Jennifer Keesmaat Profile picture
Founder, Markee Developments. Former Chief Planner, Toronto. Distinguished Visitor in Planning Emeritus, University of Toronto.
Brian Jewett Profile picture 1 subscribed
Feb 26, 2023 9 tweets 2 min read
The good news is that tons of transit infrastructure *is* under construction - the Finch LRT, the Crosstown LRT and now even the Scarborough subway. Of course, it’s been a long time coming, but mostly b/c we easily distracted by campaign gimmicks. Hopefully not this time. I’m proud of the work my planning team and I did to get these transit projects initiated, planned and procurement off the ground, including the Ontario Line (which is 2/3 the ‘relief’ line which we kickstarted during my tenure). Metrolinx is now building these projects,….
Jun 17, 2021 4 tweets 3 min read
We are thrilled to announce Tyndale Green: a new rental housing community by Markee Developments in partnership with Tyndale University. All the good things: an extension of the ravine landscape, a new community hub & cafe, a new daycare, shared streets and 752 affordable homes. Crucially, 100% of the affordable homes will remain affordable in perpetuity. We are creating a community that is affordable, vibrant, walkable, environmentally sustainable, and sensitive to its natural and built surroundings.
Feb 16, 2021 5 tweets 2 min read
Ontario’s proposed Highway 413 is a $6-billion sprawl accelerator. Astonishingly, it has been billed as a way to make cars move faster, but it extends so far from any destination it is estimated to shave only 30 seconds off a GTA trip. Silly! #StopThe413 theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editor… This plan is a form of subsidy for real estate developers to upend prime agricultural lands & wetlands. It will facilitate more distant & more car-dependent housing - this is the antithesis to planning for the 15-minute neighbourhood. It is a discredited 1950's development model.
Feb 13, 2021 7 tweets 2 min read
This new $10-billion 400-series freeway will upend 55 km of prime farmland & conservation land across the Toronto region. This superhighway is intended to unleash another generation of sprawl. Its proponents are land speculators. Our GreenBelt is at risk.

thestar.com/business/2021/… ‘According to real estate & construction experts, the plan is more than a highway proposal. It’s a bonanza for land speculators & builders.’ The table was recently set for this with the removal of protections on environmental wetlands, by stealth (in a Covid recovery bill.)
Aug 23, 2018 22 tweets 9 min read
Six years ago I was offered a wonderful new opportunity that brought me right into the heart of the public sphere — to serve the people of Toronto as Chief Planner. #Keesmaat4Mayor #topoli I truly loved working with my Planning team and with the people in the diverse neighbourhoods of this great city. I learned that Torontonians love their city and have a tremendous amount to contribute to its future. #Keesmaat4Mayor #topoli
Aug 13, 2018 5 tweets 2 min read
Everyone who rides the subway to work or school every day knows that we’ve reached a crisis point. You wait on a dangerously overcrowded platform as packed train after packed train passes you by. And when you finally get on, you’re crushed. Toronto commuters need relief, now. 1/4 We have the tools available to accelerate the Relief Line and get shovels in the ground — subway riders need relief, not reports. 2/4