active applications in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. Additional information about the Panel, including meeting schedules and meeting minutes, will be posted on the City’s website.

Design Review Panel members:

Bruce Cudmore                                   EDA Collaborative Inc.
Janis Fedorowick                                Landscape Architect / Urban Planner
Antonio Gómez-Palacio                       DIALOG
Brad Golden                                       Brad Golden + Co. Public Art Consulting
Lisa Harmey                                       Architecture For Humanity
Mansoor Kazerouni                             Page+Steele/IBI Group Architects
Santiago Kunzle                                 Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc.
Sheldon Levitt                                    Quadrangle Architects Ltd.
Harold Madi                                        The Planning Partnership Ltd.
Paul Nodwell                                      Schollen & Company Inc.
Sony Rai                                            Diamond and Schmitt Architects Inc.
Michael Rietta                                    Giannone Petricone Associates Architects
Drew Sinclair                                      Planning Alliance & regionalArchitects 
Richard Witt                                       RAW Design Ltd.
 
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