About the GGM
What is the Greater Golden Mile?
The Greater Golden Mile, an inner suburb in East Toronto, centres around a largely commercial corridor on Eglinton Avenue East surrounded by five neighbourhood improvement areas. Formerly serving as an important hub of large-scale manufacturing, the economic power of the area began to decline in the 1970s after manufacturers moved to more affordable areas and average incomes fell relative to the rest of the city. Today, the commercial corridor is dominated by big chain stores and large surface parking lots.
Three major transit projects are now in development, connecting the Greater Golden Mile to the downtown and other parts of the GTA as never before. This has brought significant attention from developers who have proposed commercial and residential revitalization projects that will transform the neighbourhood and add over 35,000 residential units over the few decades.
The Greater Golden Mile is home to diverse communities with over 60% of residents born outside of Canada and over 75% identifying as a visible minority. Income rates in the neighbourhood continue to fall below the city of Toronto average – a key indication that opportunity is not reaching residents. The Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity Initiative (ILEO) brings together the private, public, and community sectors to find innovative ways to reduce gaps in economic prosperity at the neighbourhood level. ILEO is convened by United Way Greater Toronto and BMO Financial Group.
The following resources are available to ILEO partners wishing to learn more about the Greater Golden Mile, the first neighbourhood to be part of the ILEO Initiative.
Learn about the unique opportunities awaiting the Greater Golden Mile as well as key socio-economic data, showcasing the intricate tapestry of community stakeholders and the invaluable assets within the community.
Learn how major developments will forever change the Golden Mile by adding over 35,000 residential units to the core of the Golden Mile along Eglinton Avenue East.
Learn how three transit projects will connect the Greater Golden to the rest of region by 2031, connecting residents to jobs, education and other opportunities.
Explore the Greater Golden Mile Assets Map
Visualize the geographical reality of the Greater Golden Mile today in the context of public and private sector assets including community organizations, schools, current and future transit stops, real estate development sites, among many others.
The Golden Mile Community Benefits Framework
The Golden Mile Community Benefits Framework (CBF) is a community-informed response to the anticipated large-scale, transit-oriented development precipitated by theconstruction of the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT). This document builds on years of local efforts to advance the community’s vision for inclusive development and is intended for investors, local property owners, political representatives, community advocates and other interested stakeholders to ensure private investments yield social, economic, and other benefits for residents in the area.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding materials you see here, please contact marketing@uwgt.org
If you have questions specific to ILEO, please contact ileo@uwgt.org
