Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Streetcar Program

Summary

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Streetcar Program project was approved through Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s (HICC) Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF), with a federal contribution of $180,000,000 to the City of Toronto. The project scope includes the procurement of 47 new zero emission streetcars and essential upgrades to the Hillcrest maintenance and storage facility (Hillcrest facility), located at 1138 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario, for storage, servicing, dispatching and maintenance of streetcars. With a maximum passenger capacity of 250, at 70% occupancy, the TTC estimates that each low-floor articulated streetcar replaces 175 single-passenger cars. The project is expected to be completed by March 31, 2029.

Key findings from the strategic environmental analysis

Through the deployment of zero emission streetcars, the proposal will accelerate the reduction of emissions in the transportation sector (which represents 25% of all Canadian emissions) both by supporting the initial transition of the City’s fleet off fossil fuels and by potentially replacing trips from single passenger vehicles.

The project will also improve the accessibility of clean public transit options in the City of Toronto. Since the streetcars will produce no tailpipe emissions and will help reduce single-passenger car trips, a reduction in traffic congestion, air pollutants and noise pollution is anticipated. As a result, positive effects are expected for nature and biodiversity, as well as human respiratory health are expected due to an overall reduction in gasoline and diesel exhaust. Emissions are expected from the material acquisition and construction phases of this project including any mining or forestry activities associated with the construction of assets. Additionally, noise and vibration disturbances can be expected due to the operation of the streetcars.

The project will include measures to increase the resilience against flooding at the Hillcrest facility and within the regions where the streetcars will be operated, aligning with the National Adaptation Strategy’s goal of ensuring that infrastructure is resilient to climate change. However, these climate resiliency measures are limited to the infrastructure owned by the City, and broader impacts to Canada’s resilience to climate change would be marginal.

Key findings from the cross-cutting considerations

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS)

The project contributes to the following Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals:

• Goal 9: Foster innovation and green infrastructure in Canada; and
• Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Implications on sustainable jobs

The project would help support local economic development through the creation of jobs at Alstom’s facilities in Thunder Bay, Ontario and La Pocatière, Québec.