Build Communities Strong Fund

Through the Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream (BCSF), the Government of Canada is investing in the City of Toronto’s public transit infrastructure. These investments provide the City with stable and flexible funding that is directed to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) for current and future public transit infrastructure needs, which contributes to safe and reliable service.

BCSF supports the creation of strong and connected communities, which increases Toronto’s housing supply by funding infrastructure projects that align with housing goals, enable urban density and help to improve housing affordability.

BCSF is directed to the TTC’s 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan, which supports various TTC projects, including:

  • The Easier Access Program that is improving accessibility ensuring that people can reliably travel on the TTC regardless of ability. Examples include installing elevators, accessible doors, and updated signage and wayfinding.
  • State-of-good repair work which keeps transit moving safely and reliably around the city.
  • Major projects such as Line 1 & 2 capacity enhancements that provide faster, more reliable and more comfortable service.
  • Purchase of transit vehicles including replacement buses, subway cars, and Wheel-Trans buses.
  • In 2005, the Federal Gas Tax Fund – later renamed the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) and then Building Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) – was established and the investments were directed to the TTC for public transit infrastructure needs.
  • In 2011, BCSF was legislated as a permanent source of funding.
  • In 2013, BCSF was indexed at two per cent per year, in $100 million increments.
  • In 2014, the City entered into an Administrative Agreement that governs the flow of funds from 2014 to 2023.
    • Under this agreement, the Government of Canada transfers the BCSF to the City in semi-annual instalments (July and November), after receiving the City’s annual expenditure report.
  • On April 1, 2024, renewed BCSF Administrative Agreements between the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories came into effect. These agreements will be in place until March 31, 2034.