Building Sustainable Futures: How Transit Villages Are Shaping London, Ontario

Transit-oriented development (TOD) has captured the interest of urban planners all across Canada. In London, Ontario, the city is embracing TOD principles with its ambitious transit village plans, creating vibrant, walkable communities around key transit hubs. These efforts highlight London's commitment to sustainability, economic growth, and quality of life—values we share at RJC Engineers.

In this article, we cover:

• The vision and goals of London's transit village initiative.
• How transit-oriented developments create sustainable, connected communities.
• How RJC's expertise and London office are contributing to the city's transformation.

Let's explore London's exciting future and our role in shaping it.

First, What Are Transit Villages?

Transit villages, also known as transit-oriented developments (TOD), are designed to integrate housing, retail, and workplaces around transit hubs.

The core principles of TOD focus on:

• Walkability: Prioritizing pedestrian-friendly design with connected pathways and reduced reliance on cars.
• Connectivity: Seamlessly linking transit options with local infrastructure.
• Mixed-use development: Creating diverse spaces for living, working, and leisure.

These principles reduce urban sprawl, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance community livability. Across Canada, TOD is emerging as a practical and sustainable response to growing populations and transportation needs.

An Introduction to London, Ontario

London is already known for its vibrant culture and historic highlights. Home to landmarks like Western University, Canada Life Place (formerly Budweiser Gardens), and the Thames River, the city combines academic culture with a thriving entertainment and arts scene. By implementing transit villages, London is building on these strengths to attract businesses, retain talent, and meet the needs of a growing population.

London, ON's Vision for Transit Villages

Like many growing cities in Canada, London is facing unprecedented housing demand. Sustainable solutions are therefore needed to build effectively while being mindful of land use.

London's Transit Village initiative is a pillar of the city's broader urban strategy, centred around four major transit hubs: Masonville, Fanshawe, Downtown, and White Oaks.

These hubs aim to:

• Support higher-density housing and mixed-use developments.
• Reduce traffic congestion by promoting transit over car dependency.
• Create community spaces that foster economic growth and social connections.

Examples of Transit-Oriented Developments by RJC Engineers

At RJC Engineers, we have contributed to transformative transit-oriented developments across Canada, including:

• Vancouver – The Independent: Located in Vancouver's Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, The Independent is a 23-storey mixed-use development featuring residential units, office space, and retail, including a Nester's grocery store at ground level. This transit-oriented project embodies the surrounding community and is topped with trees, symbolizing the height of first-growth forests in the area.
• Edmonton – The Parks: This unique mixed-use project is located in downtown Edmonton and is designed to accommodate both residential and commercial uses in a pedestrian-friendly setting. The development will provide over 1,000 residential units and features indoor access to the Corona LRT station.
• Toronto – Eglinton Crosstown LRT Laird Station: As part of Toronto's significant transit expansion, the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) spans 19.5 kilometres with both above and below-ground tracks. RJC Engineers provided structural engineering services for the Laird Station, an underground station located at the intersection of Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue East.

London Office Highlight: Supporting Local Growth

RJC Engineers is proud to support London's ambitious growth through our London office, which is strategically located to serve the region's dynamic needs.

Our team brings national expertise with a local focus, offering a full range of services, including:

• Structural engineering for new developments and infrastructure.
• Building envelope engineering for energy efficiency and durability.
• Resilience-focused design to ensure long-term success.

With its strong sense of community and a growing reputation as a hub for innovation, London is the ideal location for transit-oriented development. From collaborating on transit villages to delivering landmark projects, we're excited to help shape the city's future.

Connect with our London Office Today

London's transit village initiative represents an exciting step forward in sustainable, connected urban design. By reducing individual car dependency, fostering economic growth, and enhancing community spaces, the city is setting new standards for livable urban development.

For developers and city planners looking to build the future of London, we invite you to connect with our team today.