Proposed Changes to the GO Transit Station Funding Act, Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation Act and Transit-Oriented Communities Act (Schedule 4, 13 and 15 of Bill 60 - Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025)

The government is seeking public feedback on proposed legislative and regulatory changes under the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025 to streamline the construction of new homes and infrastructure (e.g., water, wastewater, roads, transit), reduce gridlock, enhance community safety, and improve landlord-tenant frameworks.

As part of the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, Schedule 4, 13 and 15, introduced proposed legislative amendments to the GO Transit Station Funding Act, 2023, Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation Act, 2002 and Transit-Oriented Communities Act, 2020. These changes are intended to enable a more effective dispute resolution process for TOC Projects, flexibility for municipalities to support more growth around future GO stations and to support the next phase of waterfront revitalization, allowing Waterfront Toronto to continue its ongoing work enabling the development of housing and community amenities on Toronto’s waterfront.

Transit Station Charge – Time of Payment

Schedule 4, proposes amendments to the GO Transit Station Funding Act, 2023 to provide municipalities with greater flexibility in determining when Transit Station Charges are to be paid. Under the proposed changes, municipalities may choose to collect the charge either at the time of permit issuance or at building occupancy for new residential developments near future GO Transit stations.

These changes are consistent with recent amendments to the Development Charges Act, 1997 introduced through Bill 17, which similarly provide flexibility in the timing of development charge payments.

Extending Mandate of Waterfront Toronto (WT) 

Schedule 13 proposes changes to the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation Act, 2002 (TWRCA) to extend WT’s mandate from 2028 to 2035 with an option to extend up to an additional 5 years and make minor administrative amendments.

Extending Waterfront Toronto’s mandate will allow Waterfront Toronto to procure and deliver enabling infrastructure necessary to build new housing units and community amenities through the next phase of the redevelopment. It will also fulfill the tri-government partners commitment to work on extending the mandate and reinforces private sector confidence in long-term waterfront development.

Enabling Faster Dispute Resolution on TOC Matters:

Schedule 15 proposes amendments to the Transit-Oriented Communities Act, 2020 to enable the establishment of a TOC Advisory Panel. TOCs are a key component of Ontario’s strategy to delivery much-needed housing, including affordable housing options, jobs, commercial space and public amenities within a short distance of transit. The proposed legislative changes are intended to create a clear and effective dispute resolution framework that supports timely project delivery.

The TOC Advisory Panel would provide advice to the Minister of Infrastructure and offer dispute resolution services for TOC-related matters. To further support this process, the proposed amendments include a new Ministerial order-making authority, enabling the Minister to direct parties toward resolution of issues brought before the Panel.

TOC Implementation Reporting

The Province collaborates closely with municipal partners throughout the lifecycle of TOC projects. The success of the TOC program and the effective delivery of projects rely heavily on active municipal participation. Currently, municipalities provide updates to the Province on an ad-hoc, project-specific basis, as there is no formal requirement for regular programmatic reporting.

Schedule 15 also proposed changes to the Transit-Oriented Communities Act , 2020 to give the Minister of Infrastructure authority to require a senior municipal official to provide regular reporting to the Minister on the progress of TOC projects.

Environmental Implications

By implementing the proposed changes, MOI will be accelerating the creation of more TOCs, which in turn would help create vibrant, mixed-use communities that optimize land use with more housing and jobs near transit stations. The related development and construction of these communities may have temporary impacts to the environment, though the communities are planned to encourage the use of public transit and reduce car dependency ultimately reducing emissions and alleviating traffic congestion.

Other Opportunities for Consultation

The ministry will be contacting targeted stakeholders to consult them on the proposed amendments.