Toronto's Compact Growth Stressing Infrastructure

Toronto, Ontario, is on its way to meeting a goal of adding 500,000 residents by 2031. Many see the dense growth as a positive move for Canada's most populous city, but trading sprawl for compact growth is creating strain on its infrastructure.

1 minute read

January 22, 2007, 9:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"The surge in downtown condominium towers has, in a few short years, helped the city of Toronto get halfway to its goal of adding a half-million residents by 2031."

"It's a result that's supposed to save invaluable farm land from being paved over in the 905 and help battle climate change, but Toronto officials say it's proving costly to keep up with the demands that growth has placed on the city."

"The city's official plan called for Toronto to grow from roughly 2.5 million residents in 2001 to about 3 million by 2031. Census data for 2006 won't be given to the city for a few months, but chief planner Ted Tyndorf yesterday said that existing buildings and a large list of approved new homes in the downtown core and other parts of the city will bring another 250,000 new residents for Canada's most populous city over the next few years."

Friday, January 19, 2007 in The Toronto Star

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

7 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

May 14 - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

May 14 - Smart Cities Dive