$3 billion announced for new transit line in Toronto

A new transit line will help move people from the east side of Toronto’s waterfront into the downtown core.

A cost-sharing agreement will help build Waterfront East Transit, including a light rapid transit line, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced today.

The transit line will run from Union Station to the Port Lands at the new Island called Ookwemin Minising (previously called Villers Island), which is slated for housing development. Biidaasige Park opened on the island last summer.

“This is a line that will provide service to more than 150,000 people who will live and work along the eastern waterfront, 50,000 daily riders,” said Carney.

The City of Toronto and Waterfront Toronto have been designing this line for the last two years, Chow said.

“Today, we welcome this agreement, $1 billion each from the federal, provincial and the city government,” Chow said. “This investment will unlock entire new neighbourhoods.”

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow speaks at the announcement on March 30 in Etobicoke.

The LRT line will connect into a broader transportation network that includes new roads, trails, bridges, and streetcars, integrated with other major public transit hubs.

Waterfront East Transit will ultimately support approximately 75,000 homes.

“This investment reflects the strength of tri-government collaboration and a shared commitment to waterfront revitalization,” said George Zegarac, president and CEO, Waterfront Toronto. “By delivering transit, governments are unlocking housing, enabling economic opportunity, and connecting communities and destinations along Toronto’s eastern waterfront.”

The transit line is still in its early phase. Waterfront East Transit is targeted to extend higher-order transit across the eastern waterfront to Ookwemin Minising by the early 2030s, aligning with anticipated first residence on Ookwemin Minising, according to Waterfront Toronto.

The funding announcement for the new line came during a larger announcement about lowering development fees to increase housing projects in Ontario.

A map shows preliminary plans for the new Waterfront East Transit.

More information on the transit plans can be found here and here.