Street Scape Masterplanning

SUMO project in association with PMA Landscape Architects is preparing a Streetscape Masterplan for the Little Portugal Toronto BIA and the City of Toronto, with the objective of creating a framework of reference, and a series of recommendation to guide the development, for the physical and experiential improvement of the public realm of the BIA area over time, for the benefit of the community: residents and visitors.

This includes a series of ‘guiding principles’ and 3 key moves. The principles will not only guide the design, but the decision-making process for the area in general, considering its contextual, physical and cultural nuances. Together, they will improve the public realm progressively, and reinforce the character and identity of the neighbourhood.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES + 3 KEY MOVES

1 Create a Continuous Identity
2 Preserve and Celebrate Diverse Cultural Histories and Stories
3 Keep it Local and Welcoming to All
4 Support the Saunter and Stroll
5 Enhance the Green
6 Keep it Friendly
7 Foster Collaborations + Community Partnerships

1

Continuous Streetscape
Elements

Distinctive Sidewalk Treatment
Street Trees
Distinctive Streetscape Elements

2

Special Moments

Anchor Parkettes
BIA parkettes
Parklets
Laneways

3

Landmarking

Arrival Moments
Palette

Our strategy is to develop a Masterplan that uses Dundas Street West as the organizational ‘spine’, that gives consistency to the area; along with a series of spaces that take advantage and reflect the contextual and cultural nuances to provide a variety of public spaces that result in social, cultural and economic improvements.

This will allow a long term vision to unify the two areas, while small short term project allow for variety that responds to site specific conditions and can be implemented progressively. And we propose Art to be an integral part of this transformation.

The approach to Little Portugal – or arrival moments – are made up of memorable moments that create a sense of entrance and anticipation for what lies ahead.
Meaningful visual moments, both subtle or grand, create a sense of place or destination