About this Series: A Decade of Advocacy & Action
For ten years, the Toronto Region Board of Trade has brought together leaders, experts, and decision-makers to discuss and drive forward Toronto’s transit and transportation agenda. As we gear up for our 10th Annual Transportation Summit on March 26, we’re taking a look back at what we’ve accomplished, the challenges we’ve addressed, and the bold steps still needed to keep the region moving. Stay tuned for our event recap on March 27.
For nearly two centuries, the Toronto Region Board of Trade has been a leading voice in shaping how Toronto moves. Transportation has always been more than just infrastructure—it has been fundamental to the region’s economic success.
In the mid-1800s, Toronto’s prosperity depended on strong trade routes, well-maintained ports, and a growing railway system. The Board played a key role in ensuring that investments in roads, shipping, and rail transformed Toronto into a thriving commercial hub.
By the early 20th century, streetcars were the backbone of Toronto’s transit system, connecting neighbourhoods and supporting business corridors. As the city grew denser, it became clear that streetcars alone wouldn’t be enough. The Board was among the first organizations to advocate for a subway system, recognizing early on that high-capacity transit was essential to the region’s future. That push helped lead to the creation of the Yonge subway line, which opened in 1954—a defining moment in Toronto’s transit history.
But that early foresight didn’t last. In the latter half of the 20th century, transportation planning slowed, and today we find ourselves playing catch-up.
“In recent decades, as our city and region have massively grown, our transportation system didn’t. As a result, we find ourselves feverishly playing catch-up—and in a big way. It won’t just be a question of how much we can build, but how quickly and cost-effectively. We need to get Toronto moving again while planning for the future at the same time. Ultimately, there’s no path to prosperity without improved mobility.”
— Giles Gherson, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade, 2024 Transportation Symposium
Advocacy never stops—and neither does the Board. Over the decades, we’ve continued to push for better regional connectivity, transit expansion, and smarter policies to keep the Toronto region globally competitive.
Looking ahead, our focus remains on building rapid, high-capacity transit; integrating services across the region; embracing new technologies and mobility solutions like high-speed rail; and enhancing multi-modal freight corridors to ensure the region remains efficient, connected, and economically vibrant.
As we mark ten years of our Annual Transportation Summit, it’s clear the region has made meaningful progress. We no longer need to make the case for investments as we once did—the business case is now evident. Key projects, like the Ontario Line, and long-discussed programs, like the One Fare Program, are finally moving forward. What was once aspirational is now underway, and transit has never been a more urgent or prominent priority.
But the work is far from done. The next decade will bring new challenges: the need to expand trade-supportive infrastructure, build climate resilience, accommodate continued population growth, and integrate emerging technologies. Meeting these challenges will require bold solutions, cross-sector collaboration, and decisive action.
This is how we shape the future of transportation—by turning vision into action and staying focused on outcomes that move our region forward.
The next ten years start now.
10th Annual Transportation Symposium: From Gridlock to Growth
Toronto’s transportation network is evolving, poised to meet the needs of a dynamic and growing region. Join us as we tackle congestion and transit challenges, modernize infrastructure.
Thank you to our partners:
