TOC Overview
The Transit Oriented Community Program (TOC) was introduced in 2020 by the Government of Ontario and is described as being: designed to build vibrant, mixed-use communities that will bring more housing (including affordable housing options), jobs, retail, public amenities and entertainment within a short distance of transit stations. These transit-oriented communities, and other transit development opportunities, will be located along the province’s four subway projects, GO Transit and Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects.
The organization, administration, and construction processes for the TOC process are undertaken through Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx.
As well, with every TOC undertaken, IO and Metrolinx partner with a developer who is willing to make a substantial financial investment. Infrastructure Ontario's TOC web information says ... "To create opportunities to get even more housing built around GO and LRT, municipal and developer engagement and transactions at GO/LRT TOC sites will be led by IO wherever there is an opportunity to create more housing supply".
Until now, all TOC projects have been at subway stations, many along the new Ontario Line.
It is important to know that the Government of Ontario is in control of the TOC.
The province provides oversight to Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx, the agency partners working to deliver these transit projects.
How Does the TOC Process Work?
The letter included here outlines many aspects and expectations of the TOC process, including:
The province will decide the boundaries of the TOC. (In the case of Midtown, it could range from a small area immediately adjacent to the GO Station, or a larger area that could include much of the current Midtown delineation.
The province spearheads the selection and negotiations that will be undertaken in choosing a third-party developer and will act as the sole commercial interface at the TOC site.
Both Oakville and Halton Region are required to enter into a Mutual Confidentiality Agreement and Non-Disclosure Agreement with the province.
The engagement process regarding the TOC, when undertaken is under the design, control and decision of the province.
What Happens Next?
At present, we await further information - things like a definition of where the boundaries of the TOC will be drawn, the identity of the developer selected as the TOC partner, etc.
On July 6, Oakville's Planning & Development Council received an update from CAO Clohecy along with a staff report, which included the following information - "Although Midtown is not identified in the letter, the CAO sought clarity from the Ministry and it was confirmed that the area around the Oakville GO Station was being considered, including lands subject to development applications and appeals by Distrikt Developments Inc.
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