Three more TOC designs released
The province has released preliminary design proposals for three more transit-oriented communities (TOCs) along the future Ontario Line subway.
The government says the mixed-use, live-work-play communities would bring more jobs and housing closer to transit, helping to increase ridership, reduce congestion, stimulate economic growth and reduce the cost of building infrastructure for taxpayers.
The development proposals for the communities were submitted the City of Toronto for review in late May.
“Our government is taking a bold, new approach to city building by funding, planning and delivering historic transit projects while also rolling out our innovative transit-oriented communities program,” said Kinga Surma, Associate Minister of Transportation (GTA). “Our plan is about more than just expanding public transit. It is about changing our way of life for the better. People want to live near transit, so it only makes sense to integrate housing options, retail and community amenities as part of the smart transit planning process.”
Under the proposal, Exhibition Station would become connected transit hub with new housing, office and retail space that would support approximately 2,300 jobs. Transit riders will be able to connect to GO Transit, TTC services and the future Ontario Line subway, making it more convenient to get to the destination for sporting events, concerts and other attractions, as well as the growing Liberty Village community.
The station site consists of three sites, all of which have been designated for TOC use. The proposed sites would deliver a mix of new housing, office and retail space.
The province is also proposing a transit-oriented community at the future Queen-Spadina station that would provide more housing, retail space for businesses and convenient access to transit, including the TTC streetcar and future Ontario Line service. That site includes two sites, both of which have been designed for TOC use.
Finally, at the future King-Bathurst station, the proposal looks to add more housing and office space while retaining heritage buildings and structures, recognizing the neighbourhood’s character. It also includes two sites designed for TOC use.
Once the city review is complete, the province will host engagement with the public, stakeholders and Indigenous partners beginning this winter.
“We recognize that each neighbourhood has its unique character and needs, which is why it’s so important to engage with the public, key stakeholders and Indigenous partners on these proposals to hear their ideas while addressing potential concerns,” said Surma. “Our approach to building transit-oriented communities will not be complete without input from local communities as they will help shape our shared vision.”
TOCs are part of the province’s plan to build new, sustainable transit. The province says the communities will enhance its broader vision for its GTA subway plan by placing more housing and jobs near or at transit stations along the routes of the province’s four priority subway projects—the Ontario Line, the Yonge North Subway Extension, the Scarborough Subway Extension, and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension. Doing so is expected to will increase transit ridership and reduce traffic congestion.
The province intends to build TOCs in collaboration with the private sector and municipal partners.
In April, it shared preliminary plans with the City of Toronto to build two proposed transit-oriented communities located at the future East Harbour Transit Hub and Corktown Station—also along the new Ontario Line subway line. Community engagement on both is expected to begin in the summer or fall.
Featured image: Draft aerial view of the proposed Dufferin St. site at Exhibition Station. (Government of Ontario)