Impact Of Transportation Infrastructure On Urban Development Patterns: Case Study Of The Eglinton Crosstown Project In Toronto

This study analyzes the Eglinton Crosstown project in mid-town Toronto as a case study to examine the impacts of Light Rail Transit (LRT) infrastructure on urban (re)development patterns. The Crosstown LRT project is one of the largest transportation projects in Canada today, and is set to be completed in 2021. Connecting the city of Toronto’s east- and west-ends, the Crosstown touches 12 of the city’s 44 wards. I address the relationship between the LRT transportation system and development. Ultimately, if proximity to premium transportation infrastructures significantly impacts residential and commercial developments and property values, it has the potential to result in uneven geographies and ultimately gentrification. Dawkins and Moeckel (2016) refer to this phenomenon as ‘transit-induced gentrification’ (p.801). Through planning policies and tools oriented towards Transit-Oriented Development and Smart Growth, neoliberalism has been realized through geography and infrastructure and has contributed in uneven spatial development and injustice in cities. The Province of Ontario has committed $50 billion in 2008 as part of the Big Move plan in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) within the next 25 years. With renewed interest in light rail, and in order to address adverse gentrification impacts, it becomes pertinent to ask questions about how land values are affected by premium forms of transit and existing land use policies. After examining these issues on the basis of a series of interviews, field observations, academic literature and media review, I examine how intensification is occurring at the core of Eglinton Avenue, and especially at the intersection of Eglinton and Yonge. This intensification is taking place in the form of modern condominium developments that seek to attract young professionals, and have the potential to drive out current residents and commercial uses. The LRT impacts on urban development will vary depending the local context, and will continue to be realized well after the completion of the project. The gentrification effect requires a proactive policy approach by governments to protect existing affordable housing, and ensuring land redevelopment does not price existing low-income residents out of newly-accessible neighbourhoods.