TO360 Wayfinding Strategy Final Report (Aug 2012)

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Appendix A p. ii

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto The City of Toronto has embarked on a planning process to develop a unified and coherent Wayfinding System. This report documents the processes and outcomes of the strategy phase of the study and will serve to inform the City’s decision on whether to carry the project forward into implementation. For further Acknowledgments - Steering Committee information please contact: Judy Morgan PF&R Partnerships, Fiona Chapman City of Toronto, Manager Transport Services Tourism - Program Adam Popper (416)392-0828 Support, Director City of Toronto, PF&R - fchapma@ Tobias Novogrodsky Policy Planning, Policy toronto.ca City of Toronto, Officer (Alternate) Strategic & Briana Illingworth Prepared for the Corporate- Metrolinx, Strategic City of Toronto by: Corporate Policy, Policy & Systems Sr Corp Mmt & Planning, Advisor Steer Davies Gleave Policy Consultant 1500-330 Bay Street John Forestieri Toronto, ON Allen Vansen Metrolinx, Signage M5H 2S8 Pan Am 2015, Services, Supervisor Toronto 2015 Pan/ in association with: Parapan American Michael Johnston, DIALOG Games, CEO Go Transit, Capital Infrastructure, Katie Ozolins Manager, Standards Completed in Pan Am 2015, August 2012 Toronto 2015 Pan/ Hilary Ashworth All images by Steer Parapan American RGD Ontario, Executive Davies Gleave unless Games, Operations Director (Alternate) otherwise stated. Associate Lionel Gadoury (Alternate) RGD Ontario, President Tim Laspa John Kiru City of Toronto, TABIA, Executive City Planning, Director Program Manager Michael Comstock Roberto Stopnicki TABIA, President City of Toronto, (Alternate) Transportation Pam Laite Services - Traffic Tourism Toronto, Mgmt, Director Member Care, Director (Retired) Harrison Myles Currie TTC , Wayfinding & City of Toronto, Signage, Co-ordinator Transportation John Mende Services - Traffic City of Toronto, Mgmt, Director Transportation Services- Rob Richardson Infrastructure, Director City of Toronto,

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto p. 3

Introduction

A goal of Toronto’s Walking Strategy was the development of a consistent, multi-modal wayfinding system. The need for one has been highlighted in other city and regional studies and is timely in anticipation of the 2015 Pan-Am Games.

The City of Toronto’s Walking Strategy (2009), evaluated pilot implementation which will Further information on the project amongst other initiatives, sets out a vision for further inform the business case, refine funding process, a more liveable, prosperous and sustainable expanded reports, opportunities and form the basis of a suite of presentations on city. It is a plan to create high quality pedestrian design guidelines for a city-wide roll out. existing conditions environments and foster a culture of walking and a summary Phase Three covers the full implementation of international in all of Toronto’s neighbourhoods. best practices of the wayfinding strategy across the city. and stakeholder The creation of a multi-modal wayfinding outreach is included system is a goal of the City’s Walking Strategy about this report in the Toronto 360 This report summarizes the outcomes of the Wayfinding Strategy which “aims to create an environment where report appendices. walking is an appealing, convenient, safe Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) Please visit our study, which began in September 2011. The website (http:// and stimulating experience for residents www.toronto.ca/ and visitors”. The development of a study aimed to establish robust foundations transportation/ for the development and delivery of a high- walking/wayfinding. wayfinding system is also timely, as the htm) if you would quality wayfinding system for Toronto. like access to 2015 Pan-Am Games will attract significant further information. media attention and visitors to Toronto. The report is structured into 3 The City’s long-term goal, to develop and sections plus an introduction. implement a coherent wayfinding system • The introduction describes the study in Toronto, extends across transportation objectives and the policy context. modes and includes state of the art • Section 1 “Understanding” summarizes technologies. This goal, of a unified, multi- the findings from on-site observations, modal wayfinding system, is shared by city including gaps and opportunities; it businesses, cultural and sports institutions, incorporates an overview of the challenges residents, commuters and tourists. of consistent naming, a brief review of The Public Realm Section of the Transportation international best practices, and the Services Division commissioned a team of results of stakeholder outreach activities. consultants, Steer Davies Gleave and Dialog, • Section 2 “Wayfinding Strategy” to assist the City to develop Phase One of describes the design framework, the Wayfinding System Strategy. This phase system components, and their possible of the project developed a multi-modal application to interim pilot areas. wayfinding framework for Toronto, including • Section 3 “Delivery” section describes design principles, implementation strategy, a high-level project plan, budget outline business case, funding sources, and implications, a summary of the Outline the parameters for a pilot implementation. Business Case, and future funding If approved, Phase Two will include design options and opportunities for the City. development, product prototyping and an

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 4 introduction

What is wayfinding?

A wayfinding system enables people to orient themselves in physical space and navigate from place to place.

Kevin Lynch is City wayfinding relates to the built and the widely regarded as a system for toronto the originator of the natural environment and makes streets, Toronto faces many of the challenges of other term wayfinding. His book The Image of neighbourhoods, and the city more “legible”, metropolitan cities, balancing the need to provide the City (MIT Press helping people to find their way. Wayfinding efficient multi-modal transportation choice with 1960), established the core principles is more than signs—it includes names, maps, the requirements for a liveable city, with public of legibility for an new media, and elements of the public realm space that residents and visitors can enjoy. urban context. He argued that, as such as lighting, street furniture and public art. The tourism experience can be enhanced people navigate places, they Many cities such as London, New York, Bogota if visitors can easily find their way to key understand their and Vancouver have recently developed destinations or are able to join local residents surroundings in consistent and wayfinding strategies in response to significant in exploring Toronto’s unique neighbourhoods. predictable ways, transportation challenges and/or major A unified wayfinding system adds to the forming “mental maps” with events such as the Olympics. The successful vibrancy of the city’s streetscape and also helps five elements: implementation of a unified wayfinding build and foster the city’s unique identity. paths, edges, districts, nodes system will deliver significant, proven benefits Multiple formal and informal attempts to provide and landmarks. to residents, businesses, and tourists. Contemporary wayfinding information can be found around the wayfinding systems city, in particular around downtown and tourist why now? have built on the attractions, yet a consistent and comprehensive principles set out Toronto’s BIAs (Business Improvement in Lynch’s book to system remains a far-reaching aspiration. develop information Areas), cultural institutions, sports venues hierarchies that and tourism community have long advocated The Toronto Wayfinding System Strategy vision support the creation of mental mapping the need for a city-wide wayfinding system. was to develop common wayfinding principles and legible places. The need for wayfinding is also highlighted that would encourage walking in Toronto, taking in the City’s Walking Strategy and a recent account of the needs of Toronto’s stakeholders, review of the PATH system (underground and to support the future implementation walking/shopping path system). The growth in of a family of wayfinding components. The visitor numbers, and the 2015 PanAm Games system should spiral outwards to enable make this a timely opportunity to take the project partners to adopt these principles initial steps towards delivery of this goal. for their own schemes—utilizing naming, hierarchies, colour coding, look & feel and other conventions to make the system theirs. The long-term vision is to provide the city with a consistent wayfinding system but also to influence the city’s urban design to support intuitive wayfinding and facilitate natural movement.

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto introduction p. 5

Objectives

Wayfinding is more than connecting A to B, it encompasses all urban behaviour, from orientation to identification to exploration to discovery. Its benefits are wide reaching for visitors, residents and businesses covering public health, economy and the street environment.

encourage exploration, wandering & discovery

It’s not only visitors who benefit from wayfinding. Locals are also provided with tools to rediscover the city and to ‘get lost’ in the knowledge that they will find their way back.

stimulate economic growth

identify and connect places More people walking means more local business. More people on the streets makes neighbourhoods safer, more vibrant While it is relatively easy and attractive. to know where you are in reduce reliance build confidence Toronto, the challenge lies on the car/ and trust to in understanding how the public transport walk city’s places connect— conceptually, at first and then by foot, cycling, public transportation or car. Reducing reliance on a single Physical and psychological mode of transportation not barriers and a frequent only encourages better use overestimation of walk of networks but also gives distances/times have been people the opportunity to identified as some of the react to disruptions and main deterrents for walking. re-plan the journey.

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 6 introduction

Directional policy & related projects

The need for a unified wayfinding system for Toronto has been highlighted in various studies and related projects. The solution needs to adhere to existing policy, in particular those related to walking and street furniture.

Toronto Walking A policy review identified the objectives toronto walking strategy Strategy is an overarching policy and strategies that underpin current The Walking Strategy is supported by a number that envisions of other policies such as the Official Plan, a walkable wayfinding-related initiatives in Toronto. Toronto, where Around a dozen policy and planning documents the Toronto Pedestrian Charter, International streets, parks and Charter for Walking, and other guidelines and neighbourhoods were reviewed and can be aggregated are accessible, programs, such as the Vibrant Streets policy. secure, vibrant into a hierarchy of two categories: and enjoyable, Directional policy: provides guiding policy The walkable Toronto concept builds on encouraging people a number of policies and documents to walk more often. direction for wayfinding and includes: that support walkable communities and • Walking Strategy the creation of urban environments that • City of Toronto Accessibility support increased pedestrian activity. Design Guidelines (2004) Objectives of the Walking Strategy of • Identification and Directional particular relevance to the development Road Signage Policy of the Wayfinding Strategy include: • City of Toronto Official Plan Vibrant Streets: • To support and nurture a culture of Toronto’s Related Projects: includes relevant projects, walking throughout the city; Coordinated Street Furniture Program studies, and policy with specific wayfinding • For all city sidewalks and walkways to be (2010) is Toronto’s and signage strategies. The review included: coordinated clear, accessible and easy to navigate; street furniture • Cultural Institutions in the Public Realm design and policy • For public and private city building guideline. One of • PATH Master Plan (2011) projects to provide opportunities to create the main objectives of the Vibrant • INFOTOGO Pillars a high-quality walking environment; Streets Policy is to harmonize • Metrolinx (GO Transit) Static • To make walking easy and enjoyable through the design, form, Signage Catalogue provision of tools for navigating the city scale, materials and placement There is also a wealth of related bylaws and on foot, such as signage and maps; of street furniture to contribute guidelines that determine the placement of • To coordinate pedestrian-focused to accessibility, street furnishing elements such as TTC Technical projects and initiatives across safety, and beauty of public spaces Guidelines for Placement of Transit Stops, the city divisions and agencies; in Toronto. Streetscape Manual, and related zoning by-laws. • To transform areas poorly designed for walking, neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood, into places where people want to walk.

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto introduction p. 7

vibrant streets • Establish a program for ongoing City of Toronto Accessibility The Vibrant Streets program focuses on maintenance and renewal; Design Guidelines (2004) is an harmonizing the design and placement of street • Achieve attractive streetscapes through overarching policy amenities to reduce clutter, beautify city streets a high standard of civic design; that envisions and give Toronto an identifiable streetscape, a walkable • Enhance the safety of city streets; and Toronto, where and to work concurrently with improvements streets, parks and • Promote and enhance Toronto’s identity. neighbourhoods to other elements in the public right-of-way, are accessible. such as tree planting, decorative paving, These themes were cross-checked with pedestrian clearways, parking, and street signs. the main policies to inform the vision and Identification and principles of the Toronto Wayfinding System. Directional Road The policies relevant to the Toronto Wayfinding Signage Policy There were four main themes that establishes Strategy filter down from three main aspirations identification described in the Vibrant Streets vision: emerged from the review process: signage (neighbourhoods • A cohesive and exceptional design quality; • Functionality and coordinated and communities) street furniture; and directional • Function in terms of safety, destination signage accessibility and placement; and • Ease of pedestrian movement (major attractions). and accessibility; • Aesthetically appealing, functional, City of Toronto safe, and an accessible public realm. • Attractive design; and Official Plan Streets will be To achieve these aspirations, the overarching • Safety and security. designed to perform their diverse and more supportive policies reported seven The Toronto Wayfinding System Strategy should roles, balancing key-themes that are largely consistent throughout seek adherence with these strategies and tailor the spatial needs of existing and the directional policies. These were to: objectives to city, district, and site level. future users within the right-of-way. • Implement a family of beautiful, This includes functional, technologically flexible, pedestrians, people with mobility aids, durable and coordinated furniture transit, bicycles, for the streets of Toronto; automobiles, utilities and • Promote ease of pedestrian movement landscaping. and accessibility through the placement and design of furniture; • Generate a fiscally responsible street furniture program;

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy 1 Understanding

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto understanding p. 9

1.1 Building a mental map of the city

Many things make Toronto special. The city has many distinctive features that not only engage people’s attention but also help with orientation and navigation. These features form the basis for the development of a mental map of the city.*

lake ontario lakeshore / city of neighbourhoods * Mental maps: We all build maps waterfront Many of the city’s in our heads to As with many coastal cities, neighbourhoods have strong navigate city streets, how we Lake Ontario provides a cultural identities adding do so depends on clearly defined limit to diversity to the urban landscape. a host of factors. The more we one edge of the city. Identity is expressed travel a particular through a combination route, the clearer it becomes in of retail signing, street our mind’s eye. names, architecture, A successful pedestrian and institutional or wayfinding system informal graphics. should recognize this and find ways to help everyone build a stronger, downtown highrises cultural institutions more coherent The concentration of downtown Many of Toronto’s cultural mental map. highrises are visible from many parts institutions have statement/ of the city and provide an flagship buildings that act as local intuitive wayfinding or citywide point of reference. landmarks.

cn tower civic buildings The CN Tower dominates the city City Hall’s architecture stands skyline and acts as a visual reference out as one of Toronto’s most point visible from afar. The CN Tower is recognizable features Toronto’s most recognizable landmark although it is not visible and is a cornerstone of the city’s from a distance. Nathan image for residents and visitors. Phillips Square, in front of City Hall is a civic space and a popular recreational destination for residents.

