5.4K 
Today, the Ontario government announced the approval of Toronto’s long-planned framework for Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs), locking new height and density permissions into the City’s Official Plan for dozens of key sites around subway, LRT, and GO stations. The decision under the Planning Act finalizes policies for redevelopment within various distances of 49 stations, with estimates that the full MTSA network (120 locations in total throughout the City) could accommodate more than 1.5 million additional homes over the next 25 years once fully implemented.
Official Plan Amendment 570, adopted by Toronto in 2022 and now in force with eight modifications made by the Province, sets minimum density targets and other updated planning policies for the 49 MTSAs approved in this decision. Each area covers properties within an 800m walk of rapid transit stops, and supports taller buildings and greater density the closer each is to the station.
Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, withheld approval for eight other MTSAs, which remain under review: East Harbour, Gerrard-Carlaw, Long Branch, Exhibition, Yonge–Steeles, Scarborough Centre, Guildwood, and Scarborough GO. The decision notice does not indicate the reasons for deferring these locations, but there are appeals filed for at least some of these.
“The changes we are announcing today, along with our government’s latest legislation, are vital steps in our plan to protect Ontario’s future by getting shovels in the ground and building homes faster to meet the needs of our growing population,” said Flack. “I commend Mayor Chow for partnering with us on a bold, shared vision, one where more people can work, live and raise their families right here in Toronto."
By locking in higher-density permissions and reducing procedural delays, the City aims to bring more homes online in locations where new residents can rely on rapid transit for daily travel. “Toronto needs more affordable housing,” said Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto. “We are tackling the housing crisis by cutting red tape to build more homes near transit to support our city’s growth.”
The MTSA framework is closely tied to the Province's $70 billion transit expansion program, which currently includes the Ontario Line 3, Scarborough Subway Extension, Eglinton Line 5 Crosstown West Extension, Yonge Line 1 North Subway Extension, and GO Expansion. By directing more housing growth to station areas, the Province and City aim to maximize the return on this infrastructure investment.
“By building more housing near transit stations in Toronto, we’re putting new residents within walking distance of fast, reliable public transit to keep people moving,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation.
The approvals come alongside new provincial measures under the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, introduced in May, 2025 to accelerate housing and infrastructure delivery. The legislation streamlines planning for transit-oriented communities, standardizes development charges, reduces barriers to innovative construction methods, and extends expedited approval powers from the Building Transit Faster Act to all provincial transit projects.
The amount of growth envisioned for MTSAs will require significant investment in supporting infrastructure beyond just transportation, therefore the Province is also directing over $2.2 billion over four years through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund and Municipal Housing Infrastructure Fund to expand capacity for water, wastewater, stormwater, and road networks. The City of Toronto was granted $67.2 million from the second round of the Province's Building Faster Fund for reaching 88% of its 2024 housing target.
Beyond boosting housing supply, the MTSA policies are positioned as a driver of economic activity, with the province projecting tens of thousands of jobs in construction and skilled trades over the coming decades.
* * *
UrbanToronto has a research service, UTPro, that provides comprehensive data on development projects in the Greater Golden Horseshoe — from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.
