Beyond transit infrastructure, think city building

Governments across Canada are gearing up for the largest wave of infrastructure investment in a generation, with urban transit top of the agenda. Multi-billion-dollar subway, Skytrain and light rail mega-projects are being planned or are already underway in Surrey, B.C., Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Mississauga, Ont., Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. This is a big, bold bet on the future of Canadian cities. The pandemic has decimated transit ridership. At the peak of the pandemic’s first wave in the spring of 2020, transit ridership in cities nationwide was down by as much as 90 per cent. It remains well below pre-pandemic levels to this day. And the media has also been filled with stories about an exodus of city dwellers to larger living spaces in the suburbs and greener pastures further afield, while debate rages about the future of downtowns and office work. Amidst all the uncertainty, Canadian leaders rightly recognize that cities are vital to the country’s future prosperity, and that transit is essential to thriving cities. Rather than pausing or rethinking the need for major transit projects, they are doubling down on critical infrastructure investments. To maximize the value of this massive public spending on transit infrastructure and assist communities in recovering from the pandemic, it is essential that the projects in the pipeline are used as a catalyst for effective city building. One key approach is the development of transit-oriented communities that are healthy, inclusive, and sustainable. Transit-oriented communities co-locate housing, jobs, retail, public services, and recreational opportunities close to transit stations, creating mutual benefits. Transit investments spur dense compact development at station areas. This generates significant new revenue that governments can recoup a portion of to either offset the cost of building the transit line or put towards other public benefits like affordable housing or public amenities. At the same time, having more activity near transit stations in turn drives higher system ridership and farebox revenue, while reducing car dependence. Transit-oriented communities are the building blocks for livable mixed income neighbourhoods, where residents have all their daily needs, like access to quality transit, work, groceries, schools, medical care, and a park nearby within short walking distance. Over the years, Canadian cities have had a mixed record developing transit-oriented communities. Decades after the Yonge Street subway in Toronto and the Expo Skytrain line in Vancouver were built, for instance, the routes of both lines can be identified in aerial photos by the high-rise, transit-oriented developments that are now strung like beads on a necklace around key stations. But all too many rapid transit and commuter rail stations in Canadian cities continue to be surrounded by strip malls and vast parking lots. This is a missed opportunity that is starting to change. An important recent trend is the development of transit-oriented communities both in downtowns and in many suburban areas across the country. Some of the largest institutional investors are transforming suburban shopping malls and other land holdings they own near transit stations into vibrant transit-oriented communities. Another powerful innovation is proposals for community hubs at the heart of transit-oriented communities. These hubs will bring together a mix of schools, libraries, daycares, recreation centres, business incubators, and job training programs, making transit-oriented communities attractive places to people of all ages including families with kids. Recently, concerns have been raised that new transit-oriented developments will spur gentrification, driving up property prices and pushing out low-income residents who should instead stand to benefit from better transit access. This risk must be addressed through public policy and meaningful community engagement that ensures development takes place without displacement, and that affordability is paramount. The pandemic has reinforced the importance of complete communities where residents have an affordable place to live and nearby access to all of their daily needs and ample outdoor public space. With careful planning and co-ordination, the current wave of rapid transit investments across the country will be an accelerator for the development of resilient, connected communities that are fit for a post-pandemic world. Matti Siemiatycki is interim director of the School of Cities and professor of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto. He is the Canada Research Chair in infrastructure planning and finance. The Hill Times