Research in Progress
Research is a primary activity of the centre. As specified in the Mission, it will be undertaken to inform local policy decisions regarding the economic aspects of current conditions, policy issues and policy choices. The research themes, topics, and projects will be determined and undertaken based on the advice of the Advisory Committee and under the direction of the Management Committee.
Policy Guidelines for Increasing Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Toronto: An Analysis of the Urban Microclimate
Principle Investigator: Dr. Umberto Berardi
Over the past few decades, making outdoor spaces attractive and, ultimately, used by people, has become a key goal in urban planning and design. The design of outdoor spaces strongly affect the urban microclimate, which is an important contributor to pedestrians' health, urban air quality, energy consumption of buildings, and overall urban sustainability. The increasing effort toward liveable cities is often focused on evaluating environmental quality or resource use.
An Analysis of Section 37 Agreements in the City of Toronto
Principle Investigator: David Amborski
Based on the availability of a unique data set of the application of Section 37 agreements for the City of Toronto, the research will examine the content of these agreements, their economic implications, and make recommendations for how to improve the process of undertaking these agreements.
Housing Seniors in a Rapidly Aging Society: Challenges for Canada
Principle Investigator: Dr. Murtaza Haider
Canada is aging rapidly where seniors are one of the fastest growing cohort. As baby boomers age, they will generate new demand for shelter. Housing seniors, especially the elderly (75 years and older), will pose unique challenges because the seniors today are healthier, living longer, and more independent. This project studies the shelter needs of seniors in Canada in General, and those residing in the greater Toronto Area (GTA) in particular.
Innovative Project Delivery for Low Impact Development (LID) Stormwater Management Practices
Principle Investigator: Dr. Darko Joksimovic
The focus of stormwater management in urban areas has shifted in recent years to control the runoff at or near the source through techniques that provide increased capture, infiltration, evaporation and filtering. The implementation of these techniques, referred to as Low Impact Development (LID), in new land developments has presented challenges to the conventional project delivery process as the planning and design guidance, regulations, roles and responsibilities, and design, construction and operating experience is still developing in the GTA.
Evaluating Tax Increment Financing's Potential to Support Infrastructure Development in the GTA
Principle Investigator: Dr. Murtaza Haider