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 10 understanding

1.2 Understanding Toronto

A city is not only understood through the urban landscape but also through words. Official names often juxtapose with common, learned or historical ones. Building agreement on naming requires a clear city-wide policy that forms the basis for engagement and debate at a local level.

lakeshore, There are many factors that have an impact 1 : 500,000 highways and on the naming of a city’s areas and places, water features including urban form, parks, natural systems The lakeshore edge, highways 401, and paths, administrative and neighbourhood 404 (DVP) and the boundaries, business improvement areas, Gardiner Expressway frame a distinct, high historic districts, destination areas, existing level organization signage systems, and transportation systems. of the city. Water features, such as To build an understanding of Toronto’s naming rivers and creeks, are less distinct on the conventions the project team compiled and city map but provide plotted multiple geographic datasests in a clearly defined edges on the ground. Geographical Information System (GIS). Map data was supplied by the City of Toronto 1 : 500,000 former (open map), Metrolinx and Tourism Toronto. municipalities The baseline data collated included: Pre-amalgamation north york municipality names • Parks and open spaces scarboroughcontribute to the complex mix of • Administrative/neighbourhoods heritage naming york across the city. • Business Improvement Areas etobicoke east york Some of these names, such as • Heritage Conservation Districts old toronto Etobicoke, remain • Destinations and Attractions in common usage while others have • Commuter Rail faded into obscurity. • Built form • Transit stops and railroads transit and 1 : 500,000 MILLIKEN

Toronto- York University GO Bus Terminal At York B YORK UNIVERSITY railroads The following images show some of the OLD CUMMER Toronto- Finch Bus Terminal At Yonge St Commuter transit DOWNSVIEW

naming conventions embedded in the different AGINCOURT ORIOLE links spread across

Toronto- Centennial College Bus Loop

Toronto- Scarborough Town Centre At Borough Dr databases and their geographic distribution. Toronto- York Mills Terminal At Yonge St Toronto,University the of Toronto ScarboroughGTA ETOBICOKE NORTH

Toronto- Yorkdale Go Bus Terminal At Mississauga- Pearson and beyond, andROUGE HILL are Airport Terminal 1 AIRPORT WESTON In general, districts get smaller as they get oftenGUILDWOOD represented

KENNEDY closer to the downtown area and vice versa. EGLINTONon area maps. SCARBOROUGH At ground level, transit

The definition and relevance to users of DANFORTH BLOOR infrastructure and KIPLING lines often create names and boundaries at a local level requires Toronto- Union Station Bus Terminal DIXIE EXHIBITION UNION barriers to movement MIMICO detailed engagement with local communities. with few permeable LONG BRANCH pedestrian links.

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto willowdale (24) scarborough- york west (8) agincourt (39) scarborough- scarborough-rouge river (42) emery village etobicoke north (1) rouge river (41) willowdale (23) york west (7) don valley east (33) albion islington square

york centre (10) sheppard east village scarborough- agincourt (40) york centre (9)

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D A T P M R L R

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P B E E N along major corridors C O Eglinton Keelesdale shows neighbourhood Flemingdon Park MANOR RD E E LAIRD N D R

K A T D R CRES Princess V E RIN R A T Chaplin Estates T

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A G V Anne Manor AR Forest Hill O SINNOTT G D M I S E Mills T

D IA D RD GROVE S R C E L DAVISVILLE AVE R V OXRIDGE DR RI S D J F

ST V T E EA KCLI E D ScarboroughD Junction K West Deane Park R P C Park A E Cedarvale D A R

D N City’s open database. D PARK RI R V TE MALL A BL O Humber Valley A N W RD R Eringate ERING T South RiverdaleThorncliffe Park V KILBARRY MERTONST LE E Park Sylvan

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(Etobicoke) D O W T N Topham Park B Glen Agar A Seton Deane L

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W Clairlea E

T LL ST Ontario Hydro LandsE N H E D

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E Davenport 1 : 100,000 E East York 1 : 100,000 Islington T D

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M M Smith R

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V Brick Works F O W LUMSDEN AVE N AP D Y ST MERAVE I O TTE neighbourhoods* Birch Cliffpark Heights names MORTI

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V Kingsway, The Baby Point W G R G T Crescent Town

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E AVE O W O K IE DE AVE G IGHV D H HUMBERSI LAPPIN AVE H Eatonville D

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D D O Bloordale West Bend S R The Toronto Star O Street names are the Long Branch OO R Annex, The E AVE

Y A DENTON Junction A Seaton Village R N Dovercourt Park V E Park

LACE AVE V N PARK L

RD WA P A AVE Bloor West Village ST ELM H D Playter Estates D T E AVE R Yorkville E AVE ON AVE O GLENLAK ART W F

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S O N

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as a place to live Databases adhereV S L

C I

E C

V G Park East G K Cabbagetown E

M E S

DR S Brockton M CE RD A

Swansea A DVAN

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A RD

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S B A Y W E Fallingbrook

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T Beaconsfield Village R I Trinity Bellwoods Park

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V IN NORTHQUEEN Moss Park S E

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F Riverside-SouthE Riverdale Queensway, The Park HORE BL A ST E roads that act as F EN roads. Park names S V T QUE

T AVE K YORK SunnysideD S TERN E A AS K W S E U UEEN ST RD Q

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L Corktown T

N D

AVE Park E Kew Gardens Humber Bay Old Town S Parkdale ENSWAY Gzowski Park BudapestG H E QUE R ADELAIDE ST W

TH O E E BLVD E natural edges. N also provide a useful R Niagara E LAKE SHO

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W N O

I Beach J LINGTON S Y E N WEL T W DE Wellington Place St. Lawrence S SPLANA naming resource,D A E V Liberty Village U HE S BL V Distillery District T E D T R

E O Ashbridge's E SH ST EVANS AVE Cityplace Marilyn DR LAK although with a less Bay Park NITOBA Y E Humber Bay Shores Fort York Bell A FL S QUA EE EN C COMMISSIONERS B M T QUE Humber Bay Park ST H well defined hierarchy. R Harbourfront E Park East R O MO DR VALER JUDSON SBathurstT Quay R Y WN Battery Park S Alderwood Mimico T

S AVE MIMICOAVE Clarke HORNER D

LINE

THIRTIETH W Beach

I G Park NEW TORONTO ST H

ST T ELDERAVE BIRMINGHAMS Ward's Island Long Branch New Toronto LAKE SHORE BLVD W Algonquin Island

Toronto Tommy Thompson Park Marie Island Park Curtis Colonel Sam Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy Park Smith Park Milliken Brookside 404 Heathwood Hillside

Hillcrest Village Bayview-Cummer Newtonbrook

York University Claireville L'Amoreaux 400 427 Humber Summit Brimwood

Morningside Heights

Jane-Finch Smitheld

Emery Village Don Valley Village Willowdale

Beaumonde Bayview Village Agincourt University Heights Emery Bathurst Manor Pleasantview Leacock Corinthian Bridlewood Malvern Albion Islington SquareThistletown 404 Humberwood Lansing

Sheppard East Village 401 Henry Farm Tam O'Shanter West Lansing Dublin Heights White Haven Dean Park Rexdale 401 Town and Country Wishing Well 401

Fifeshire 427 401 Downsview 401 401 St. Andrew's Seven Oaks Graydon Hall Elms, The northArmour Heights york York Mills Fenside Humberlea Wilson Heights York Ridge Highland Creek 400 Y W A Maryvale U of T Scarborough 2 A W Kennedy Road Campus 401 K AY Winston Park Cricket Club W Hogg's Hollow R G H 401 A Parkwoods H I West Rouge P Dorset Park scarborough 401 Denlow Y Glen Andrew E L Curran Hall 409 Ledbury Park L Maple Leaf Teddington Park A Lawrence Manor V Centennial-Port Union

M A I L L I W

North Park Bedford Park Don Mills N Lawrence Heights O Yonge Lawrence Village O'Connor Hills Kingsview Village D Bendale Wanless Park Woburn Bridle Path Weston West Hill

R WexfordWexford Heights

Weston Village L Caribou Park

Amesbury L Y McGregor Park

E Manse Valley Westway, The A N Lawrence Park Golfdale Gardens 401 W K

DR R Lytton Park Glen Park A P

Humber Heights-Westmount N Sherwood Park Victoria Village

Y South Cedarbrae Uptown Yonge E Wynford-ConcordeL Willowridge L

Richview Gardens A Treverton Park

V Greenhills Allenby North Toronto

O Guildwood D Keelesdale Upper Village Eglinton Way, The 401 Mount Dennis Fairbank Village York-eglinton Scarborough Village Eglinton Hill

Fairbank Leaside Mount Pleasant Flemingdon Park Princess Margaret Silverthorn Chaplin Estates Princess Anne Manor Mount Dennis Davisville Village Cedarvale Forest Hill

Oakwood Village West Deane Park Scarborough Junction Eringate Humber Valley york Thorncli e Park

Glen Agar Topham Park Humewood Forest Hill Village Thorncrest Harwood Parkview Hills Cli crest Oakwood Heathbridge Park Clairlea Deer Park Earlscourt Bennington Heights east york

St. Clair Gardens Wychwood Heights Centennial Park Lambton Regal Heights Village Hillcrest Village Moore Park Corso Italia Y etobicoke Runnymede Rosehill Governor's Bridge A W K Chestnut Hills Regal Heights Hillcrest-Bracondale R Woodbine Gardens Casa Loma A 427 South Hill P Wychwood Park Warren Park Junction, The Carleton Village Summerhill Y E Cli side L Junction Gardens Rathnelly Pape Village Islington Davenport Rosedale L East York Tarragon Village Main A Street Annex-Dupont V Birch Cli Heights Rosedale Oakridge Kingsway, The Baby Point Baby Point Gates N Crescent Town Eatonville O Dovercourt Village D Bloordale West Bend Annex, The Yorkville Village Of Islington Wallace Emerson Dovercourt Park Christie Pits Seaton Village Bloor West Village Junction Triangle Playter Estates Bloor- Crossroads Of The Danforth Kingsway, The Old Mill Yorkville Danforth Village Danforth, The Danforth Mosaic Korea Town Bloor Annex Bloor Street Greektown On The Danforth Danforth, The Markland Wood Bloor By The Park Bloordale Village Bloorcourt Village Mirvish Village Thompson Orchard Huron

Bloor West Village Birch Cli Sussex Upper St. James Y

Jarvis Town A Pocket, The

Church- downtown W Harbord Street Norseman Heights Wellesley Cabbagetown

Bickford Park K Riverdale PalmerstonHarbord Village University Village

R Hunt Club of Toronto Queen’s High Park A Sunnylea Du erin Grove Park Upper Beach P Brockton Church-Wellesely Cabbagetown Swansea College Promenade Village Little Italy Cabbagetown

Dundas West E Gerrard India Bazaar

Little Italy L Kensington Roncesvalles Little Portugal A Stonegate VillageRoncesvalles Kensington Market Cabbagetown Discovery Ryerson V Fallingbrook Trinity-Bellwoods South District 427 Chinatown Downtown Garden Regent Park Yonge Beach, The District N Grange Leslieville Beaconseld Village Alexandra Park O Trinity Bellwoods Riverside-South Riverdale Park Trefann Court D Beach, The Moss Park Riverside Queensway, The Historic Queen Street East West Queen West Queen Street West Parkdale Village Corktown Fashion St James Old Town Humber Bay Parkdale Niagara District Financial District West Don Lands Wellington St. Lawrence St. Lawrence SCADDING AVE Place Distillery F G G A R D I N E R C W GF G A R D I N E R XY E Liberty Village Toronto Market District Liberty Village Entertainment Neighbourhood District Union Station E Cityplace X Mimico Village F East Bayfront Humber Bay Shores G G Fort York A R D Exhibition Place I N E R X Y E QEW Waterfront,Harbourfront The Bathurst Quay

Alderwood Mimico Mimico By The Lake Ontario Place

waterfrontWard's Island Long Branch New TorontoLakeshore Village Long Branch Algonquin Island Milliken Brookside 404 Heathwood Hillside

Hillcrest Village Bayview-Cummer Newtonbrook

York University Claireville L'Amoreaux 400 427 Humber Summit Brimwood

Morningside Heights

Jane-Finch Smitheld

Emery Village Don Valley Village Willowdale

Beaumonde Bayview Village Agincourt University Heights Emery Bathurst Manor Pleasantview Leacock Corinthian Bridlewood Malvern Albion Islington SquareThistletown 404 Humberwood Lansing

Sheppard East Village 401 Henry Farm Tam O'Shanter West Lansing Dublin Heights White Haven Dean Park Rexdale 401 Town and Country Wishing Well 401

Fifeshire 427 401 Downsview 401 401 St. Andrew's Seven Oaks Graydon Hall Elms, The northArmour Heights york York Mills Fenside Humberlea Wilson Heights York Ridge Highland Creek 400 Y W A Maryvale U of T Scarborough 2 A W Kennedy Road Campus 401 K AY Winston Park Cricket Club W Hogg's Hollow R G H 401 A Parkwoods H I West Rouge P Dorset Park scarborough 401 Denlow Y Glen Andrew E p. 13 L Curran Hall 409 Ledbury Park L Maple Leaf Teddington Park A Lawrence Manor V Centennial-Port Union

M A I L L I W

North Park Bedford Park Don Mills N Lawrence Heights O Yonge Lawrence Village O'Connor Hills Kingsview Village D Bendale Wanless Park Woburn Bridle Path Weston West Hill

R WexfordWexford Heights

Weston Village L Caribou Park

Amesbury L Y McGregor Park

E Manse Valley Westway, The A N Lawrence Park Golfdale Gardens 401 W K

DR R Lytton Park Glen Park A P

Humber Heights-Westmount N Sherwood Park Victoria Village

Y South Cedarbrae Uptown Yonge E Wynford-ConcordeL Willowridge L

Richview Gardens A Treverton Park

V Greenhills Allenby North Toronto

O Guildwood D Keelesdale Upper Village Eglinton Way, The 401 Mount Dennis Fairbank Village York-eglinton Scarborough Village Eglinton Hill The map sample Fairbank Leaside Mount Pleasant Flemingdon Park displays a Princess Margaret Silverthorn Chaplin Estates hierarchical Princess Anne Manor Mount Dennis Davisville Village Cedarvale ordering of the city’s Forest Hill areas, corridors, Oakwood Village Scarborough Junction West Deane Park neighbourhoods, Humber Valley Thorncli e Park Eringate york main streets and places of interest. Glen Agar TophamThis Parkordering Humewood Forest Hill Village Thorncrest Harwood Parkview Hills includes less Cli crest Oakwood Heathbridge Park Clairlea Deer Park formalized names, Earlscourt Bennington Heights east york such as those used St. Clair Gardens Wychwood Heights Centennial Park Lambton Regal Heights Village Hillcrest Village Moore Park by BIAs and other Corso Italia Y etobicoke Runnymede Rosehill Governor's Bridge A W groups. A BIA name K Chestnut Hills Regal Heights Hillcrest-Bracondale R Woodbine Gardens Casa Loma A could, for instance, 427 South Hill P Wychwood Park represent both a Warren Park Junction, The Carleton Village Summerhill Y main street and the E Cli side L neighbourhood. Junction Gardens Rathnelly Pape Village Islington Davenport Rosedale L East York Tarragon Village Main A Street Annex-Dupont V A consolidated Birch Cli Heights Rosedale GIS map base Oakridge Kingsway, The Baby Point Baby Point Gates N Crescent Town Eatonville O will become an Dovercourt Village D important study Bloordale West Bend Annex, The Yorkville Village Of Islington Wallace Emerson Dovercourt Park Christie Pits Seaton Village Bloor West Village Junction Triangle Playter Estates asset and the data Bloor- Crossroads Of The Danforth Kingsway, The Old Mill Yorkville Danforthwill Village form the basis of Danforth, The Danforth Mosaic Korea Town Bloor Annex Bloor Street a citywide Toronto Greektown On The Danforth Danforth, The Markland Wood Bloor By The Park Bloordale Village Bloorcourt Village Mirvish Village Thompson Orchard Huron map in Phase Two Bloor West Village Birch Cli

Sussex Upper St. James Y of the project.

