Leveraging Transit Infrastructure for Local Impact: Community Benefits Agreements and the High-Speed Rail
Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 2:30–4:00 PM | Virtual Webinar
Session Overview
This session is designed for community organizations, municipalities, and stakeholders who are passionate about the outcomes of infrastructure investments in their areas. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and connect!
Hosted by Community Benefits Ontario (CBO), this 90-minute webinar will dive into Alto, Canada’s first high-speed rail project, which promises to bring significant benefits to all Canadians. From boosting economic growth and shortening travel times to enhancing connectivity between people and communities, creating job opportunities, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Alto is set to make a big difference.
The information shared will include opportunities to enhance your understanding of the project, its benefits, and key milestones.
Join Us for an Exciting Webinar!
What are Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs)?
CBAs are project-specific legal agreements or contractual requirements of construction, infrastructure, and/or development projects negotiated between communities and public or private developers. They ensure that large-scale infrastructure and development projects deliver tangible, lasting benefits to local communities, particularly those that have historically been excluded or negatively impacted by such developments.
CBAs may include commitments such as:
- Good local jobs and equitable hiring
- Apprenticeship training, skilled trades and professional, administrative and technical (PAT) careers
- Procurement and supply chain opportunities for local and diverse businesses and social enterprises
- Affordable housing and commercial space
- Community amenities like childcare and recreation centers
- Environmental protections and neighbourhood improvements
- Public accountability and transparency throughout project development
Why is this important?
The High-Speed Rail (HSR) Network connecting Toronto to Québec City is Canada’s largest infrastructure initiative in over a generation. This project will significantly impact Ontario’s economic and social landscape for decades to come. Communities along the rail corridor are already being identified, making it essential for residents to stay informed, organized, and engaged at this critical stage.
This session will help communities:
- Understand how CBAs can protect local interests and ensure long-term benefits
- Learn from successful CBA models across Ontario and beyond
- Prepare for upcoming engagement opportunities, including an information session on the HSR Network, where communities can advocate for community benefits as part of the planning and development process
By building awareness and capacity surrounding CBAs now, we can ensure that infrastructure investments result in good jobs, inclusive growth, and stronger communities.
About Community Benefits Ontario (CBO)
Community Benefits Ontario (CBO) is a provincial network focused on community benefits policy and implementation in Ontario. CBO members work to promote community benefit agreements in communities across Ontario. Members of CBO include:
CBO Members include:
- Niagara Community Benefits Network
- Hamilton Community Benefits Network
- Toronto Community Benefits Network
- Prince Edward County Community Benefits Network
- Ottawa Community Benefits Network
- Ontario Non-Profit Network
- Buy Social Canada
- CP Planning