Designing Today for Tomorrow: Creating Vibrant Transit-Oriented Communities
The Transit-Oriented Communities model is not a new or novel concept. It’s a proven approach that has been successfully implemented in cities around the world from Vancouver and London (UK) to Sydney (Australia), the Bay Area (California), Washington D.C. and Tokyo.
Ontario’s Bold Vision for Integrated Communities
Ontario’s Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Program, the largest of its kind in Canada, was announced in 2020 with the Transit-Oriented Communities Act. It represents a bold step forward in integrating transit infrastructure with vibrant, higher-density, mixed-use communities connected to stations. Infrastructure Ontario’s Development team is proud to lead this transformative program, helping to shape the future of Ontario’s urban landscape.
Along with other transit development opportunities, these TOCs will be located along the province’s four priority subway projects, as well as new and established GO Transit and Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines. To integrate transit and community development, TOCs aim to deliver housing closer to transit. TOCs will also help reduce traffic congestion and reduce emissions- benefitting future and current residents.
Tailored Development for Local Needs
Each TOC site presents a unique opportunity to meet the needs and demands of the surrounding community. Site proposals are either developed via IO and a building partner, or via IO and a technical team of advisors, and then listed on the open market in search of a suitable building partner.
Engaging Communities
IO is tasked with bringing the concept together and leads ongoing discussions with the municipality, stakeholders and the community. Consultation is a key part of our approach, and through open houses and stakeholder meetings, local voices have the opportunity to help shape the future of their communities. This collaborative process helps deliver projects that reflect the needs of residents while also advancing government goals.
“The Transit-Oriented Communities Program is a transformative, once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine how we live, work, and connect. IO continues to lead the TOC program in transforming current and future stations into vibrant communities within walking distance of transit.”
- Kelly Skeith, Senior Vice President, Planning
Delivering Homes, Jobs and Development Opportunities
To date, the Ontario government is planning proposed TOCs at 12 future subway stations along the Ontario Line, Yonge North Subway Extension and Scarborough Subway Extension. In total, these TOCs will create space for 56,000 new residential units, including affordable housing, as well as office and retail space to support approximately 75,000 new jobs. The province has also brought the King-Bathurst TOC and the Queen-Spadina TOC to the open market, and advanced commercial agreements with building partners for four sites.
Rendering of future TOC at King and Bathurst in Toronto
Rendering of future TOC at Queen and Spadina in Toronto
Three TOCs around GO and LRT stations have been announced, including Oakville, Milliken and Cooksville. The pipeline of TOCs will continue in 2026, with several new sites being introduced.
"IO continues to add value to provincially owned lands at or near transit stations, using provincial planning tools and then offering these complete sites to the market through an open market offering process. As Ontario grows, the TOC program will play a vital role in building sustainable, connected and thriving communities for generations to come.”
- Uzay Ozince, Senior Vice President, Transactions