Jarvis Town A Pocket, The

Church- downtown W Harbord Street Norseman Heights Wellesley Cabbagetown

Bickford Park K Riverdale PalmerstonHarbord Village University Village

R Hunt Club of Toronto Queen’s High Park A Sunnylea Du erin Grove Park Upper Beach P Brockton Church-Wellesely Cabbagetown Swansea College Promenade Village Little Italy Cabbagetown

Dundas West E Gerrard India Bazaar

Alderwood Mimico Mimico By The Lake Ontario Place

waterfrontWard's Island Long Branch New TorontoLakeshore Village Long Branch Algonquin Island Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 14 understanding

1.3 Case study areas

Five case study areas were selected for detailed observation and urban analysis. The areas exhibit many of the city’s typical characteristics that define the quality of legibility and movement.

The case studies identified a diverse range of Toronto’s wayfinding challenges and opportunities. The data collected was used to support development and testing of the wayfinding strategy. The areas demonstrated many typical characteristics of the A east downtown B downtown centre city—including barriers, edges, connections, and destinations— The Esplanade has a dual role, Pedestrian activity is generated to highlight the legibility and both as a leisure walk and as by employees, business visitors, walkability of the public realm. a key pedestrian and cycle service people and other office- link from St Lawrence Market related activities—particularly The areas also had to be to the Distillery District. around the Financial District. significant for tourists, transit users, and residents, and Internal and external Commuters from Union Station to include a concentration areas around St Lawrence combine with passengers from of amenities, destinations Market create pleasant other transit modes in central and activities. spaces that invite people downtown resulting in the to wander and shop. city’s greatest concentration Areas were all of a walkable of transit-related activity. scale (approx 1.5 km radius). High levels of activity to/ Locations are shown below. from on-street and municipal Retail and leisure activities parking was observed around generate consistently high the Distillery District area. levels of pedestrian movements on Yonge Street, Dundas Square perceived barriers 404 and the main shopping centres. 400 E 401 Gardiner Expressway, Lakeshore

DONVALLEY PARKWAY E 427 Drive and railroad underpasses perceived barriers C GARDINER EXPY A D B as barriers to the Waterfront. Lack of active frontages in Construction sites and the financial centre, with activities and convenience retail A uninviting sidewalks around C development sites. happening below grade (PATH). B Connection to waterfront: D intimidating underpasses and sidewalks.

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto understanding p. 15

It was intended that one or more of these areas would become Pilot Area(s) for Phase Two of this project. See pages 42-43 for more detail on the selected interim Pilot Areas (East Downtown and Morningside).

C queen/spadina D liberty village E morningside/military trail Retail activity dominates Pedestrian activity around Pedestrian activity around in Queen Street with a Exhibition Place is limited the residential area is mainly concentration of active to special events and sports practical trips to/from main frontages and high number venues—otherwise activity streets, bus stops, and local of pedestrians. Strong is almost exclusively car destinations such as schools. pedestrian activity was also dominated. The area is a Students generate much of observed in Chinatown. destination, not a link, so it feels the walking activity to/from/ The Kensington Market and abandoned when not in use. around the campus. This Chinatown areas encourage Commuting activity was includes movements from local leisurely strolling around observed to/from GO parking lots and bus stops. the sometimes narrow Exhibition Stop and from Leisure walking and dog walking sidewalks and stalls. the Liberty Village area. were observed in residential The area has many individual The area has continuous, if areas and local parks. theatres and cultural institutions not intense, pedestrian traffic that act as destinations generated by local retail. perceived barriers Non-existent sidewalks. generating one-off or infrequent (weekday observation) trips from visitors and residents. Long walking distances. perceived barriers perceived barriers The railroad separates Liberty Negotiating residential areas Village from West Queen West. (mostly for visitors). Long walk distances On-street obstacles related to between areas of interest. retail/street market activities.

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy where am i ?

where am i ? where is ______? how do i get there? understanding p. 17

1.4 Wayfinding opportunities

The nature of the city’s street layout, together with the many urban and natural characteristics that are particular to Toronto, provide a generous resource to explore and incorporate in a formal wayfinding system.

orientation statement buildings The CN Tower and downtown highrises Toronto has many civic and cultural provide intuitive wayfinding reference buildings with bold architectural features points from much of central Toronto. that make them recognizable city- Definition of the city’s southern edge by Lake wide and as local reference points. Ontario along with unobstructed views to the Recognizable landmarks are an important asset downtown combine to aid pedestrian orientation for the construction of a wayfinding strategy and and understanding of walk distances. help users to build their mental map of the city. The outer highrises pin-point more remote street names / corridors areas for walkers with greater local knowledge— Many streets in Toronto, not only Yonge “the particularly along the Yonge corridor longest street in the world”, run for miles comprising Deer Park/St Clair, Eglinton Ave/ in the same general direction and—more Uptown Yonge, North York/Willowdale. importantly— retain the same names. On- The highrises and flat/clear views offset street, roads are generally well labelled and Toronto’s lack of distinctive natural form links for short pedestrian trips as well features such as numerous hills. as longer car/transit/streetcar journeys. clear boundaries neighbourhoods / bias The Lake Ontario shore limits the city’s southern Neighbourhood and BIA names and logos are edge and defines its layout. Toronto’s street grid incorporated across street name plates, signs acknowledges this feature and is laid-out mostly and banners, as well as less obvious street parallel and perpendicular to it resulting in a furniture such as litter bins and newspaper street grid that is almost exactly aligned N.S.E.W. dispensers, making it relatively easy to know the Elevated highways—such Gardiner Expressway names of places when walking in central Toronto. and Macdonald-Cartier Freeway (401)— The cultural heritage of neighbourhoods are clearly visible and act as distinctive and formal BIA initiatives have also shaped landmarks aiding mental mapping. the urban landscape, making many places Natural features, such as the Humber and in Toronto instantly recognizable. Don valleys, run mostly north to south and Institutional districts are also well labelled and delimit central Toronto. Boundaries with contribute to a network of recognizable, named the wider GTA are less obvious. A downside areas. There would appear to be minimal conflict of these strong edges is that they can between historical, BIAs and “new” names. form perceptual barriers to movement.

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 18 understanding

1.5 Streetscape & wayfinding

Toronto has a profusion of formal and informal signage and information systems. From humble road signs to interactive booths, all of these contribute to people’s understanding of the city with varying levels of success.

road signs

Blue street name plates are consistently Street names provide drivers and pedestrian positioned at intersections. with predictable locational information.

Road signs that direct people to The few observed copy the colour scheme Cycle routes form part of a numbered route destinations are hard to find. but without adhering to a standard layout. system and are signified by blue plates. traditional street names plates

A standardization process is gradually replacing Acorn signs were traditionally personalized to Forming part of a coordinated strategy to break older name plates, including traditional “acorns”. reflect the identities of neighbourhoods and BIAs. district into smaller quarters in In Old Town Toronto. new street names plates

A new design is being implemented across the city. It shares some characteristics with The new design retains opportunities the coordinated street furniture program and also reflects the City’s visual identity. to personalize the plates. banners

Banners on lighting columns are common, Cultural and educational institutions use Banners are also used to advertise serving both wayfinding and advertising. banners in their immediate surroundings. events or simply as advertising.

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto understanding p. 19

Streetscape & Wayfinding

coordinated street furniture program

The street furniture products share a common Reshaping the city’s image through the material and colour palette creating a installation of contemporary urban furniture. consistent feel and coordinated appearance.

info to go (prototype)

The original design was abandoned and a A street map of central Toronto and a list of The design proven impractical. revised design has recently been launched. key destinations was installed on the unit.

info pillar

The new info pillar incorporates two advertising The information function is advertised by a panels with a map case facing the sidewalk. yellow circle with an “i” that acts as a beacon.

discovery walk(s)

Discovery Walk boards include a map showing The boards are reinforced on-street Although visually related to the boards, these designated routes around a given area. by directional discs and markers. signs may be misinterpreted as road signs.

institutional

An example of good practice, the University of Toronto wayfinding system is delivered across a range of signing structures combining Many health institutions provide distinctive permanent and semi-permanent strategies. wayfinding for their customers.

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 20 understanding

Streetscape & Wayfinding

bias (examples of signage other than street name plates)

retail complexes

ontario / toronto heritage

parks

legacy - parks and recreation

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto understanding p. 21

Streetscape & Wayfinding

statutory

ttc subway

ttc stops

bixi

path

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 22 understanding

1.6 Existing systems - gaps

Extensive site visits and observation of user behaviours identified four important gaps in Toronto’s current wayfinding—above all, that current systems are sporadic and fragmented, lacking integration and coherence.

continuity connectivity Wayfinding in Toronto, Most of Toronto’s other than street wayfinding systems are names, is sporadic self referential, rarely and fragmented—it connecting with non- does not operate as a proprietary systems system or a network. or adjacent areas. Systems overlap haphazardly The majority of the systems without any obvious coherence. While some deliver point specific information (you are systems cover a definable area (PATH, TTC, here, this area/place is...), but fail to provide Parks), others lack a clear extension or boundary. the context for a given location in relation Central Downtown has a profusion of wayfinding to the city or its immediate surroundings. systems with no underlying strategy. Some systems that utilize maps do incorporate contextual information on the immediate consistency surroundings; however, their geographic The use of material, extent is limited and it is very rare to find location, finish and directions or directional signs for pedestrians. general appearance of signs is varied and accessibility lacks consistency. Most information systems Wayfinding structures have considerable room located in right-of-ways may for improvement when comply with City policy yet often fail to harmonize it comes to physical and with their surrounding built environment. cognitive accessibility. The Coordinated Street Furniture program Location, height, provides a consistent approach to location, reading angle and material material and look & feel for the various often combine to compromise the ability of products installed on-street. Such an approach the signs to be read—let alone touched. is financially and aesthetically efficient. Information is predominantly visual and is Unfortunately the program’s wayfinding largely unavailable in alternative media. component (INFOTOGO) does not fully address local wayfinding needs.

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto xxxxxunderstanding xxxxxxxxx p. 23

1.7 What users look for?

Previous experience of city and transit wayfinding systems demonstrates that user needs exceed the limitations of static signage and that gaps are commonly satisfied by a mix of information delivered across multiple touch points.

User needs and requests need to be key user profiles “translated” into places in order to be For the wayfinding system to work, it direction-able. Not all information needs must be able to support the movement are locational, on most occasions we know needs of all—including visitors. what we want but not where to find it. Understanding how different groups navigate Toronto has numerous communication channels and what type of information they need that provide information to residents and forms a fundamental part of the wayfinding visitors. Wayfinding terminology (naming) must strategy. Three constituency groups (tourists, be consistent across all these channels. residents and transit users) were identified Information can be more, or less, and referenced through the study. appropriate on different wayfinding structures. What may be redundant in one place, may be a landmark in another. Information that is likely to change frequently should be channelled through less permanent media. local, regional, neighbours commuters & national & (residents/ Infrequent international workers) travellers tourists and visitors

information things places

About... I need... I‘m going to... local attractions a coffee queen’s park opening hours a taxi st lawrence market price wi-fi access yonge street historical context a washroom! rogers centre

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 24 understanding

1.8 Best Practice Review

A review of international wayfinding systems covering wayfinding strategies, signage elements, content, system identity, funding, delivery and evaluation models was undertaken to identify considerations that were relevant to Toronto.

