The Public GalleryToronto

Toronto City Council · 2026-07-29 · 2026.MM43.122

money

City accepts cash contribution instead of Dufferin Station tunnel connection, redirecting funds to affordable housing and station improvements

Council approved accepting a cash payment from a development at Bloor and Dufferin in place of building a below-grade pedestrian tunnel to Dufferin Station. The redirected funds will support affordable housing, community amenities, and public realm work at the station. The decision closes a long-standing community debate over the tunnel's necessity.

adoptedToronto City Council · Thu, Jul 30

Who did what

From the floor

The advancing alternate section 37 agreement contribution at Bloor and Dufferin is urgent because it's lost counsel.Councillor Jamaal Myers (Ward 23, Scarborough North)

Also in this item

A below-grade pedestrian connection to Dufferin Station will not be built; the development contribution is redirected to affordable housing instead.

The journey

Wed, Jul 29 · Toronto City Council · adopted

Decision

City Council adopted the motion to accept the cash contribution in lieu of the below-grade tunnel connection and direct the value toward affordable housing initiatives, community and cultural amenities, and public realm improvements for Dufferin Subway Station, as identified through community consultation.

On video

Jump to this item in the meeting video

Why is this story here?
Big deal at city hallThis is a multi-year Section 37 commitment that redirects significant developer contributions from one type of public benefit (transit infrastructure) to another (affordable housing and station improvements). It is hard to reverse without renegotiating the Section 37 agreement and alters the use of a large public benefit stream.Felt nowResidents in this area and those using Dufferin Station feel this: the tunnel will not be built (affecting pedestrian access), and affordable housing outcomes are redirected to this neighborhood. This is a material change to what was promised in the original development agreement.

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Official title: Advancing Alternate Section 37 Agreement Contributions at Bloor and Dufferin - by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow · meeting video