Abstract Manager

As municipalities plan for higher densities around higher-order transit, transportation infrastructure will not only have to accommodate the increased population and employment demand but facilitate multi-modal travel and foster mixed-use livable communities. This presentation will explore transportation, municipal infrastructure, and land use planning for high growth areas centered around transit. The two focus projects will be the Integrated Central Oshawa Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) Study and Glencairn Subway Station Planning Study.

The Oshawa MTSA study focuses on the area surrounding the future Lakeshore East GO train station in Central Oshawa, while the Glencairn study around the Glencairn TTC station. Both areas are predominantly low to medium density residential with limited commercial uses, posing challenges for transforming the area into a more vibrant, mixed-use, transit-oriented community. Both aim to optimize land use around the transit station, encouraging higher density development and mixed-use zoning, while also maintaining consideration and sensitivity to the existing and surrounding land uses. Both areas are already seeing significant development pressures and managing and accommodating this growth has been a key consideration.

The transportation aspects of each study comprise of area-specific master planning, and functional/preliminary design for key local connections. Components include the integration of existing and future rapid transit, improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and streetscape improvements. Key to the transportation planning is facilitating both local and regional demand to the major transit stations, which requires integration of all modes of transport. The planning process involved extensive stakeholder engagement, including local residents, technical agencies, and transit authorities, to ensure the proposed solutions meet the community's needs and preferences.

Both case studies underscore the significance of land use and multi-modal transportation planning in promoting sustainable urban development. By prioritizing transit-oriented development, and improving active transportation, these projects aim to reduce reliance on private vehicles and increase the use of sustainable modes of transport. The presentation will also address the challenges encountered during the planning process, such as infrastructure constraints, consultation and coordination with agencies, and community opposition, and how these were mitigated.