New York, USA The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) is working on a project to deliver a comprehensive Image: NYC-DOT pedestrian information system to sidewalks in Lower Manhattan wayfinding map Illustrative concept for new wayfinding system key New York neighbourhoods. Image: NYC-DOT The initiative is seen as a critical first step in making New York City’s world-class streets easier to navigate and even more accessible for New Yorkers and visitors. Lower Manhattan existing system Lower Manhattan directional post Illustrative concept for new wayfinding system

B - Totem

Bogotá, Colombia Front Side Back Back (pauta publicitaria) 440 120 440 440

Bogota’s Tourism 2500 identificador a (---) identificador a (---)

Museo de Arte Moderno Museo de Arte Moderno Museo de Arte Moderno Museo de Arte Moderno 300 m 300 m 300 m 300 m

Iglesia de la San Ignacio Iglesia de la San Ignacio Iglesia de la San Ignacio Iglesia de la San Ignacio 1.500 m 1.500 m 1.500 m 1.500 m dirección Baños Públicos Baños Públicos Baños Públicos Baños Públicos b Signing Plan is a Public Toilets | 1.800 m Public Toilets | 1.800 m Public Toilets | 1.800 m Public Toilets | 1.800 m plancha de metal pintada Paseo del Plaza del Casa de Plaza del Centro Chorro de Nariño Chorro de serigrafía Andino Quevedo Quevedo localización barniz protector pedestrian and En esta pequeña plaza Many people believe this En esta pequeña plaza Many people believe this En esta pequeña plaza Many people believe this En esta pequeña plaza Many people believe this muchos presumen que square (plaza) witnessed muchos presumen que square (plaza) witnessed muchos presumen que square (plaza) witnessed muchos presumen que square (plaza) witnessed c Gonzalo Jiménez de Bogota’s fundation by Gonzalo Jiménez de Bogota’s fundation by Gonzalo Jiménez de Bogota’s fundation by Gonzalo Jiménez de Bogota’s fundation by Quesada fundó la ciudad Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada fundó la ciudad Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada fundó la ciudad Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada fundó la ciudad Gonzalo Jiménez de vidrio templado en 1538, aunque en Quesada in 1538 -albeit en 1538, aunque en Quesada in 1538 -albeit en 1538, aunque en Quesada in 1538 -albeit en 1538, aunque en Quesada in 1538 -albeit realidad, la evidencia very little or no evidence realidad, la evidencia very little or no evidence realidad, la evidencia very little or no evidence realidad, la evidencia very little or no evidence encontrada es muy have been found about encontrada es muy have been found about encontrada es muy have been found about encontrada es muy have been found about escasa. that fact. escasa. that fact. escasa. that fact. escasa. that fact. pauta fijaciones publicitaria x impreso inserto vehicular wayfinding por el reverso potencial para retrolimunación vidrio templado información fijaciones Ermita de San Miguel del Príncipe de contexto d PVC impreso Esta capilla fue Esta capilla fue construida adherido system to enhance construida bajo el bajo el modelo de la ermita modelo de la ermita del del Humilladero, un Humilladero, un rancho rancho de paja edificado por el reverso de paja edificado en la en la esquina esquina nor-occidental nor-occidental del actual del actual parque parque Santander, al Santander, al interior de interior de la cual Fray la cual Fray Domingo de Domingo de las Casas las Casas ofició la ofició la primera misa en the experience primera misa en Bogotá. Bogotá. of national and piedra reconstuída piedra reconstuída material o material o local e plancha metálica, local e plancha metálica, international con o sin pintura con o sin pintura tourists in the city. Waymarker Base material options Illustrative placement

Legible Bristol, UK Image: Bristol Legible City Image: Bristol Legible City The first part of the Bristol Legible City initiative was a pedestrian wayfinding system in Bristol City Centre. This was the most comprehensive system in Europe at the time of Image: Bristol Legible City implementation and was designed specifically to encourage walking and to aid wayfinding in a complex city centre environment.

Combined totem and fingerpost Context and local area maps

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto Destination Philadelphia

Walk!Philadelphia Philadelphia’s innovative and visually dynamic Disk Maps pedestrian sign system designed to help guide visi- These simplified, diagrammatic maps of Center tors in Center City City are located mid-block on both sides of the street. They utilize a “heads-up” orientation which Conceived in 1995 by the Center City District as always place the direction the viewer is facing at part of the $26 million Streetscape Improvement the top of the map. This allows visitors to quickly Project, Walk!Philadelphia is the largest compre- orient themselves in the City. If a destination on hensive pedestrian sign system in North America. the map is toward the top and left on the map, Walk!Philadelphia consists of two major compo- they simply walk forward and turn left. nents: diskmaps and directionals. The map itself divides Center City into five color- coded districts each with a distinct, color-coded icon. Key landmarks and significant cultural and commercial areas are shown and a “You Are Here” star indicates the center of a 10-minute walking radius that helps users determine walking distance to destinations.

understanding p. 25 Directionals These colorful signs, located at each street corner, display six to ten listings of nearby destinations. The double-faced directional signs also display the name, color and icon of the district the user is in. Listed destinations include landmarks and areas shown on the disk maps as well as attractions within a 2-to-5 block radius. Arrows indicate the Image: Walk!Philadelphia Walk!Philadelphia, direction of the listed destinations in order of prox- USA Conceived imity to the sign location. as part of a $26 million Streetscape Since 1998 licensing agreements with the Founda- Improvement Project, tion for Architecture and University City District Walk!Philadelphia have resulted in the expansion of the wayﬁnding is the largest system beyond its original boundaries. comprehensive Walk!Philadelphia now covers Philadelphia from pedestrian sign system the Delaware River west to 42nd Street and from Directional in North America. It consists of two Vine to South Streets featuring 1,368 directional major components: faces on 684 signs and 870 diskmaps on 435 diskmaps and signs. directionals. The Elements of the Walk!Philadelphia map have also design strategy reflects been incorporated into: D E F a “district approach” Holloway 20 mins Arsenal F.C. 20 mins Highbury 10 mins where the downtown Underground Station A1 • Old Philadelphia Congregations interpretive signs H Highbury

I G Fields 1 H 1 B

National Rail Station U area is organized as 5 HOLLOWAY R E FURLONG ROAD Y C A L ROAD C P R HIGHBURY POOL Bus Stop E Y •Widely-distributed visitor maps published by the S R C U E colour-coded districts. ORELSTON RD. B T NT H E G E I R Pedestrian Crossing H T S HIGHBURY

A MAGISTRATES COURT C I This approach is Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and Taxi Rank RS O C UNION CHAPEL Toilets HIGHBURY & GHB favoured by many . ISLINGTON I UR COURT GDNS H Y Where Magazine ST. PAUL’S ROAD Diskmap 2 2 N ROAD HIGHBURY STATIO cities in the US. Approximate Walking Time CORNER • PATCO train stations in Center City 0 3 6 minutes Referente Propuesta 2 OFFORD ROAD LAYCOCK C O

C M

A P

ST. T N

) O N Walk!Philadelphia was designed by Joel Katz N

1 R

B OA

U Approximate Distance A R D ( Y 0 200 400 Yards COUNCIL OFFICES R Image: Woodhouse Image: Woodhouse City of London (local), O Design Associates (bracket design by Bressler T 0 200 400 Metres BARNSBURY PARK D A 3 3 A E D

R E

O UK. A review of the T O COMPTON AVENUE Group). The signs were manufactured by AGS of P ESTORICK S

R COMPTON TERRACE BEWDLEY STREET E COLLECTION CAN IV ONBURY

L ISLINGTON PARK STREET CA NON City’s wayfinding led BURY R L ANE Exton, PA. E SQUARE ISLINGTON TOWN HALL

P BROOKSBY STREET S

O P R to the development C U

O 4 LOFTING C 4 ROAD of a new wayfinding

C RNSBURY ST. strategy based on a BA RICHMOND TER. A BARN SBUR D Y STREE N T A

O O E OV R R C N G G RY BU B ON N N U CA high-quality bespoke

T R Y AL

H E WATERLOO R R A TERRACE FIRE STATION D U O A Q T signs that reached S A RO D REE

T R S E 5 L 5 O O ILN E RICHMOND AVENUE P C R M N the £1 million mark E ALMEIDA STREET E V I R HAWES STREET L T O ALMEIDA THEATRE L ESSEX E F ROAD Gateway Map E Fingerpost POST OFFICE ST. Newington Green (CAD $1,6 million). R C R O 15 mins T S S KINGS HEAD S Referente S PropuestaSHILLINGFORD 2 T THEATRE BAR R E E HALTON ROAD NEW RIVER WALK LITTLE ANGEL T R PUPPET THEATRE THE SCREEN E ON THE GREEN P LIBRARY (SOUTH) P GIBSON SQUARE CLOUDESLEY SQUARE TH EBE U HILTON HOTEL 6 RTO DIBDEN ST. N S 6 D TR EET D A A O THE BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE R O Hoxton 10 mins R Old Street 20 mins G L A O S Islington (local), K IN PO ST. MARY’S CHURCH R CLOUDESLEY ST. S E T R V E I E X L T E POPHAM STREET B S S BRITANNIA ROW London, UK. CLOUDESLEY PLACE F G BARFORD ROAD E G R E N E O N PACKINGTON STREET This local authority- T BATCHELOR STREET G N1 CENTRE IN L 7 S I funded wayfinding POLICE ERS 7 ERN RD BROMFIELD ST. B . STATION RITCHIE STREET S TOLPU T DDLE . STR EET P ) E T 1 CAMDEN PASSAGE E R pilot showcased the A W ’ O S ( R C S H T A E T RL R TO K N E CAMDEN PASSAGE E PASSAGE O E P O T (ANTIQUES) E LA R CH CE B APEL E quality of the products MARK R CAMDEN L ET T O CHAPEL MARKET S C ISLINGTONHIGH ST. R and generated PE D P U N

STREET C 8 WHITE LION ST. U A 8 N S T . financial support

BARON DUNCAN TERR. CRAFTS ANGEL CLERKENWELL King’s Cross 20 mins COUNCIL NOEL ROAD COUNTY COURT P ENTO NVILLE RO REGENT’S CANAL from local businesses A A D E Corridor map detail Garden entrances sign Interpretative sign Image: Wood & Wood VINCENT ST. THE MALL and other privates. TORRENS ANGEL CENTRE STREET DUNCAN TERRACECOLEBROOKE ROW CLAREMONT SQUARE ELIA STREET OLD RED LION 9 THEATRE BAR 9 S CITY ROAD

MYDDELTON . MYLNE STREET

H CHADWELL STREET Image: Legible LondonN / TfL Image: Legible London / TfL SQUARE CITY & ISLINGTON S G Legible London COLLEGE O T S W

R E RIVER STREET Y L A E T L W EE R R E ST Old Street 15 mins D O (citywide) - UK N A Moorgate 25 mins MYDDELTON T RIE N F D PASSAGE WAKELY STREET O T SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE

10 G N

I 10

R A Legible London

E was designed to U N E V A Y R E D B E S O provide predictable R

CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY and consistent 11 11 FAMILY RECORDS CENTRE AND REGISTRY OFFICE Clerkenwell 10 mins on-street pedestrian Holborn 20 mins Farringdon 15 mins Blackfriars 30 mins Produced by 22.11.06 www.fwt.co.uk signing across all of A B C London’s boroughs Map on underground exits to encourage more people to walk. An evaluation at various stages of Legible London’s implementation demonstrates broad support for the system.

Narrow map totem Wide map totem Image: Legible London / TfL

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 26 understanding

1.9 Consultation

A number of outreach activities and events were held with stakeholders and the general public to gain local insight and build support for the project.

* A full stakeholder stakeholder interviews stakeholder workshop consultation list (workshop, Interviews were undertaken with a broad A stakeholder workshop was held half-way interview, and open range of stakeholders from the community through the study process to identify and agree house attendants) can be found in the including: residents, associations, agencies, on key objectives and principles to guide the appendix at the end of this document. businesses, BIAs, and cultural institutions.* development of the wayfinding system strategy. The objective was for early identification Participants were divided into 5 groups, of issues, opportunities, and challenges corresponding to 5 case study areas: across a range of the city’s stakeholders. • Downtown East (Old Town, St Lawrence, The interviews also provided an opportunity East Bayfront, Distillery District) to build a dialogue with stakeholders related • Central Downtown (Union Station, to wayfinding in Toronto aimed to generate Financial District, Yonge St, Queen St) interest and support for the project. • Kings/Spadina (Chinatown, Fashion District, Queen St West , Entertainment District) “the system must “the system should • West Downtown (Liberty Village, Art be sustainable, consider all modes accessible, and of transportation” and Design District, Exhibition Place) inclusive” • Morningside (Military Trail, University of Toronto Scarborough Campus) “there should be Localized wayfinding issues and opportunities “we need a map opportunities for others were discussed for each case study area. These that everybody can to contribute to the wayfinding system... were then extrapolated recognize... and to identify wayfinding build upon” BIAs, PanAM,... and to have a legacy” strategies and principles that could be applied city-wide. “wayfinding should “we need to enhance work for all... use both: a city identity pictograms” and a neighbourhood identity”

“wayfinding should motivate people to walk... to discover the city... parks, “Embrace events, museums... the technology... neighbourhoods” QR codes... digital markers... apps”

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto understanding p. 27

key themes public open house Open House panel comments: Following the interviews and stakeholder A public open house drop-in event was held Urban workshop, a cross analysis distilled the principles in the Metrohall Rotunda on March 28, 2012. environment: include cycling into five key themes that represented the The objective was to provide the general public routes; pedestrian interests and aspirations of the stakeholder and guests with a background to the study friendly lighting and an outline of the draft wayfinding strategy Landmarks: include group related to the wayfinding system. The former buildings; five themes (summarized below) informed the and framework (themes and principles). intersections; more landmarks; lists direction and definition of the design framework The event was facilitated by members of of local places of which is expanded on in Section 2 of this report. the consultant team and consisted of a interest should be defined locally Individual strategies and ideas from these keynote presentation, a question and answer System activities were incorporated into the period and interaction around various components: include building strategy framework where relevant. printed panels. Feedback was extremely addresses; cycling positive and supportive of the proposals. information; use existing City data Life size mock-ups of two of the proposed Strategy: include Easy to understand for all signage elements were also displayed to collect multiuser pathway / balance between implicit painted lanes; accessibility early feedback for future design proposals. reduce ad- versus explicit wayfinding based pillars / new AODA legislation Consistency: ensure signs are serviced regularly, Logical connections for different multi-lingual, modal users and various modes ensure obstructions transition of transportation / legible are removed transitions between modes Inclusivity: ensure that information is compatible with Consistent long-term place other platforms, information naming / logical intersection use tactile/ hierarchy of provincial, municipal textured surfaces and local wayfinding Sustainability: remove items before implementing new elements; Enhance connections remove Info Pillars, connectivity between neighbourhoods and provide more open destinations throughout the city data and ensure regular updates Transition: visible Leverage partnership address numbers, ensure routes leverage opportunities by integrating are clear, high partnerships the Toronto Wayfinding System map contrast with third party interfaces Local Identity: include underground landmarks like the PATH

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy 2 Wayfinding Strategy wayfinding strategy p. 29

2.1 Design Framework

The design framework is organized around five themes: consistency, inclusivity, sustainability, transition and local identity. Each theme is broken into three or four design principles.

