Designing a Better Toronto with Chief City Planner Jason Thorne

Traffic, congestion, construction – every growing city experiences these challenges along the path to progress. While change can feel disruptive at times, the result is a stronger, more connected city for all. Downtown Toronto, like many urban centres, is evolving to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. 

We sit down with the person guiding the vision for our city’s future: Jason Thorne, Toronto’s new Chief City Planner. 

Known for his creative and community-first approach, Jason brings years of experience leading downtown revitalization projects in Hamilton, and now oversees city planning for THE fastest-growing city in North America (and the fastest growing area within Toronto - the King West district).

Jason says growth is the clay for city building. It’s the raw material. But it’s what we do with it that matters. From designing joyful public spaces to navigating competing priorities and planning ahead for a city that is projected to have 4 million people, he’s thinking beyond building applications and approvals. His job is to make Toronto feel like home.

We talk about:

• What a “beautiful city” actually means and why it matters right now
• How to balance rapid growth with livable neighbourhoods
• Why the experience of a neighbourhood matters just as much as housing and density
• Parks & public spaces and why they’re essential and not just ‘nice to have’
• The role of design in sparking civic pride and mental well-being
• Why heritage buildings still matter and how Toronto gets it right by integrating old with new
• What “considerate construction” actually looks like
• How to handle priorities that often seem to conflict—bike lanes vs traffic, growth vs preservation
• Why consultation with business leaders, community members, and neighbourhood associations are an integral part of city planning
• Why Toronto is recognized as one of the best cities in the world

Plus: In our rapid fire round, Quick Bites, Jason shares a public space that brings him joy, how his background in environmental activism compliments his role today, and the international cities that inspire him. He also talks about settling into life as a new Leslieville resident, and how exploring his own neighbourhood is shaping how he sees the city.

Follow Jason Thorne - @jasonthorne_rpp and @cityofto

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Table 6ix brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. For more information, visit: www.YourExperienceAwaits.ca.

Follow Table 6ix on Instagram @table6ixpodcast.

Table 6ix brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. For more information, visit: Table6ixPodcast.com.