WHAT WAS NEW IN TORONTO IN 2025: A YEAR OF TRANSIT, HOUSING, SAFETY AND CITY-BUILDING MILESTONES

What was new in Toronto in 2025 as the city advanced transit, housing, safety and climate action

Toronto marked 2025 with a wide-ranging set of policy actions, capital projects and service expansions aimed at reducing household costs, improving mobility, strengthening public safety and preparing the city for major global events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

In a year-end summary released December 19, the City of Toronto highlighted progress across transportation, housing, emergency services, climate resilience, community spaces and youth programming—framing 2025 as a year focused on affordability and long-term city building.

Transit, Traffic and Congestion Relief

Transportation remained a central focus in 2025, with the City completing several high-profile projects ahead of schedule. All six lanes of the Gardiner Expressway were reopened earlier than planned, cutting the original construction timeline roughly in half with provincial support.

Traffic flow and road safety were also improved through the deployment of additional Traffic Agents at busy intersections and continued investment in Vision Zero measures, including new pedestrian crossings, traffic signals, speed-management initiatives and cycling infrastructure upgrades.

What was new in the City of Toronto in 2025
News Release: https://t.co/H4774zdcdV pic.twitter.com/4IX6eioqa8

— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) December 19, 2025

On transit, the City froze TTC fares for a second consecutive year, added 500,000 service hours to improve reliability and advanced major capital projects. These included the delivery of 55 new Line 2 subway cars, the start of construction on the Scarborough Busway, and the opening of the Line 6 Finch West LRT.

Economic Support and Local Business Relief

Toronto also moved to strengthen its economy amid shifting global trade conditions. The City launched the Mayor’s 10-Point Economic Action Plan, which included the Love Local campaign encouraging residents to support Canadian businesses.

As part of targeted economic relief, the City provided a 15 per cent property tax reduction to 28,000 small businesses, while also rolling out programs to support manufacturers impacted by U.S. tariffs.

Housing Delivery and Renter Protections

Housing affordability and renter stability were major priorities in 2025. The City established a new Housing Development Office and launched the Toronto Builds Policy Framework to accelerate development on City-owned land.

More than 700 new affordable and rent-geared-to-income homes were completed, construction began on 3,400 rent-controlled homes, and an additional 2,900 rent-controlled units were approved through the Rental Housing Supply Program.

To protect tenants, Toronto implemented a Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw aimed at preventing renovictions and increased funding for the Toronto Rent Bank and eviction-prevention programs, helping keep more than 3,800 families housed.

Emergency Services and Community Safety

Emergency response capacity was expanded with the hiring of 263 new first responders, leading to faster response times and a nearly 70 per cent reduction in 911 call wait times.

The Toronto Community Crisis Service was expanded city-wide, responding to more than 35,000 calls, while a new pilot embedded crisis response teams directly on TTC Line 1 to improve transit safety.

Climate Resilience and Energy Efficiency

Toronto advanced major climate and infrastructure projects in 2025, completing Phase 1 of the Fairbank–Silverthorn Trunk Sewer, issuing over $5 million in basement flooding subsidies, and planting approximately 136,000 trees and shrubs.

The City also launched its first wastewater energy project, reducing natural gas use by about 90 per cent, and supported residents through programs such as the Air Conditioner Assistance Program for low-income seniors and a new Furnace Upgrade Program offering low-cost financing and energy coaching for heat pump conversions.

Expanded Recreation, Libraries and Community Spaces

Access to public spaces was broadened significantly. For the first time, all 100 Toronto Public Library branches opened on Sundays, expanding access to learning and community space.

The City opened Biidaasige Park, the largest new park in a generation, alongside new community recreation centres in East Bayfront and Rouge Valley, and the Mount Dennis Early Learning and Child Care Centre, Toronto’s first net-zero, City-run child care facility.

Summer recreation was also expanded with early openings of 15 outdoor pools and 15 wading pools, extended hours, and upgrades to parks, playgrounds, tennis courts and pickleball courts. Toronto also opened its first indoor cricket practice facility, with eight more planned for 2026.

Youth Programs and Nutrition

Youth-focused programs were expanded through the Toronto Student Nutrition Program and CampTO, delivering meals, snacks and summer programming to hundreds of thousands of children. The City also delivered more than 140 Summer Safety Plan initiatives, focusing on violence prevention, mental health, skills development and youth employment.

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Preparations

Preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ accelerated in 2025. Toronto confirmed it will host six matches at Toronto Stadium, completed Phase 1 stadium upgrades, began Phase 2 construction with MLSE, and opened the FIFA Volunteer Centre at Humber Polytechnic.

The City also announced Fort York and The Bentway as official FIFA Fan Festival™ locations.

Source: City of Toronto news release, December 19, 2025

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