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Making Toronto a Strong Town

The suburban experiment creates non-places that can't even pay their bills. It's time we move on and build a city that's about people, not cars or towers.
Join us to change the way we build our homes, streets, and neighbourhoods.
Become A Member

The Suburban Experiment

We've designed our lives, homes, and streets around cars, and moving them as fast as possible. No one stopped to check if this new idea actually worked.

It doesn't.

Suburban-style streets cost more than the property taxes on suburban-style homes, and our city is broke because of that fact.

Our streets are so full of traffic that we'd move faster by bus if it wasn't also stuck in traffic. (Even bikes are getting competitive vs. the 18km/h average in Toronto...)

We have an epidemic of traffic fatalities, pollution-related illness, and loneliness.

Build cities for people again.

It turns out that the traditional way of building cities was better for everyone involved. Shops were close enough to walk if we wanted. The city had money to maintain the streets. Traffic was so light that kids played street hockey.

There's no magic pill. Every neighbourhood is different. Solutions will come from empowering individuals to make their communities better.

We do know that urban life can be good.

When we can walk to the store, get to know our neighbours, and take the train to work, every measure of quality of life improves. It also improves your personal budget, and that of the city, because cars and their infrastructure are very expensive.

The way out

What Is Strong Towns?

Strong Towns is replacing North America’s postwar pattern of development, the Suburban Experiment, with a pattern of development that is financially strong and resilient. We advocate for cities of all sizes to be safe, livable and inviting. We elevate local government as the highest level of collaboration for people working together in a place, not merely the lowest level in a hierarchy of governments.

Learn more about the international Strong Towns movement at strongtowns.org

Our Instagram @strongtownstoronto

Get Involved!

There's lots of ways to make a difference

  • Attend an official Consultation

  • Join our conversation on Discord or in person

  • Join your neighbourhoods' Residents Association

  • Check out other groups (see below)

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Join us in person!

Join us in person!

Other Groups

These are groups we think are also doing the right things to improve Toronto. We have no official relationship.

Community Engagement Events

Participate in discussions and workshops focused on urbanist ideas to enhance our city together.

An urban scene showcasing a variety of buildings, including multi-story residential structures with both classic and modern architectural styles. The streets are lined with trees and vehicles, including cars and vans, along with several people walking and cycling. A few cafes or restaurants with outdoor seating are visible, indicating a vibrant community space. Overhead, the sky is overcast with thick gray clouds.
An urban scene showcasing a variety of buildings, including multi-story residential structures with both classic and modern architectural styles. The streets are lined with trees and vehicles, including cars and vans, along with several people walking and cycling. A few cafes or restaurants with outdoor seating are visible, indicating a vibrant community space. Overhead, the sky is overcast with thick gray clouds.
Collaborative Urban Planning

Work with fellow Torontonians to create innovative solutions for a more resilient and lively city.

A group of people gathered around a table covered by a canopy situated in an urban neighborhood setting. They are engaged in conversation or community activities. The area has various houses and buildings with visible electric poles and wires overhead. Children and adults are present, some standing and others seated.
A group of people gathered around a table covered by a canopy situated in an urban neighborhood setting. They are engaged in conversation or community activities. The area has various houses and buildings with visible electric poles and wires overhead. Children and adults are present, some standing and others seated.

Urban Resilience

Join us in creating a lively and safe Toronto together.

A large crowd gathered on a city street, holding signs and banners. One prominent sign in the foreground reads 'SAY NO TO 15-MIN GHETTOS.' The participants appear to be engaged in a protest against an urban planning concept. Several people are wearing casual clothing, and police officers are visible to the left, managing the event. The buildings in the background have historic architectural features.
A large crowd gathered on a city street, holding signs and banners. One prominent sign in the foreground reads 'SAY NO TO 15-MIN GHETTOS.' The participants appear to be engaged in a protest against an urban planning concept. Several people are wearing casual clothing, and police officers are visible to the left, managing the event. The buildings in the background have historic architectural features.
Community Engagement

Discuss urbanist ideas and collaborate for a better city.

An urban street scene displays a bustling city environment with tall skyscrapers reflecting the sky and clouds. Trees provide greenery amidst the urban landscape, and a diverse group of people are walking and gathering on the street. There are various urban elements present, including street signs and building facades.
An urban street scene displays a bustling city environment with tall skyscrapers reflecting the sky and clouds. Trees provide greenery amidst the urban landscape, and a diverse group of people are walking and gathering on the street. There are various urban elements present, including street signs and building facades.
Safe Spaces

Promoting safety and liveliness in our urban environments.

A vibrant urban scene featuring a street corner filled with buildings covered in colorful graffiti and street art. Numerous bicycles are parked alongside a row of cars. Trees line the streets, adding greenery amidst the concrete. People are seen casually walking and interacting, giving life to the busy street environment.
A vibrant urban scene featuring a street corner filled with buildings covered in colorful graffiti and street art. Numerous bicycles are parked alongside a row of cars. Trees line the streets, adding greenery amidst the concrete. People are seen casually walking and interacting, giving life to the busy street environment.
An urban cityscape with high-rise buildings and a densely built environment. Various architectural styles are evident, with a mix of modern apartment blocks and older structures. A busy street lined with numerous parked cars can be seen, with trees and vegetation providing some green space amid the concrete.
An urban cityscape with high-rise buildings and a densely built environment. Various architectural styles are evident, with a mix of modern apartment blocks and older structures. A busy street lined with numerous parked cars can be seen, with trees and vegetation providing some green space amid the concrete.
Collaborative Projects

Working together to enhance Toronto's urban resilience and productivity.

Urban Discussions

Regular meetings to share ideas and inspire change.

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Join us to discuss urban ideas together.

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