Introduction to TOD Handbook
The City of Winnipeg’s new planning framework – anchored by OurWinnipeg and the Complete Communities Direction Strategy – is founded on environmental, social and economical solutions. This framework will prioritize building complete communities and accommodating growth and change in a sustainable way. This will be done by balancing growth in new and existing communities with intensification in certain areas of the city – namely, centres and corridors, major redevelopment sites, and downtown.
Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a key component of this balanced approach. By enabling density, mixed use, accessible urban design and sustainable transportation options, it:
- contributes to the overall sustainability of the city,
- provides a valued complement to existing land use patterns, and
- offers a lifestyle option that appeals to many people.
A variety of sites can accommodate TOD, including, but not limited to, former industrial sites (brownfields) and under-utilized commercial areas (greyfields). Of course, every site and situation is different, and establishing TOD in Winnipeg brings unique climate challenges. However, there are “lessons learned” from elsewhere that may hold value for those looking to create TOD here.
This handbook provides TOD background information gleaned from examples across North America and around the world, expressed as best-practice TOD principles and real-world case studies. Section 4.0 includes several checklists of questions that may be helpful in evolving concepts for development in Winnipeg.
As a starting point for dialogue between developers, the community and the City of Winnipeg, it is hoped that the Transit-Oriented Development Handbook supports the building of partnerships and positive relationships that lead to the implementation of successful TOD projects in Winnipeg.
Organization of Handbook
This TOD Handbook is a synthesis of “best practice” TOD principles to help policymakers, developers, the Public Service, and members of the public in Winnipeg facilitate the broader implementation of TOD. The handbook is organized into three main sections:
- Overview of TOD. This section defines TOD, presents benefits and challenges of TOD and discusses the relationship of the transit station to the surrounding land uses.
- Core Principles of TOD. This section presents the six key elements every successful TOD should include. Supporting each principle is a best practice case study.
- Tools for Implementing TOD. This section builds on the core principles and presents tools that can be used to make TOD a reality.