Suburban Retrofit: Transit-Oriented Development along the Finch West LRT Line in Toronto
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Authors
Ali, Nvar
Date
2025-04-30
Type
other
Language
en
Keyword
Alternative Title
Abstract
This report explores how to revitalize the Finch Avenue West LRT corridor in Toronto to create transit-oriented, complete communities by asking: How can the revitalization of the Finch West LRT corridor support the retrofitting of the car-oriented suburban neighbourhoods of Humbermede and Humber Summit to create transit-oriented, complete communities through innovative design approaches and land use planning? This question shapes the structure of the report, which investigates the redevelopment potential of the Humbermede and Humber Summit neighbourhoods—areas characterized by low density, car dependency, and fragmented land use.
With the introduction of the Finch West LRT line, the study examines how strategic urban design, land use planning, and policy interventions can guide the corridor’s transformation. A comprehensive qualitative analysis—including theoretical and policy reviews, site analysis, and alignment with Toronto’s Official Plan and design guidelines—supports the development of a design concept. The report draws on key urban planning literature, including Case Studies in Retrofitting Suburbia and The Sprawl Repair Manual, and applies a SWOC (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Constraints) analysis to assess current conditions and development potential.
The proposed design concept introduces four guiding principles: creating distinct nodes, concentrating density near transit, integrating a green network, and enhancing walkability through active travel corridors. These principles support the vision of a 15-minute neighbourhood, where residents can meet daily needs within walking distance. Evaluation using the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Index results in a TOD-ness score of 93.3%, indicating strong alignment with TOD principles.
The report concludes with six recommendations addressing land use, mobility, housing diversity, urban design, and healthy communities. Together, these strategies provide a framework for revitalizing the Finch West corridor into a vibrant, connected corridor that promotes sustainable growth, active transportation, and transit-oriented development.