Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal and Ontario governments have joined the City of Toronto will share the cost to build Waterfront East Transit, a major infrastructure project needed to support housing along the city’s eastern waterfront.
Positioned a catalyst for large-scale waterfront revitalization, the plan includes extending higher-order transit to the Port Lands, including the new island known as Ookwemin Minising, opening the door for new neighbourhood development and improved access to jobs and key destinations.
Once complete, Waterfront East Transit is expected to support approximately 75,000 new homes, a significant contribution toward addressing Toronto’s housing shortage while accommodating long-term population growth.
The transit line will serve more than 150,000 residents and workers along the eastern waterfront and is projected to carry over 50,000 daily riders. It will integrate with a broader transportation network that includes roads, trails, bridges, and streetcar connections linked to major transit hubs.
The announcement builds on a previously unveiled $975-million tri-government investment in enabling infrastructure on the waterfront. Together, these investments are expected to generate more than 100,000 jobs and contribute over $13.2 billion in economic value.
Officials said the agreement reflects a coordinated effort across all three levels of government to deliver the infrastructure needed for complete, connected communities.
Kevin Sullivan, chair of the board at Waterfront Toronto, said the announcement highlights the impact of intergovernmental collaboration.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates what’s possible when all orders of government align around a shared vision,” he said. “We applaud the federal, provincial, and municipal governments for their partnership in moving this transformative project forward.”
George Zegarac, president and CEO of Waterfront Toronto, said the investment will help unlock housing and economic opportunities while enhancing connectivity along the waterfront.
Ontario’s Acting Infrastructure Minister Todd McCarthy said the agreement comes at a time when economic pressures, including tariffs and trade uncertainty, are affecting businesses and workers.
