Transit-Oriented Communities

The Provincial TOC program is focused on unlocking mixed-use high-density development opportunities connected to, integrated with or nearby to, new major transit stations.  This includes stations along the new subway and LRT corridors, as well as GO/Smart Track stations.  TOC development will be delivered by private sector partners.

The City and the Province share objectives related to the development of TOCs, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding on the TOC program (the “MOU on TOC”) entered into by the two parties, effective February 14, 2020.

The shared objectives are:

• The creation of complete and accessible communities, with employment and residential densities that support higher-order transit in a manner consistent with good land use planning and city-building principles;
• An increase in the housing supply, with a range and mix of types that are responsive
  to the specific context and nature of each unique TOD site, including affordable housing and other types;
• Growth in potential transit ridership and improvements/enhancements to the
  customer experience, as a result of direct access to rapid transit and connections to surface transit;
• Increased transit access for residents to employment areas, while further supporting
  employment growth;
• An offset of the costs of building and/or operating transit; and,
• The coordinated delivery of GO Expansion/SmartTrack and the Provincial subway projects with integrated TOC initiatives that adhere to the committed project schedules, and that optimize the use of City resources.

The Province, through Infrastructure Ontario, leads the work to define the basic parameters for TOC proposals, and is responsible for all negotiations with private sector partners.  Infrastructure Ontario works closely with City officials in defining the nature of the TOC proposals and in identifying any associated community benefits and amenities.  Infrastructure Ontario also leads public engagement related to each of its TOC proposals.

Help Shape Toronto

We want to hear your thoughts on the Transit-Oriented Communities (TOCs) proposals across the City.  You can contribute by reaching out to City Planning staff.  Send questions or comments to TransitCommunities@toronto.ca.  Your input can help shape the City’s comments on specific TOCs, as well as the Gerrard-Carlaw North TOC.

City Council has considered a number of reports on the City’s engagement on TOCs generally, and specific TOC proposals. Through these reports, City Council has provided direction to City staff on specific elements to negotiate related to specific TOCs. City Council has also directed staff to provide preliminary reports on all new TOC proposals and to conduct City-led public consultations on them.

General

• EX9.1 Transit-Ontario Transit Update
• EX12.3 Toronto-Ontario Transit Partnership – Status Update
• EX23.3 Provincial Transit-Oriented Communities Program

Ontario Line TOCs

• TE29.17 Transit Oriented Communities Update (Preliminary Report)
• EX31.2 Ontario Line Transit Oriented Communities Update

East Harbour

• PH25.16 East Harbour Transit Oriented Communities Proposal
• PH29.13 East Harbour Transit Oriented Communities Proposal – Status Update
• TE29.17 Transit Oriented Communities Update (Preliminary Report)
• EX29.4 Assessment of the East Harbour Transit Oriented Communities Proposal
• EX31.5 Interim Report on the East Harbour Transit Oriented Communities Proposal

March 2023

The first open house for the Gerrard-Carlaw North TOC was held on November 29, 2022. If you missed the meeting, you can watch the video recording or read the summary, which includes comments and questions from the community as well as corresponding responses by the City.

The second virtual open house is scheduled for March 30, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Register to join.

Fall 2022

• A transit-oriented community proposal was received for the northeast corner of Gerrard Avenue and Carlaw Avenue.  The site includes the Riverdale Shopping Centre.
• City Planning is reviewing the Gerrard Carlaw North TOC.
• Consultation on this TOC is now open.
• A virtual engagement session was held on November 29, 2022.  The recorded meeting and presentation are available online.
• Send questions or comments to City Planning staff via email: TransitCommunities@toronto.ca

Summer 2022

• A memo was prepared to provide an update on existing Ontario Line South TOC proposals, and an outlook on potential new TOC proposals.
• More TOCs are expected – Infrastructure Ontario continues to look at opportunities for TOC development projects along emerging subway and LRT transit corridors throughout the City.
• There is potential for more GO/SmartTrack stations.
• When TOCs are announced, a robust review guided by the City’s Official Plan and any relevant secondary plan and planning studies will occur supported by City-led community engagement.