The design framework is a summary of those The principles under each theme comprise elements that need to be considered through wide-ranging guidance—from specific standards the detailed design and implementation to project aspirations and user needs. process to ensure system delivery is Some guidance may result in conflicts or consistent with the strategy vision. be unachievable due to design or budget The framework aims to act as a design constraints. In such cases, the intent behind brief for Phase Two promoting rather than the principles should be followed. precluding creativity in the development of a detailed design solution. The framework themes were directly informed by stakeholder consultation activities and complemented by best practice tailored to Toronto’s current conditions and policies.

consistency inclusivity sustainability transition local identity Consistency The system Consideration Connecting Celebrating of content and should cater to of full life cycle places and and promoting presentation the needs of all costing and facilitating the city and is fundamental user types. adaptability third party its districts. for effective to change. input to enable Empowering Physical access wayfinding. people to move community Reduce clutter Contrast seamlessly participation Hierarchy Accessibility Flexibility from one mode, and input. Conventions Technology Extendability system or area Landmarks Positioning Future proof to another. Local character Structures Multi-modal Historic names Reciprocity Placemaking

Route legibility Fill the gaps

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 30 wayfinding strategy

2.2 Consistency

Consistency of content and presentation is fundamental for effective wayfinding.

consistency inclusivity sustainability transition local identity

1 conventions Use universally legible and accessible map conventions

400-800m 5-10 min

Display distances Pictograms Heads up mapping Colour coding Walking distances Standardized All maps on fixed Colour coding should should be displayed in icons for approved signage should represent information metres (up to 900m) generic facilities and be heads-up. categories rather with a walking time destinations should Printed maps should than identify districts catchment of 5-10 be adopted for all be north-up (tilted 15° or cardinal points. min/400-800 m. system components. to achieve compass Colours should be point angles). applied consistently Digital maps could across system use built-in (mobile) components, compass to aid platforms, and media. orientation.

2 positioning A strategy for locating and positioning signs throughout the city

2 blocks

Policy and guidelines Repeater signs Anticipation Do not obstruct Signage family Mark walking routes Signage should be Signs should avoid positions shall comply with repeater signs. positioned such that physical obstructions with city policies users can anticipate within open space or and guidelines. further sign locations. public right-of-ways.

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto wayfinding strategy p. 31

consistency inclusivity sustainability transition local identity

3 hierarchy Tier 1 The proposed approach is to rationalize a City-wide landmarks The CN Tower, landmark hierarchical order to name areas, corridors, museums, landmark neighbourhood, main streets and places of parks, landmark sport venues, landmark retail interest across the city. This includes less formal naming adopted by BIAs and other groups. A BIA name could, for instance, represent Tier 2 District attractions both a main street and the neighbourhood. Major cultural, educational, As shown in the diagram below, when people leisure, historic, heritage, principal retail clusters, navigate they may leapfrog some steps, hence character areas, hotels even where progressive disclosure from the general to the detailed is desired, consideration Tier 3 to information shortcuts should also be given. Generic Washrooms, transit Places of interest should be organized in stops, local libraries, local four tiers, and with their representation on schools, places of worship, local retail clusters wayfinding system signs and maps reflecting this hierarchy. At a local level, the definition of names and places of interest applied to Tier 4 Detailed these tiers will require local stakeholder Shop-to-shop engagement and historic/planning research. index, restaurants, shops, venues Selection of places of interest for inclusion on highway signage will require the development and application of additional criteria as detailed in § 2.14 of this report.

main places city areas corridors n’hoods streets of interest

Toronto Downtown Yonge St Thistletown Front Street St Lawrence Market Missasagua Etobicoke Eglington Ave St Lawrence Queen St West University Vaughan East York Highway 401 Chinatown Dundas West of Toronto Hamilton Scarborough Morningside Rosedale Main St Scarborough Campus Exhibition Place East

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 32 wayfinding strategy

2.3 Inclusivity

The wayfinding system should cater to the needs of all user types.

consistency inclusivity sustainability transition local identity

1 access 3 accessibility All signage should be located such that it can Consider alternative media/materials for a be accessed by someone who is standing or range of groups such as the elderly, visually using a wheelchair. All essential information impaired and non-English speakers. should be located between 90cm and 140cm from the finished ground level.

All essential information should be located between 140 cm 90cm and 140cm from the finished ground level. 90 cm Higher or lower elements should consider the use of proportionately 0 cm larger type size to improve legibility. Walking routes should be well lit and include tactile and dropped curbs; all signed routes should be accessible.

2 contrast 4 technology All sign content should ensure contrast against Mobile applications should consider the the background to guarantee legibility. use of accessibility features. Signage Materials should be specified to structures should include QR codes, avoid glare and reflection. RFI tags, wi-fi, or other technologies in support of location based services.

Signage design should include highlight elements to contrast against surroundings. Content design should have a minimum contrast between the background and key information of 80%.

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto wayfinding strategy p. 33

2.4 Sustainability

Consideration of full life cycle costing and ability to adapt to change.

consistency inclusivity sustainability transition local identity

1 reduce clutter 3 extendability Obsolete structures in the public right-of-way Design principles should allow for the should be removed and physical and or visual inclusion of wayfinding information within obstructions avoided. Where appropriate, re- existing information products and third- use or adapt existing urban furniture elements party systems, supported by a clear set to incorporate wayfinding information. of design rules and conventions.

T T

2 flexibility 4 future proof Permanent content should not include Signage design should be low maintenance information likely to change, and should be and durable, and have a lifespan of 25 cost-effective to update in the short-term. years (2-3 years for printed insets). Volatile information (Tier 4) should only be included in short-run or digital media.

Modular components facilitate replacement and keep maintenance cost low. Tamper proof fixings should be used throughout.

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 34 wayfinding strategy

2.5 Transition

Connect places and enable people to move seamlessly from one mode, system or area to another.

consistency inclusivity sustainability transition local identity

1 multi-modal 3 route legibility Include relevant information about Support intuitive wayfinding through other modes of transportation. the implementation of lighting, sidewalk Where possible, identify entry points to treatments and other urban design features. destinations (e.g. subway stations). Apply consistent naming conventions to pedestrian wayfinding, public transportation and highway signage.

2 reciprocity 4 fill the gaps Provide for the integration of wayfinding Reconnect places and deconstruct artificial elements within third party multi-modal boundaries through public realm improvements. signage and wayfinding systems. Provide information about how to negotiate unclear connections, and avoid creating perceptual boundaries in the city.

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto wayfinding strategy p. 35

2.6 Local identity

Celebrate and promote the city and its districts to empower community participation and input.

consistency inclusivity sustainability transition local identity

1 historic names 3 landmarks Adopt existing and use historical Celebrate and promote distinctive names wherever possible. buildings and public places Engage with local stakeholders to define as landmarks of the city. Tier 1 (city-wide landmarks), Tier 2 (district attractions), to validate local area names.

Mapping should present the visual and architectural features of landmarks. Each area should have sufficient local landmarks identified to aid in orientation and navigation throughout the city.

2 placemaking 4 local character Enhance outdoor spaces with public art Enhance sense of place by allowing or community interventions within the local community and businesses to in-between places to aid orientation participate in the design of the system. and wayfinding across the city.

Allow signage components to be customized, while maintaining consistency throughout the city.

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy D E F Holloway 20 mins Arsenal F.C. 20 mins

Highbury 10 mins Underground Station A1

H Highbury

I G Fields 1 H 1 B

National Rail Station U HOLLOWAY R E FURLONG ROAD Y C A L ROAD C P R HIGHBURY POOL Bus Stop E Y S R C U ORELSTON RD. E B T NT H E G E I R Pedestrian Crossing H T S HIGHBURY

A MAGISTRATES COURT C I Taxi Rank RS O C UNION CHAPEL Toilets HIGHBURY & . ISLINGTON IGHBUR COURT GDNS H Y ST. PAUL’S ROAD 2 2 N ROAD HIGHBURY STATIO

Approximate Walking Time CORNER 0 3 6 minutes

OFFORD ROAD LAYCOCK C O

C M

A P

ST. T N

) O N

1 R

B O

U A Approximate Distance A R D ( 0 200 400 Yards Y R COUNCIL OFFICES O T 0 200 400 Metres BARNSBURY PARK D A 3 3 A E D

R E

O T

O COMPTON AVENUE

P ESTORICK S

R COMPTON TERRACE BEWDLEY STREET E COLLECTION CAN IV ONBURY

L ISLINGTON PARK STREET CA NON BURY R L ANE E SQUARE ISLINGTON TOWN HALL

P BROOKSBY STREET S

O P

C U

LOFTING C 4 4 ROAD

C RNSBURY ST. BA RICHMOND TER. A BARN SBUR D Y STREE N T A

O O E OV R R C N G G RY BU B ON N N U CA

T R Y AL p. 36p. 36 wayfinding strategy H E WATERLOO Tipologías de las señales | Monolitos C 3.3. R R A TERRACE FIRE STATION D U O

A Q T Tamaños En el archivo fuente adjunto S A Monolitos se encuentra la señal de RO muestra a escala 1:10 . D 1. Monolito de pie REE

T R S E C. Monolitos L 5 5 O O ILN E RICHMOND AVENUE P C R M N Tamaños E ALMEIDA STREET Medida mm E A V 200 I B 440 R HAWES STREET C 160 L T D 140 O Frente Costado Respaldo E 240 ALMEIDA THEATRE L ESSEX F 720 E F G 42 H 858 B C B ROAD E D D 2.7 WayfindingPOST OFFICE elements ST. Newington Green E E R C R O 15 mins T S S F F S A KINGS HEAD S SHILLINGFORD T THEATRE BAR R G G E E HALTON ROAD NEW RIVER WALK LITTLE ANGEL T R H H PUPPET THEATRE Informed THEby SCREEN national and international best practices, site visits E ON THE GREEN P LIBRARY (SOUTH) P GIBSON SQUARE Manual de Normas Gráfi cas | Plan de Señalización Turística de Bogotá 2010 Realizado por Steer Davies Gleave pág. 48 CLOUDESLEY SQUARE T HEB U and stakeholderHILTON HOTEL consultation, a preliminary set of potentialER DIBDEN ST. 6 TO N S 6 D TR EET D A A O R O Hoxton 10 mins Top THE BUSINESS DESIGNBottom & rightCENTRE wayfinding components were short listed as desirable for R Old Street 20 mins Bogota combines interpretative and Legible Dublin (Docklands) integrates G L A S directional information supporting a finger post solution with heads O K the needs of toursits and local users up mapping. The pilot has set the IN Toronto. PO ST. MARY’S CHURCH R and interchangeable base sections precedent for a Dublin-wide pedestrian CLOUDESLEY ST. S E T R allowing for the use of materials wayfinding system. V E I E X sympathetic to the local architectural B L T E POPHAM STREET context. S S BRITANNIA ROW CLOUDESLEY PLACE F G BARFORD ROAD E G R E N E O N PACKINGTON STREET T BATCHELOR STREET G N1 CENTRE IN L 7 S I

POLICE ERS 7 ERN RD BROMFIELD ST. B . STATION RITCHIE STREET S TOLPU T DDLE . STR EET P ) E T 1 CAMDEN PASSAGE E R A W ’ O S ( R C S H T A E T RL R TO K N E CAMDEN PASSAGE E PASSAGE O E P O T (ANTIQUES) E LA R C CE B HAPEL E MARK R CAMDEN L ET T O CHAPEL MARKET S illustrations C ISLINGTONHIGH ST. R

PE D P U N

STREET C 8 WHITE LION ST. U A 8 Image: LegibleN London / TfL S T .

BARON DUNCAN TERR. CRAFTS ANGEL CLERKENWELL King’s Cross 20 mins COUNCIL NOEL ROAD COUNTY COURT P ENTO NVILLE RO REGENT’S CANAL A A D E

VINCENT ST. THE MALL TORRENS ANGEL CENTRE STREET DUNCAN TERRACECOLEBROOKE ROW CLAREMONT finger posts SQUARE map totem poles ELIA STREET OLD RED LION 9 THEATRE BAR 9 S CITY ROAD

MYDDELTON . MYLNE STREET Image: Cartlidge Levene J

H CHADWELL STREET

SQUARE CITY & ISLINGTON S G COLLEGE O T S W

R E RIVER STREET Y L A E T L W EE R R E ST Old Street 15 mins D O N A Moorgate 25 mins MYDDELTON T RIE N F D PASSAGE WAKELY STREET O T SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE

10 G N

I 10

L R you are here mark A map totems

E U N E V Image: Woodhouse Image: Brighton & Hove Legible City A Y R E D B E S O R

CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY

11 11 FAMILY RECORDS CENTRE AND REGISTRY OFFICE Clerkenwell 10 mins Holborn 20 mins Farringdon 15 mins pocket maps Blackfriars 30 mins Produced by 22.11.06 www.fwt.co.uk A B C

smart phone apps street name plates large gateway maps

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto wayfinding strategy p. 37p. 37

Image: Midtown Improvement District Image: Walk!Philadelphia Image: Google Maps

disk maps digital maps

temporary banners

pictograms and symbols shelters and furniture

Image: Gordon Young

highway signs

public art / placemaking

illuminated panels walking times on maps waymarker disks

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 38 wayfinding strategy

2.8 Wayfinding system components

The wayfinding strategy is built around a core family of on-street signage. The following illustrative products and content are proposed for Toronto. Detailed graphic and product design will be developed and tested in Phase Two.

