The Ontario government’s Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Program continues to take shape across Toronto, with major redevelopment planned for Pape Station. The proposed Pape TOC will transform underused parcels of land into high-density, mixed-use communities that integrate seamlessly with the future Ontario Line interchange and existing Line 2 Bloor-Danforth subway station.
Led by Infrastructure Ontario (IO) in partnership with the City of Toronto and Metrolinx, the Pape TOC will bring new housing, retail spaces, public realm improvements, and community amenities to the heart of Danforth Village.
South Parcel: A Transit-Linked Mixed-Use Hub
The South Parcel will form the core of the development, featuring:
-
414 new residential units, with a portion allocated to affordable housing under the City’s Open Door program.
-
Seven at-grade retail units to support local businesses along Danforth Avenue.
-
A new transit station headhouse, providing direct access to the Ontario Line and Line 2 subways.
-
A 958-square-metre transit plaza, acting as a public gathering space for community events and festivals.
-
A mid-block pedestrian connection linking Danforth Avenue to an extended Lipton Avenue, improving walkability and street-level activity.
The proposal emphasizes pedestrian-friendly design, with new landscaping, street trees, and cycling infrastructure integrated into the station area.
North Parcel: A Smaller Residential Addition
Across Gertrude Place, the North Parcel will complement the South Parcel with:
-
25 residential units, providing a modest increase in local housing supply.
-
420 square metres of non-residential space on the first and second floors, supporting small-scale commercial or community uses.
-
A step-down building design to transition smoothly from higher density on the South Parcel to low-rise residential areas to the north.
Council’s Direction: Affordable Housing and Community Benefits First
Toronto City Council has directed that all TOC projects prioritize affordability, parkland, and community benefits. Key considerations include:
-
Maximizing affordable housing units, with deeper levels of affordability achieved through contributions from the province, city, and developer.
-
Securing on-site parkland dedication where possible, or innovative off-site solutions.
-
Consulting with local service providers and residents to determine the greatest community needs, with projects subject to the Community Benefits Charge by-law (4% of land value).
-
Leveraging the City’s Open Door Program, which waives property taxes and development fees to encourage affordable housing supply.
The Pape TOC is within a Protected Major Transit Station Area (PMTSA) approved by City Council and awaiting final sign-off from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The site must meet a minimum density of 200 residents and jobs per hectare, aligning with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
Next Steps and Timeline
Infrastructure Ontario began public engagement in Spring 2024 and will continue consultations through Fall 2025. Construction of the Ontario Line Pape Station will precede TOC development, ensuring transit infrastructure is ready before new residents move in.
Once complete, the Pape TOC will deliver:
-
439 residential units (combined parcels)
-
53 new local jobs
-
Multiple retail units and public spaces
-
Direct connections to Toronto’s expanded rapid transit network
This project exemplifies Ontario’s push to build housing near transit, reduce congestion, and create walkable, vibrant communities for future generations.
📌 Source: Infrastructure Ontario – Pape Transit-Oriented Community Engagement Materials (2024).
📘 Square Footage: Design, Density & Development Across Ontario is GTA Weekly’s Saturday editorial series exploring how major new builds and transit-oriented communities are shaping the future of housing in the region.
Follow us @GTAWeeklyNews for more stories that connect transit and development. #GTAWeekly #GTAToday #SquareFootage
Leave a Reply