A City of Toronto initiative to identify and label Privately Owned Publicly-Accessible Spaces (POPS) had its first plaque unveiling Thursday. Located below the Parade towers at Concord CityPlace, the pedestrian walkway on Iceboat Terrace features restaurant patios, gardens, benches, lighting and a public art piece titled ‘Approaching Red’ by Maha Mustafa.

Iceboat Terrace, located just below the Parade towers, is the first POPS recognized with a plaque. Image by Marcus Mitanis.

When developers build in Toronto, the City often negotiates with them through the development review process to ensure there are community benefits provided. One of these benefits is the provision of spaces that are open to the public but owned and maintained by a private entity. Since 2000, over 1 million square feet of these spaces were added in Toronto, though many people are either unaware that they are accessible to the public or that they are privately owned. Clear signage of these spaces—something that has been required in New York City and San Francisco—should remove confusion as to whether POPS are usable for everyone. To resolve this confusion, Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 22 – St. Paul’s) responded to an initiative proposed by City of Toronto Planner Oren Tamir to similarly identify these spaces here. Matlow introduced a motion in November 2012, seconded by former Councillor Adam Vaughan, asking the City to catalogue existing POPS and develop guidelines dealing with the design of these spaces. Our previous article about POPS outlined the newly released guidelines that the City hopes developers will adhere to.

Concord Adex's Vice President of Development Gabriel Leung speaks about POPS. Image by Marcus Mitanis.

Concord Adex is the first developer to have a POPS officially identified and recognized with a plaque. Concord’s Vice President of Development Gabriel Leung officially unveiled the POPS sign alongside Councillor Josh Matlow, Member of Parliament (Trinity-Spadina) Adam Vaughan, Councillor Ceta Ramkhalawansingh (Ward 20 – Trinity-Spadina) and Urban Design Manager for the Toronto and East York District James Parakh.

Looking down at the POPS space from Parade's 32nd floor Sky Lounge. Image by Marcus Mitanis.

“For far too long, there have been developments in the city that have, perhaps, imposed upon the streetscape, taken too much public realm and have not contributed to the design and quality of life of a city that we want to see as one of the most remarkably designed and beautiful cities in the world,” said Councillor Matlow. “But because of companies like this and others that we have partnered with, we have moved back from this tired debate about simply height and density… towards places that we all can feel welcome in and enjoy and celebrate every single day.”

The first POPS plaque is officially revealed. Image by Marcus Mitanis.

A silver plaque indicating the name of the space and the developer, as well as the times the space is accessible, was revealed and is now permanently located just outside the entrance to Parade’s west tower. “This small plaque is symbolic of the partnership Concord Adex has with City Council and staff to create a strong, vibrant public realm,” said Gabriel Leung. “Fifteen years ago, this land was all dirt and surface parking lots and you can see how it has changed.” When asked why developers should create publicly-accessible spaces like these, Leung stated it is in the interest of both the community and the developer as well. “Developers who are more open to working with the community will find that their buildings are better received by the public,” said Leung.

The Iceboat Terrace plaque depicts the times the space is usable. Image by Marcus Mitanis.

“What we are really starting to do is explore new ways to create the breathing room that dense downtown neighbourhoods require,” said Adam Vaughan. He hopes to “change the financial equation” in order to give the city more power in building infrastructure and cultural amenities.

Centre of the POPS space viewed through the artwork 'Approaching Red'. Image by Marcus Mitanis.

POPS signage will now be installed in various locations throughout Toronto and will no doubt become a more common sight as they continue to be identified and secured. A map of existing and future POPS that the City has already identified can be found at the POPS website.  

A video by Inkblot Media from the unveiling recaps some of what was said to mark the occasion.

Were you aware of the imitative to identify and label POPS? Have you visited Iceboat Terrace or other POPS? Share your experiences and views by leaving a comment in the field below. 

Related Companies:  Walters Group