Signage

a Gateway Totem a Context Totem b Narrow Map Totem At gateways, such as At or near major places of At or near significant major transit exits. interest (Tier 1) and remarkable/ places of interest of each Content may include: significant areas of each district and transit exits. Mode / system identification district. Content may include: Content may include: District and place name System identification System identification Strategic and local area directions District and place name District and place name Local area map Strategic directions towards Strategic and local area directions - You are here (YAH) adjacent districts and specific Local area map - 400-800m radius points within the local area - 400-800m radius - Streets and sidewalks Local area map - Streets and sidewalks - Tier 1, 2, 3 - You are here (YAH) - Tier 1, 2, 3 Context map - 400-800m radius Context map - Streets and sidewalks Alternative media Alternative media - Tier 1, 2, 3 Context map Alternative media

T T T

DOWNTOWN ST JAMES ST LAWRENCE Union Station Market Lane St Lawrence Market

Distillery District St Lawrence Market St Lawrence Market 800m / 10min 800m / 10min 200m / 3min Distillery District Hockey Hall of Fame Distillery District 200m / 3min 800m / 10min St Lawrence Market 400m / 5min The Waterfront Financial Centre 900m / 12min 900m / 12min

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto wayfinding strategy p. 39

Places of interest Signage (cont.) are organized in four tiers to create c Main St/BIA Pillars d Directional e Interpretative a hierarchy of destinations. Along retail clusters and At intersections of key At relevant historic and Tier 1 - City-wide main streets (not at decision pedestrian routes and heritage buildings and sites landmarks: The CN Tower, landmark points). At or near significant decision points where totems without other suitable forms museums, landmark places of interest of each are not an option due to of interpretative signage. parks, landmark sport venues, district. Content may include: narrow sidewalks. At shared At places of interest that landmark retail System identification pedestrian/cycling routes or lack confirmation on arrival, Tier 2 - District attractions: District and retail cluster name routes through parks and open (e.g. non-municipal parks). Major cultural, Retail cluster map spaces. Content may include: Content may include: educational, leisure, historic, heritage, - 1-2km long System identification System identification principal retail - 400-800m wide clusters, character District name District name - Streets and sidewalks areas, hotels - Tier 1, 2, 3 Directions to adjacent districts, and: Place of interest name, description, Tier 3 - Generic: - Potential Tier 4 (managed by BIAs) Tier 1 and/or 2 destinations opening hours, sponsors, other Washrooms, - Name, distance/time Supporting graphics, maps or images transit stops, local Context map libraries, local - Activity cluster type Alternative media Alternative media schools, places Tier 3 destinations of worship, local - Exceptionally (i.e. low density areas) retail clusters Tier 4 - Detailed: Shop-to-shop index, restaurants, T OLD TOWN shops, venues ST LawranceST Lawrence Market 400m / 5min Please refer to Distillery District 800m / 10min pages 30-31 for T

OLD TOWN more information King Street on hierarchy and conventions.

T T

HERITAGE SITE ST JAMES The first Toronto Parliament Sculpture of Ontario Garden

265 Front Street East 115 King Street East

Construction began on The relocation to York did The Toronto Sculpture initiative. It is a unique a dedicated parliament not ensure the protection Garden has been the partnership between the building in York (now of the capital, however, site of innovative City of Toronto, which Toronto), as it was felt by and the Palace of contemporary sculpture owns and operates Lieutenant Governor John Parliament was destroyed installations since 1981. it as a city park, and Graves Simcoe that the by fire on 27 April 1813, This small, urban park the Louis L. Odette presence of a provincial as a consequence of in the downtown core family, who created a capital directly across an attack on the city serves as a testing non-profit foundation to the border from the in the War of 1812. ground for visual fund the exhibitions. United States was too artists to experiment great a risk, especially with public space and as the relations between to address issues of the US and Britain architectural scale, were then tense. materials and context.

By June the complex, The Garden is both a civic and a private located at the intersection of Front Opening Hours and Parliament Streets, Daily: 8am - Dusk was completed, and the Free Admission humble wood structures were dubbed the Palace of Parliament (The structure resembled two military barracks).

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 40p. 40 wayfinding strategy

2.9 Other system components

There is more to wayfinding than signs—a truly coordinated strategy will permeate across media and touch points. The following components and contents provide a basis for the expansion of the wayfinding system beyond physical signage.

Digital Printed

Mobile apps Local Area Maps Pocket Maps On internet-enabled mobile At mode transition points: At visitor welcome and devices. Enhanced by features Bus/streetcar shelters, entry points to the city (e.g. such as compass and location- transit stations, PATH, BIXI, airports, hotel concierge, based services. Multi-platform: parking lots and others. At convention centres). To be iOS (iPhone, iPad), Android trip generator points: civic made available in places (HTC, Samsung), Windows & social, cultural, health, related to or distributed Mobile (Nokia) and Blackberry etc. Content may include: directly to the intended OS. Content may include: System identification audience (mode, activity or System identification District and place name area). Content may include: Map-based navigation and multi- Local area map System identification modal journey planning - 400-800m radius Mode identification - Streets and sidewalks Find / search functions Context map - Tier 1, 2, 3 Customizable: Citywide (thematic) Context map - User profile or area map - Mode Partners and sponsors Activity or mode-relevant - District Information regarding alternative media information (i.e. cycle lanes) - Events (white labelling) Potential Tier 4 (managed by BIAs) Up to Tier 4 shop-to-shop locator Partners and sponsors Partners and sponsors Information regarding alternative media Information made available in alternative media T Walk

ST JAMES T King Station T Ride

T Shop

T Discover

T See

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto wayfinding strategy p. 41p. 41

Intuitive Urban Level Wayfinding. A number of Traffic Signs Urban Design urban design and placemaking A consistent and continuous To improve connections interventions approach to highway directional between places, to create new exist that provide opportunities for signs that direct drivers to routes and improve the quality/ intuitive wayfinding consistently-named areas welcome/comfort levels of throughout Toronto. 1. Use consistent will reduce sign clutter, existing ones. paving along the minimize driver distraction > In character areas, defined routes. 2. Ensure adequate and allow drivers to reach neighbourhoods and main lighting along major their final destinations as streets (e.g. Chinatown). pedestrian routes. efficiently as possible. > In the vicinity of Tier 1 and 3. Use landscaping or other features 2 destinations (e.g. access to along edges Achieving consistency requires Union Station). of pedestrian the development of high-level routes to create Measures may include: visual identity. area naming conventions 4. Encourage to be applied across both Lighting pedestrian pedestrian wayfinding and Sidewalks movement towards prominent views traffic signage systems. Landscaping and vistas. Other street furnishings 5. Create sense An updated and consolidated Movement areas and open views of place through identification and directional public art, built Built form and open space form, open space, road signage policy, Placemaking: public art and and street furniture. including selection criteria community interventions for commercial and tourist destinations, and sign design standards is also required.

Morningside Ave. PanAm Aquatic Centre U of T Scarborough Campus

turn off info Morningside Ave. PanAm Aquatic Centre U of T Scarborough Campus advance info 1 km

Morningside Ave. pre-advance info 2 km

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 42 wayfinding strategy

2.10 Interim pilot areas

East Downtown was selected from the initial case study areas as the central Toronto interim pilot area used to test and validate the emerging wayfinding design principles. The map below summarizes the proposed interventions.

main East Downtown N Broadly representative of objectives, issues, and concerns identified in relation to urban locations. Relevant across all three project constituencies. Contains a BIA and a number of high profile, city-wide destinations. Includes opportunities to increase walking distances and to integrate with third party products and environments. Has a critical mass of activity throughout the day/year. Includes a number of consolidated neighbourhoods, redevelopment areas and major destinations urban design / including St. public art Lawrence Market, Enhance Waterfront the Waterfront, The links for improved estimated number of signs Distillery District, legibility and better pedestrian and The PanAm a Context Totem: 2 conditions Games Village. Gateway Totem: 1 b Narrow Map Totem: 8 Areas around King c Main St/BIA Pillar (InfoPillar): 3 St and the markets (non-Ad InfoPillar): 3 provide pleasant (new): 3 spaces that invite d Directional (self-post): 2 people to wander. (blade x 4): 12 The Esplanade e Interpretative (totem): 1 has a dual role (wall-mounted): 5 acting both as a Others (bus shelters/BIXI): 15 leisure walk and a pedestrian link. 0 100 200 300 400 500m High levels of activity to/from parking lots.

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto wayfinding strategy p. 43

Morningside / Military Trail was selected as the suburban interim pilot area used to test and validate the emerging wayfinding design principles. The map below summarizes the proposed interventions.

satellite N Morningside / Military Trail local area maps Broadly Incorporate representative of traffic signs wayfinding maps the objectives, Improve highway in bus shelters issues, and signing at concerns identified Morningside Ave. exit in relation to from Highway 401 suburban locations. Predominantly residential yet attracts a significant number of visitors (UTSC, PanAm). Includes opportunities to increase walking distances and to improve and enhance awareness of the area. Gateway to Morningside Park and the ravine trails. traffic signs The area is Improve local made up of the traffic signing at Highland Creek key intersections and Morningside neighbourhoods, which are predominantly local area maps auto-oriented Incorporate residential areas. wayfinding maps UTSC, Morningside in UTSC totems Park and PanAm Games venues (will) attract visitors. Pedestrian activity around the estimated number of signs residential area is mainly day-to-day b Narrow Map Totem: 1 trips to/from main d Directional (blade x 4): 4 streets and local e Interpretative (totem): 1 destinations. UTSC Others (bus shelters): 10 students generate

0 200 400 600 800 1000m much of the walking activity to/from/ around the campus.

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 44 wayfinding strategy System identification Make the totem visible from a distance and identifiable as part 2.11 System look & feel of the information system. The illustrative designs reflects key features that require further development in Phase Two. District and place name Provides confirmation of location name. Strategic and local area directions The example shows a narrow map totem Provide directions to few key nearby located outside St Lawrence Market. attractions and districts. At this point, users approaching from Incorporates the downtown core are likely to continue Local area map walking distances in The local area metres and average their trip by exploring around the map displays walking times. Distillery District, Old Town Toronto or the immediate surroundings the Waterfront (East Bayfront). Users on a detailed cartographic approaching from opposite directions Context map base identifying are likely to be after information on walk-related details Displays a simplified street grid and nearest subway/streetcar stops and such as sidewalks, paths through green landmarks in the links to Union Station, the Financial areas, and features wider area to provide that may influence context orientation. District, St James Park or Yonge St. accessibility such as It improves user This type of sign is intended to be steps and/or ramps. understanding It includes city and of the wider area placed perpendicular to the pedestrian local landmarks, and supports destinations, and the creation of flows but not to obstruct movement. transit stops. mental mapping. This also prevents users who may be looking at the map from becoming obstructions for passing pedestrians. The example shows the west-face QR codes and/or BIA/City of the totem, where the heads-up RFID tags customization maps are oriented with east on top The inclusion of A modular panel visible and non- provides an and north to the left. The design is visible information opportunity for City illustrative, meaning that it is not devices can enhance or BIA branding. the user experience. The location is intended to represent the final design QR codes could not suitable for solution—which is to be developed link smart phones detailed information. to expanded site- Customization of and evaluated in Phase Two— but related content. the product through RFID tags and other the use of materials to demonstrate the key information technology such as and finishes could features contained within the strategy. Wi-Fi or NFC, can also be considered enable locational to tailor the signs based services to to different types of aid accessibility local environments. for the visually impaired and deliver user-specific content (i.e. multi-lingual) p. 46 wayfinding strategy

2.12 Traffic signs

Consistent application of the core wayfinding principles to highway information and directional signage is essential to enable a seamless transition from car to pedestrian.

* One of the The primary focus of the Toronto Wayfinding background following five classifications has Strategy is on pedestrians. However, as all Within the city of Toronto’s boundaries, roads been assigned car drivers are pedestrians at some stage of to every City are governed either by the City or by Ontario’s owned street: their journey, it is essential that consistency Ministry of Transportation. The latter owns the - Local road is achieved across traffic and pedestrian - Collector road entire 400-series highways, including highways - Minor arterial road signage systems – particularly in relation to 400, 401, 404, 427 and Queen Elizabeth Way. - Major arterial road the naming of areas and major destinations. - Expressway There are five other expressways* that are For the purposes Current traffic signage in Toronto, and especially maintained by the City of Toronto via Toronto of this report, the signage for vistor attractions is often fragmented terms “expressway” Transportation Services. These are: Allen Road, and “highway” refer and inconsistent. Continuity of signage from the Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, to the highest- grade road type initial appearance of a destination on a sign to Ontario Highway 27 and Ontario Highway 2A. intended for arrival at the destination is rarely achieved. The high-speed traffic current policies with access ramps lack of general area signing in the city combined and lane dividers. with an outdated directional road signage policy At a municipal level, the City of Toronto frequently results in information overload or gaps. regulates the implementation of identification and directional signs for communities, To address the above issues, the project commercial and tourist destinations through team undertook a fundamental review of the Identification and Directional Road Signage Toronto’s visitor destination traffic signage Policy (2003), which covers five types of signs: policy and on-street implementation. • Identification Signing for Recommendations on areas of improvement neighbourhoods and communities; are included at the end of this short section. • Neighbourhood/Community Signing (“Welcome To Our Neighbourhood”); • Service Group Signing for non-profit organizations (community centres, local sports and recreation); • Directional Destination Signs for commercial establishments with a desire to have signs strategically located on the road network; and • Commercial Identification and Directional Signs for a variety of venues (hotels, large restaurants, games/recreation facilities, etc.).

