10th Annual Transportation Symposium: From Gridlock to Growth

Transportation is about more than getting from point A to B—it’s the foundation of vibrant, connected communities and thriving businesses. Our 10th Annual Transportation Symposium brings together industry leaders, policy makers, and experts from across sectors to explore actionable strategies that will: 

• Reimagine parking as multi-modal mobility hubs. 
• Leverage digital twin technologies to optimize urban infrastructure. 
• Strengthen trade corridors to support global competitiveness. 
• Deliver rider-focused transit systems to grow ridership and reduce congestion.

Be part of the solution. Together, we can shape a region where transit is reliable, trade flows smoothly, urban spaces empower communities, and businesses succeed. 

Register today to join the conversation and contribute to reshaping Toronto’s transportation future. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to creating a city that works for everyone. 

9:30 – 10:30 am : Registration & Networking

10:30 – 10:40 am: Opening Remarks

• Giles Gherson, President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade

10:40 – 11:00 am: Keynote Address

Introductory Remarks:

• Marc Boucher, SVP & Market Lead - Transportation and Major Projects, Canada, AtkinsRéalis

11:00 – 11:45 am: Charting a Path forward for Transit Systems

This discussion will explore strategies for building resilient and efficient transit systems that meet local needs. As agencies and operators work to enhance passenger experience, restore public trust, and maintain financial stability, they must also navigate workforce challenges and evolving operational demands. This conversation will highlight key opportunities, from technology-driven solutions and multimodal integration to private-sector partnerships and innovative funding models, offering insights relevant to all urban transit systems adapting in an era of fluctuating ridership.

• Greg Percy, Interim CEO, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
• Don Bonds, Chief Transit Officer, Chicago Transit Authority
• Arthur Nicolet, CEO, Transdev Canada

Moderator:

• Josée Ouellet, Vice-President Services for North America, Alstom

11:45 am – 12:25 pm: Breakout Sessions

Reimagining Parking for the Future

Parking is evolving from static car storage to a dynamic component of urban mobility. This session will explore how cities are transforming parking infrastructure into multi-modal mobility hubs that accommodate bikes, scooters, and future transportation needs. We’ll dive into the rise of smart parking systems, using real-time data and automation to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. As urban spaces grapple with growing demands for curbside use, the session will also focus on curbside management—balancing parking, deliveries, and ridesharing services to optimize space.

• Scott Collier, President, Toronto Parking Authority (TPA)

Building Smart Cities: Unlocking the Power of Digital Twins:

Digital twin technology is reshaping urban infrastructure by offering real-time insights and predictive capabilities for optimizing transportation networks, managing infrastructure, and improving urban mobility. This session will explore how cities are utilizing digital twins to enhance operations, simulate traffic flows, and plan for future growth. Experts will share key case studies, highlighting how public and private sectors are collaborating to harness the full potential of digital twins. The discussion will also touch on the need to prepare urban infrastructure systems and skilled professionals to manage and leverage this cutting-edge technology.

• Alexandra Luck, Programme Director, National Digital Twin Programme, United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade (Virtual)
• Steven N. Liss, Vice-President, Research and Innovation and Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University
• Amar Singh, EVP, Digital Infrastructure Practice, Infrastructure Ontario

Moderator:

• Robert Edelstein, Senior Vice President, Director, Strategic Technology, AECOM

Bridging the Gap: First Mile, Last Mile Transit Solutions

How can we create affordable, convenient, and equitable first mile/last mile connections so public transit is a more viable option and we can reduce reliance on the personal vehicle? This panel brings together experts from public transit agencies, mobility companies, and urban planning to discuss innovative partnerships, real-world case studies, and the future of integrated mobility solutions. Join us to explore how technology, policy, and collaboration can improve transit accessibility for communities across the GTA.

• Sonia Kandola, Director of Government Relations, Lime
• Lynn Dollin, Mayor, Town of Innisfil

Moderator:

• Jake Brockman, Senior Public Policy Manager, Uber Canada

12:25 – 1:35 pm: Lunch

1:35 – 2:25 pm: Strengthening Trade Corridors in the Toronto Region

The Toronto region plays a vital role in Canada-US trade, serving as a key hub for the movement of goods. However, challenges such as congestion, aging infrastructure, and inefficiencies in the supply chain impact the region’s competitiveness. This panel will explore how enhancing trade corridors like the 401 highway, modernizing rail connections, and optimizing Pearson International Airport and Toronto’s ports can reduce bottlenecks and improve the flow of goods. Discussions will also address how public-private partnerships (PPPs) and projects support long-term growth and efficiency for cross-border trade infrastructure in the Toronto region.

• Tim Murphy, EVP and Chief Strategic Affairs Officer, Aecon
• David Gutheil, Interim President & CEO / Chief Commercial Officer, Port of Cleveland
• Joanne McCall, Senior Vice President, Canada Regional Business Line Leader – Transportation, AECOM

Moderator:

• Greg MacKenzie, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary, 407 ETR

2:25 – 2:45 pm: Networking Break 

2:45 – 3:25 pm: Strengthening Canada’s Rail Industry: Workforce, Building, Manufacturing Expertise for Tomorrow

Efficient, well-connected transit systems enhance mobility and drive economic growth by improving workforce access, reducing delays, and strengthening supply chains. To support its growing transportation and infrastructure needs, Canada must address workforce gaps, foster innovation, and build resilient manufacturing. This panel will explore how industry leaders are tackling these challenges, highlighting examples like the Alstom-AtkinsRéalis partnership in sustainable rail mobility. Panelists will discuss strategies for building a sustainable talent pipeline, enhancing manufacturing capabilities, and positioning Canada as a global leader in the rail transportation sector.

• Vincent-Pierre Giroux, Global Learning & Talent Development Director, Alstom
• Olivier Marcil, VP, Communications & Public Affairs Canada, Alstom
• Laurence Lebel, Director, Systems Engineering & Integration - Rail, Transit and Mobility, Canada, AtkinsRéalis
• Fred Antunes, Senior Vice-President, Major Projects, AtkinsRéalis

Moderator:

• Roselle Martino, EVP, Policy, Advocacy, and Stakeholder Engagement, Toronto Region Board of Trade

3:25 – 3:55 pm: Keynote Address

• Michael Lindsay, Interim President and CEO, Metrolinx

3:55 – 4:00 pm: Closing Remarks

• Giles Gherson

4:00 – 5:00 pm: Networking and Cocktail Reception