TOD Community Improvement Plan

Transit Oriented Development (TOD): Compact, mixed use development near transit stops and stations with high-quality walking environments, activity and amenities. The intent of TOD is to design and develop in a way that allows people to drive less and walk, cycle and take transit more.

Transit Oriented Development Community Improvement Plan

The City of Cambridge is growing. Provincial policies and future population growth pressures call for us to shift our auto-dependency to more active forms and transit, as roadways can only be expanded so much. Stage 2 ION Light Rail Transit (LRT) will be a transformational transit service to the City of Cambridge. Development near existing ION bus stations and future ION LRT stations has the potential to shift travel patterns for the community if the right transit-supportive infrastructure and amenities are put in place.

Prioritizing the movement of people using sustainable transport modes, rather than cars, delivers vast benefits for the health of citizens and the prosperity of our City. The result of transit oriented development is vibrant, liveable, sustainable communities where it is possible to live, work and play without complete dependence on a car for daily use.

Creating a TOD Grant Program

With the goal to create vibrant, walkable communities, the City is creating an incentive program to help investments along the Central Transit Corridor (CTC). This program will allow developers and existing property owners to apply for funding to put towards transit-friendly infrastructure and amenities for their development.

Examples of what a developer/property owner could apply for:

• Additional sidewalk
• Secure bicycle parking enclosure
• Enhanced transit shelters
• Digital monitors displaying transit schedules
• Car share and TravelWise memberships
• Transit passes

Have more ideas for the TOD grant program? Please share in the 'Ideas' and 'Survey' tabs below.

In order to create the incentive program, the City must first create a Community Improvement Plan that captures this community need.

What is a Community Improvement Plan (CIP)? 

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool that allows municipalities to provide focus and direction for the long-term improvements of a defined project area. Section 28 of the Ontario Planning Act allows municipalities to prepare CIP's. Through a CIP, municipalities can:

• Make infrastructure and public space improvements;
• Acquire, rehabilitate, and dispose of land; and,
• Offer grants and loans to owners and tenants through specific programs.