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto wayfinding strategy p. 47

Toronto’s current policy limits directional signage existing conditions on road rights-of-way –either at exit ramps from Drivers who are unfamiliar with the city expressways or on arterial roads– to venues are unlikely to know whether they are on that are government owned or sponsored, a provincial- or municipal-owned road. are unique to the City of Toronto and have a The OTM standard directional signage is minimum annual attendance of 40,000 persons. consistently applied to both networks. At a provincial level, two policies are of interest: Directions on expressways are predominantly • The Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) provides corridor names related to exits. Adjacent road sign design and location guidance for signs names (with no exit) are also displayed as points on the provincial road network, it is also of reference. Directions to other cities (e.g. acknowledged as a design reference for Hamilton, Vaughan) inform on general direction the implementation of municipal signing. of travel. Toronto’s area or neighbourhood • Tourism Oriented Destination Signage names are largely absent on directional signs. (TODS) is a private operated program that Only a handful of destinations, such Pearson gives tourist operators an opportunity Airport and Niagara Falls, are fully trailblazed. to apply for directional signs on the Directions to a limited number of visitor 400 series highways. TODS are not attractions appear on expressways and arterials, applicable within the boundaries of although these are not integrated within the Toronto, irrespective of road ownership. main road signing. The following pages discuss some of the observed issues in more detail. road ownership in toronto

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 48 wayfinding strategy

traffic signs 2.13 Existing conditions

Current traffic signage delivers at a graphic and content level for users with a good knowledge of the city. Challenges occur where directions to specific tourist or commercial destinations or areas/neighbourhoods are required.

The Ontario Traffic Manual signage principles and standards are largely applied to highways across the Toronto area regardless of ownership. Directional signs often refer only to street names.

Directional signs for specific destinations often incorporate logos or symbols. Size, location and layout are inconsistent. Destinations are occasionally grouped on cluster signs at a single exit.

Neighbourhood identification signs range from customized signs on poles, to landscaped signing and less formal urban interventions. Generally located at access points.

Street names plates are predictably located at intersections. The City’s new street name plates cater to drivers and pedestrians. Trailblazer signs help drivers locate highway ramps.

Off-road public parking the P symbol provides an opportunity to standardize parking signing in a clear and simple manner and could be incorporated within directional highway signs.

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto wayfinding strategy p. 49

Route analysis An analysis of a route from Pearson Airport to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) illustrates some recurrent directional traffic signage issues.

Hwy 427 heading South: Advance exit sign for Gardiner Expwy Hwy 427 heading South: Exit sign for Gardiner Expwy / Toronto

1. general directions to toronto downtown - Heading south on Hwy 427, 2. route markers / redundancy of sign - On the Hwy 427 exit sign, the word drivers need to follow directions to the Gardiner Expwy. Knowing that the Gardiner ‘Toronto’ is incorporated but the Gardiner Expwy route marker is not included. It is worth Expwy is the gateway to downtown Toronto is not obvious for unfamiliar drivers. noting that the small pole sign on the right repeats the QEW Hamilton exit information.

Gardiner Expwy: No confirmation signs after joining (12km to Spadina Ave) Gardiner/Park Lawn Rd: Confirmation for Gardiner, no directions (8km to Spadina Ave)

3. confirmation of h’way names and direction of travel - No confirmation is 4. exit information context - Successive turn-off signs for Lake Shore Blvd provided on joining the Gardiner. Long stretches of road with no major decision points may can be found, often with no supporting geographic reference to help drivers provide an opportunity to communicate advance information on key city destinations/exits. understand where on Lake Shore Blvd the exit is, or where such an exit leads.

Gardiner Expwy heading East/Jameson Ave: Advance info. for Spadina Ave (3 km) Chinatown exit sign (Spadina Ave exit) ROM and AGO exit sign (Spadina Ave exit)

5. advance information context - Advance information is provided as corridor 6. attraction turn-off signs - Sign and font size are smaller than other signs on the names only. This advance information sign is of limited value to visitors unaware that Gardiner, nonetheless these signs provide key information for people looking for specific Spadina Ave. is the exit for AGO/other destinations to the west of the city centre. destinations. The signs do not name the exit but imply that it is the next exit on the right.

Gardiner Expwy heading East: Exit sign for Spadina Ave Off-ramp left turn for Spadina Ave North (no confirmation or street name signs)

7. understanding exits - Two signs are installed at the exit –advance information 8. continuity - There is an obligatory left turn at the foot of the exit ramp from the Gardiner on subsequent downtown exits and the exit sign for Spadina Ave. It is not obvious but no confirmation that this turn will take drivers onto/towards Spadina Ave; a blue sign how these signs relate to the blue directional signs that appear before. intended for drivers arriving from Lake Shore Blvd is visible, generating a confusing message. p. 50 wayfinding strategy

traffic signs 2.14 Hierarchy and criteria

The Wayfinding Strategy proposes the development and application of a consistent naming hierarchy that will require further refinement for application to traffic signs.

Pedestrian signs can communicate multiple Given the density of places of interest across the layers of information simultaneously without city, a more appropriate set of selection criteria the loss of clarity – including the use of maps is required to distinguish what destinations and interpretative content – while highway should feature on which road signs. signs only allow for a limited number of words wayfinding strategy naming hierarchy and messages. Information priorities for drivers are also different from pedestrians, as are city issues related to reading time and safety. areas However, a fundamental need remains for corridors names to be used consistently regardless of neighbourhoods mode to support interpretation and to aid main streets the creation of peoples’ mental maps. places of interest Toronto’s current road signs include city, tier 1: city-wide landmarks corridor and main street names, but area and tier 2: district attractions neighbourhood names are largely absent. tier 3: generic Places of interest are also included on road tier 4: detailed signs; however, the selection and application of these destinations to signs are inconsistent The Wayfinding Strategy naming hierarchy resulting in signs, particularly in the downtown works on two levels: strategically from core, often being overloaded with information. city, area, corridor to neighbourhoods and streets, and secondly for places of interest that are divided across four tiers. Highway Signage Pedestrian Wayfinding potential eligibility A single sign structure can contain The density of information (words) multiple layers of information (e.g. International best practice typically recommends per sign is restricted due to safety totems may incorporate place two broad groups of destinations for potential and reading time constraints names, directions and maps) inclusion on highway signs: non-commercial Sign design is governed by national and Flexibility in sign product design destinations and commercial destinations. provincial policy –new solutions require as it is not prescribed by policy consistency with existing regulations In London UK (on Transport for London’s

The use of conventions such as Opportunity to create localized highway network), a non-commercial destination colour, units and icons is regulated conventions to meet with specific is defined as “a permanently established and forms part of an official code for walking needs (e.g. distances attraction or facility which attracts, or is used national and international drivers shown in meters/minutes) by, visitors to an area and is open to the public A limited number of route options Unpredictable start/end points without prior booking during its normal opening underpins the delivery of information and an unlimited number of as a predictable sequence (advance, route options requires repeat hours for at least 120 days per annum”. turn-off, identification/confirmation) information at regular intervals

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto wayfinding strategy p. 51

Commercial destinations may include large retail Signing criteria for commercial and non- Use of other communication centres, sports stadia and other commercial commercial destinations in London also channels destinations that play a major role in the city. consider destination type, number of off-road Commercial and non-commercial parking spaces available, other signs in the destinations should potential selection criteria area, Public Transport Accessibility Levels not rely solely Potentially eligible destinations then on road signs to (PTAL), one-off or new visitor figures, marketing have to comply with additional criteria direct people to the & information evidence, specialist attraction venue: use of other for inclusion on highway signs. communication quality, among other considerations. channels such Toronto’s current policy along with reviewed as websites, and In Toronto, the current policy limits directional international examples, largely base this printed literature signing on road rights-of-way to venues should form a selection on visitor numbers per annum. core element of that are government owned or sponsored, trip planning. In Toronto the figure is fixed for all types of and are unique to the City of Toronto. Many of Toronto’s roads/venues at 40,000 visitors per annum major attractions While the Wayfinding Strategy’s Places of Interest already provide and gives no consideration to the density of hierarchy (Tiers 1 to 4) will inform eligibility driving directions visitor attractions. In cities like London UK, and parking for inclusion on highway signs, development information the number varies by road and destination of further criteria will be required that take alongside public type (commercial destinations are treated transportation account of the considerations detailed above. options via separately as most of them will easily exceed digital maps and the minimum annual visitor numbers) and The diagram below illustrates a multi-level downloadable guides on their further eligibility criteria apply where there is a selection process for the inclusion of places websites. high density of destinations in any given area. of interest on different types of roads. Where visitor directional highway signage is required, it should typically proposed pedestrian wayfinding and traffic sign eligibility process only be necessary towards the end places of interest hierarchy road hierarchy of a journey with drivers being lgblt lgblt lgblt eligibility eligibility eligibility eligibility + advised to use tier City-wide landmarks: The CN Tower, landmark expressways (to) general strategic 1 museums, parks, sport venues, retail. signage for the majority of their trip.

selection criteria major arterial roads tier District attractions: Major cultural, educational, 2 leisure, historic, heritage, character areas, hotels. minor arterial roads tier Generic: Public parking, washrooms, transit 3 stops, local libraries, schools, places of worship. collector roads tier Detailed: Shop-to-shop index, 4 restaurants, shops, venues. local roads –

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 52p. 52 wayfinding strategy

traffic signs 2.15 Design strategies

Traffic sign design is governed by national and provincial policy. New design strategies, as illustrated in the examples below, will require consistentcy with existing regulations.

Area naming High level naming strategy for city areas in relation to exits and general Expressway information sign Exit information sign area destinations. Advance information signs to include selected destinations under same area name, reducing signage overload at turn-off/exit points, which are critical for safe maneuver. Advance information sign Exit information sign

Numbered exits Define and include numbers for exit approach and turn- Exit information sign off signs. These can be easily referenced elsewhere and identified by a distinctive colour. Advance information sign Turn-off information sign

Destination colour Apply a single distinctive colour for attractions to be

applied as patches Exit information sign to existing signs.

Advance information sign

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto wayfinding strategy p. 53p. 53 traffic signs 2.16 Recommendations

Stakeholder engagement and development of an updated Traffic Signage Policy document will be required to translate the recommendations into an agreed and implementable design solution.

recommendations recommendations on policy document • Develop an area naming strategy for update city districts that is consistent with The current identification and directional road the pedestrian wayfinding strategy signage policies are fragmented, and the but tailored to a highway scale; level of guidance they contain is inconsistent • Develop selection criteria for destinations across different types of visitor attractions. based on road hierarchy/ destination It is recommended that the updated hierarchy/ visitor numbers etc. to remove identification and directional road signage subjectivity and provide a more appropriate, policies be consolidated into a single and consistent and balanced selection of signed easy-to-use reference document that sets out destinations across the city’s roads; Toronto’s strategic approach to traffic signage for • Ensure guidance on placement/ route the city’s key areas and destinations including: continuity etc. is applied consistently • A fully updated Directional Road Signage in practice. Destination continuity Policy to provide clear policy guidance should be maintained from the point on the use of directional traffic signs where the first sign appears until the for tourist and commercial visitor visitor reaches the destination; destinations including eligibility criteria; • Consider the use of variable messaging • A fully updated Identification Road Signage signs to provide information about Policy for neighbourhoods and communities exceptional temporary events, parking, that includes eligibility criteria; and disruptions, and emergencies; and • Sign Design Standards that deal with • Retain current restrictions related design and locational requirements for all to the implementation of Ontario’s sign types covered by the policies above, TODS program in Toronto. incorporating updated guidance on sign location and impact on the public realm.

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy 3 Delivery delivery p. 55 City-wide delivery of the wayfinding system requires long-term commitment from the City, a coordinated multi- agency effort and over $8M in capital raised from funders and partners. For every dollar invested, the City can expect between 90 cents and $2.40 of transportation benefits in return.

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 56 delivery

3.1 Implementation plan

The delivery of the wayfinding system is organized as three phases: strategy, pilot and city roll-out. Only a continuous injection of funding alongside political and stakeholder support will allow these phases to seamlessly overlap.

* Pedestrian phase one (strategy) Design activities leading to pilot implementation Environment Review System Phase One, described in this document, include detailed graphic design, detailed (PERS) is a software consisted of the preparation of a strategy, application to product design, cartography, and user tests assess the quality definition of design parameters and awareness and prototyping. Post-implementation of any pedestrian environment raising of the program among stakeholders. It lessons will inform the final system guidelines developed by included activities such as desktop research, that are recommended to incorporate Transport for London and on-site observation and stakeholder engagement graphic and product specifications, Transport Research leading to the proposed Toronto Wayfinding alongside process delivery toolkits. Laboratory (TRL). 360 Strategy framework. This report, alongside PERS can assist in A back-office map asset platform will be the identification the full Outline Business Case document and developed at an early stage so that the graphical of opportunities to a Staff Report with recommendations is due to improve pedestrian database can be made available as an asset walking routes and be presented to the City Council in fall 2012. public spaces, while for the City to use on the wayfinding strategy supporting the and other initiatives. This will also mean effective targeting phase two (pilot) of resources. Phase Two will include the preparation, delivery that the digital strategy can be implemented A street audit and evaluation of a fully implemented wayfinding at the earliest possible opportunity. process such as PERS could be used solution in (tentatively) two Pilot Areas (PA). phase three (city roll-out) as part of the Phase Cost assumptions included within the Outline Two pilot area Phase Three involves the city wide roll-out implementation Business Case are based on two case study of the wayfinding system infrastructure, evaluation. areas, East Downtown and Morningside. expected to commence by 2016. This The pilot implementation will allow for includes the development of wayfinding a comprehensive evaluation, including system design guidelines to be provided PERS*, such that the evaluation parameters to potential partners ensuring a systematic listed in the Outline Business Case can be and consistent approach is adopted with verified or updated, resulting in a more minimal input required from the City. robust business case for potential funders. Phase Three includes an allowance for localized Pre- and post-implementation on-site consultation prior to the wayfinding structures surveys in normal conditions (tentatively being installed. There is no allowance for two consecutive Septembers, 2013 and further PERS assessments in this phase. 2014), form part of this evaluation. Signs are proposed to be implemented digital strategy before summer 2014 to allow residents and While the Digital Strategy does not form a visitors to become familiar with the system costed component of the wayfinding strategy, in anticipation of the post-implementation it is assumed that partnership with the private surveys. Additional pilot areas may be sector for its delivery component would mean implemented in parallel, however these are not that mobile applications and internet platforms expected to become part of the evaluation. can be rolled out at minimal additional cost, with

