Ontario Construction News staff writer
Metrolinx has unveiled its inaugural Community Benefits and Supports (CBS) annual report for 2023-24, marking a significant milestone for Ontario’s first community benefits program as it prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024. This report details the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering community development alongside essential transit projects.
The CBS program is designed to provide new transit services while uplifting communities during construction and beyond. By creating job opportunities and training for equity-deserving populations, promoting social enterprises, and supporting local businesses, Metrolinx is actively driving economic change in the regions it serves.
Key highlights from 2023-24:
- Economic Investment: A remarkable $35.7 million was spent on local businesses and social enterprises, enhancing the economic landscape across the region.
- Public Realm Improvements: The integration of 148 public realm enhancements in various projects, including $173.2 million dedicated to active transportation initiatives such as bike storage and multi-use pathways, as well as $127.7 million aimed at local access and accessibility upgrades like new bridges and streetscape enhancements.
- Diversity in Hiring: Notably, on light rail transit (LRT) projects, 29.1 per cent (169 individuals) of new hires were from BIPOC communities, with 21.9 per cent (164 individuals) self-identifying as women. For subway projects, the figures rose to 62.5 per cent (90 individuals) from BIPOC communities and 35.7 per cent (55 individuals) identifying as women, surpassing the program’s aspirational goal of 10 per cent.
Supporting Local Communities
A major goal of the program is to connect residents to essential services and employment opportunities while addressing community concerns during construction.
“Growing up in Brampton as a first-generation Punjabi, we didn’t have connections to the industry; I was the only girl in my co-op class and often the only young woman of colour on site,” said Lovleen Sarah, a third-term carpenter’s apprentice with Local 27, who worked on the Hazel McCallion LRT project. Sarah is currently advancing toward her Red Seal certification, embodying the success of the CBS initiative.
“Apprenticeship opportunities and diversity are crucial in our field. When people see how good you are, it encourages others, especially women, to join the trades. It creates opportunities for future generations to learn and grow,” she said.
Looking Ahead
As Metrolinx continues to expand transit options, the organization remains dedicated to listening to community needs and ensuring their voices shape the development of transit infrastructure. The 2023-24 CBS annual report stands as a testament to the positive changes being driven by collaborative efforts between Metrolinx, local communities, and stakeholders.
For more information, read the full report on the Metrolinx website.