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.

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

Summer 2022 Update

• 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.