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto delivery p. 57

potential revenue streams contributing back the included on traffic signs to simplify navigation * It is recommended that the City merges project. The City would allow access to the back- from highways to destinations and thereby the various map office map asset* in return for digital wayfinding integrate with future on-street pedestrian data streams into a single back-office apps (front-end). An evaluation of digital signage. However, the upgrade of these signs is map platform. Asset data should platforms would ensure that digital wayfinding not costed for within the Outline Business Case. be compiled systems meet with the overall project objectives It is further recommended that the commercial in a GIS over a highly-detailed and are in keeping with the system philosophy. and non-commercial visitor destination selection cartographic base, criteria and policy documentation is revised with polygon, line highway strategy and point elements, Highway signing should form an integral part as part of Phase Two. The aim of this will be depicting curb to update highway signage policy (including lines, building of any fully integrated wayfinding strategy for rooftops, paths hierarchy and contents of signs) in consultation across parks and Toronto. The current study reviewed Toronto’s other detail relevant identification and directional road signage and with relevant City and Provincial stakeholders at pedestrian level. and to identify additional opportunities for Information on recommends that consistent terminology for places of interest, the city’s areas and places of interest should be an improved integration of traffic signage attractions and with the pedestrian wayfinding system. features should be organized by tiers (see page 30). Operational information could 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 also to be stored q1 q2 q3 q4 q1 q2 q3 q4 q1 q2 q3 q4 q1 q2 q3 q4 q1 q2 q3 q4 q1q2 q3 q4 in address point phase one format to feed into digital apps. Strategy development City Council approval All information Report to City Council in the dataset phase two should be dynamic and flexible to Detailed Graphic/Product design accommodate PA Evaluation (pre/post) new information and updates. Design testing and prototype Pre/Post Evaluations Community inputs Stakeholder consultation (PA and global) and open source PA Sign manufacture and installation Map back-office data could also be incorporated and Map asset platform (back office) Highway strategy should be managed Highway signage strategy appropriately to phase three ensure reliability. System design guidelines Stakeholder consultation (local area) Artwork output and management platform Manufacture and installation begins Web/mobile App (generic) digital strategy highway strategy App evaluation

Highway/Traffic sign design Pilot, Ev., Roll

Toronto 360° Wayfinding Strategy p. 58 delivery

3.2 Outline business case

The outline business case sets out the costs and benefits of a city-wide wayfinding system, providing relevant information to inform the City’s decision on whether to proceed with a pilot implementation and a subsequent full roll-out of the strategy.

* Legible London The Wayfinding System Strategy builds on The An improved wayfinding system is expected is a pedestrian wayfinding system City’s Walking Strategy published in 2009, to deliver the following key benefits: that’s helping which aimed to unify multi-modal wayfinding people walk • Increase visitors at key attractions, spending around London, systems requested by city businesses, cultural in the Greater Toronto Area, boost the UK. Based on and sports institutions, residents, commuters extensive research, local economy and enhance the overall the easy-to-use and tourists. The project is also timely as the image of Toronto as a destination; system presents 2015 Pan-American Games will attract significant information in a • Reduce walk times, increase confidence range of ways, media attention and visitors to Toronto. including on maps to walk, promote multi-modal transit and and signs, to help An outline business case sets out the costs reduce reliance on private auto; and people find their and benefits of a city-wide wayfinding system, way. The impacts • Improve urban realm, sense of of the system were providing the City with relevant information comprehensively community, pedestrian safety, to inform their decision on whether to measured for public health and environment. a number of proceed with the pilot implementation and pilot areas. a subsequent full roll-out of the strategy. The multiple account evaluation (MAE) documented in the Outline Business Case report A wayfinding pilot strategy has been (see Wayfinding Outline Business Case, Final developed for two areas and is expected to Report, May 2012) shows that the wayfinding cost around $0.8m including consultation, system has the potential to deliver wide- implementation and evaluation costs. The full ranging benefits across the transportation, roll-out of the wayfinding system is estimated environment, economic development, urban at $7.2 million, giving a total capital cost of realm and social community accounts. approximately $8m. It is recommended that an annual allowance of 10-15% of the ongoing There is limited evidence to support the capital investment is required to maintain quantification of wayfinding benefits, however, and renew the wayfinding system, excluding informed by findings from the Legible London* any potential additional City staff costs. post-pilot survey, high level analysis showed that, over a 25 year evaluation period, the transportation benefits (through shorter perceived journey times) alone are expected to outweigh the costs, with a benefit-cost ratio estimated to be in the range of 0.9:1 and 2.4:1. This means that for every dollar invested, the City can expect between 90 cents and $2.40 of transportation benefits in return.

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Furthermore, to illustrate the possible affect has been identified. The nature of the benefits on tourism and the economy, a 0.5% increase are such that the wayfinding strategy should in visitors through lengthened/overnight stays appeal to many organizations, particularly or repeated visits in the GTA could result in transit agencies, tourism agencies, 2015 Pan- around $50m per annum in tax revenues. American Games, Business Improvement The MAE has excluded the costs and benefits Associations, cultural and heritage institutes, of a digital strategy implementation, which is developers, development agencies. expected to be funded through private sector There is also a significant opportunity for partnership; and a highway strategy, which the City to roll-out the wayfinding system would enable a complete and continuous through influencing other ongoing or wayfinding experience for all modes, including planned construction works, utilizing existing automobile users. It is strongly recommended infrastructure or potentially changing existing that a digital and a highway strategy are wayfinding requirements for developers. implemented to maximize the opportunities Post-implementation evaluation of the pilot areas and benefits of the wayfinding strategy. should be used to confirm the benefits and costs Funding of the wayfinding system has yet to be of the wayfinding strategy and to strengthen agreed on and a range of funders and partners discussions with potential funders and partners.

Project phase Focus of Business Case Technical Approach phase one Wayfinding strategy • Evidence to inform the City’s decision to • High level analysis based development and take the Wayfinding project to Phase Two on international experience, conceptual design • Consider potential funding sources professional judgement phase two Detailed • Evidence to confirm (or update) the • Detailed cost estimates based design, pilot performance of the pilot against objectives on actual costs of pilot area implementation and • Support a more targeted approach towards • Surveys with users to evaluate pilot evaluation negotiating potential funding sources the impacts of the pilot areas • Interviews with potential investors phase three Full implementation/ • Evidence to confirm the performance • Interviews with users and investors roll-out of the pilot against objectives to identify lessons learnt as the • Support future expansion of the wayfinding system roll-out takes place in stages

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3.3 Funding options

This section of the report covers funding and delivery considerations for the wayfinding strategy going forward beyond Phase One, which is currently funded by the City of Toronto.

Potential funders Funding for Phases Two and Three of the project It is also important for the credibility of may include: Metrolinx; has yet to be identified. Therefore, the focus the system to the public and businesses Government of of the wayfinding strategy Outline Business that it is seen as impartial. Ontario; and Case (OBC) is to realistically assess the costs P3 Canada Fund. and benefits of the project going forward to recommended funding strategy If the City decides, in principle, to proceed with enable the City to make an informed decision the wayfinding project, funding will need to be on whether to proceed with Phase Two and sought for Phases Two and Three. The estimated identify where funding opportunities exist. capital costs of approximately $8m do not possible funding models reflect potential ways of cost sharing through At this stage, the primary purpose of the OBC partnerships or any cost savings opportunities. is to identify potential funders. No discussions An important component of the strategy is to with potential funders has taken place as understand the benefits specific funders would part of this work, but as the pilot areas are expect to gain from wayfinding and pitching evaluated and the OBC is updated, one or those benefits to them accordingly. The figure more business cases for fully implementing the below illustrates how this could be done. wayfinding strategy across Toronto will need to be targeted towards specific potential funders. key benefits market local regional Some of the common funding models include: Increased attractiveness as a tourist destination and business revenues • Self-funding (via local authority/ Business Increased spending per person other government agencies); and associated revenues • Funding through advertising contracts Transit Users Improved accessibility implemented on other city (non- wayfinding) Visitors Reduced congestion Improved health sites (i.e. highways, transit environments); Community cohesion • Delivery partnerships with BIAs and Residents and pride Reduced emissions other business associations; potential funders • Delivery partnerships with market local regional transportation agencies; and Regional tourism agencies • Developer contributions. Local tourism agencies Business Improvement Business Areas It is recommended that the City should either Pan Am Games directly or indirectly manage the delivery of the Major attractions Metrolinx Major developers Government of Ontario wayfinding. This means liaising and negotiating Neighbourhood Transit Users with funders and partners to achieve the goals Associations and objectives of the wayfinding strategy. Visitors TTC, BIXI Metrolinx Residents Government of Ontario

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potential funders and partners funding of wayfinding elements Potential partners may include: There are three main ways that organizations It is recommended that the various wayfinding Tourism Toronto can get involved in the project: infrastructure elements are funded by those who (Toronto Convention & Visitors • Organizations that solely provide financial would gain from them most. This can improve Association); support to the project (Funders); transparency and foster ownership of the system Business at a local level and have some influence over Improvement Area • Organizations that provide financial (BIA) associations/ where the infrastructure is placed while being TABIA; support as well as becoming compliant with the wayfinding strategy. Greater Toronto partners (Primary Partners); and Hotel Association; The table below sets out how various • Organizations that allow wayfinding Transit agencies, infrastructure elements could be linked to including TTC infrastructure to be placed on their and BIXI; potential funders. While this suggests that property (Secondary Partners). PATH - Toronto’s funders would support elements most relevant downtown walkway; At this point it is only possible to speculate on to them, in reality this will be more fluid and Toronto 2015 Pan who may be interested in becoming funders Am Games ; some cross-subsidy would be expected given and/or partners for the wayfinding project’s Federal Economic that the totality of the wayfinding system is more Development implementation. The approach adopted in Agency for Southern valuable than the sum of all individual parts. Ontario (FedDev the OBC involves understanding the benefits Ontario)/SODA; of wayfinding and mapping these to a long Infrastructure Potential Private sector list of potential funders who are likely to Element Funders/Partners partnership through Section 37 of the focus on specific benefits of the project. Planning Act; Context totem Tourism agencies, transit (area and gateway) agencies, other agencies Toronto Parking potential funders Authority; Tourism agencies, Major commercial Funders are those who generally provide financial Narrow map totem other agencies and leisure owners/ grants to projects that meet the objectives of destinations; BIAs, major attractions, Communications their organization but typically do not take Corridor/area Pillars major land owners, 2015 giant (sponsoring (retrofitting existing part in the delivery aspects of the project. Pan Am Games, Planning cloud technology); InfoPillars and new pillars) Act Section 37 agreements Cultural and potential partners heritage Partners of the project can be primary/active City of Toronto, transit institutions; Directional agencies, Planning Act Neighbourhood or secondary/passive in nature. A primary (Self-post/blade) Section 37 agreements Associations; and partner could provide financial contribution Development for the infrastructure. They would typically associations, e.g. Heritage and cultural Build Toronto, Destination/interpretative provide property access. A secondary partner institutions, Planning Act Invest Toronto. (Totem/wall mounted) may only agree in-principle property access Section 37 agreements but will not provide any financial support. Partners are likely to be the largest group of Bus shelter panels Transit agencies potential funders as the wayfinding project directly affects their business or residents.

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3.4 Opportunities for the City

There are a number of ways in which the City can contribute towards the implementation of a predictable and consistent wayfinding system across Toronto.

The City currently has a budget for maintaining While the City is not considering advertisement signage. Part of this budget could be as a component of the wayfinding infrastructure, reallocated towards certain components of they may consider opportunities for cross- the strategy, for example the self-post and funding through provision of advertising blade directional wayfinding elements. space at strategic locations on City- Should the City decide to update their traffic owned property where it would not impact sign policies to provide stricter criteria and negatively on the urban environment. This better integration with the wayfinding strategy approach could provide a valuable revenue as described/recommended in Section 2.16, stream to contribute towards the ongoing this should be undertaken in consultation maintenance of wayfinding structures. with City and Provincial stakeholders and be Finally, if the project does gain approval, informed by the wayfinding guideline document the City will have a crucial role in building to be produced as part of Phase Two. support across the broad stakeholder The City could also use existing powers to community and in particular, with those leverage infrastructure enhancements from partners or agencies who may have an interest private developers. For example, the Section 37 or role in implementing the strategy. by-law could be exercised under the Planning Act to require large developers to contribute funding for wayfinding within the area of the development and/or access to their property for wayfinding. Part of the contribution could potentially be retained to support longer-term wayfinding maintenance and renewals. The City could additionally work with major public sector organizations (such as hospitals, schools, leisure centres) to form partnerships that encourage compliance with the wayfinding strategy requirements and support a gradual, phased implementation. The organizations would have more control over signage content and location while remaining consistent with the wider city strategy.

Wayfinding System Strategy (Phase One) for the City of Toronto appendix

Stakeholder Consultation: Workshop, Interview, and Open House Attendants

Canadian Automobile Culture–Tourism Policy Toronto International Association (CAA) & Research Branch Film Festival (TIFF) Canadian Opera National Ballet Toronto and Region Chinatown BIA of Canada Conservation Authority (TRCA) City of Toronto (BIA Ontario Science Centre Office; Economic Ontario Walks/ Toronto Bruce Trail Development; Toronto Walks Association Transportation; Pan/Parapan Am Toronto Community City Planning) Games Secretariat Foundation CivicAction –Province Toronto Cyclist Union CNIB PanAm Games 2015 Toronto Parking Downtown Yonge BIA Parkdale Village BIA Authority Dundas West BIA Queen Street West BIA Toronto Port Authority Emerging Leaders Registered Graphic Toronto Seniors Forum Network Designers of Ontario Toronto Transit Entertainment Rogers Centre Commission (TTC) District BIA ROM Toronto Youth Cabinet Financial District BIA Ryerson University TorontoPedia Gardiner Museum Sense Lab Tourism Toronto Go Transit Spacing Magazine University of Toronto Greek Town BIA St Lawrence Market BIA Kensington Market BIA St. Lawrence Liberty Village BIA Neighbourhood Maple Leaf Sports and Association Entertainment (MLSE) Toronto Association of Metrolinx Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) Ministry of Tourism & Culture - Regional Toronto Centre for Tourism Unit Active Transportation (TCAT) Ministry of Tourism &

For further information please contact: Fiona Chapman Transport Services (416)392-0828 fchapma@ toronto.ca

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