News
Where we’ve been making a splash.
Toronto Star
Dec 2024
Many Torontonians already travelling on foot for fun. But urban geographers say it could serve a greater purpose. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to the Toronto Star about his love of walking around our city.
CBC
Dec 2024
Work on Queens Avenue bridge due to start in 2026, wrapping up the next year. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CBC about how many Canadian cities are facing major Infrastructure repairs at this moment.
Toronto Star
Dec 2024
From CityPlace to Regent Park, the city has tried to build dense new hubs before, with varying success. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki caught up with Toronto Star about the community landscape of Toronto.
CBC
Nov 2024
Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki weighs in on what Toronto transit could look like by 2050.
National Post
Nov 2024
Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s spoke with the National Post about the rampant housing development.
CBC Metro Morning
Nov 2024
Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s talked with CBC Metro Morning about the ins and outs of HWY 407.
CBC News
Nov 2024
Fines bumped from $90 to $450, and $120 to $500 in community safety zones. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s caught up with CBC to speak on what this means for Toronto traffic.
Toronto Star
Nov 2024
With some agency spaces in precarious spaces, the response is aimed at providing long-term stability in a region experiencing rapid growth. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s spoke with the Toronto Star about the state of social purpose real estate.
CBC News
Nov 2024
A new report by the Infrastructure Institute says 70% of essential community service spaces in the GTA are leased. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s talked with CBC about these findings.
CBC News
Oct 2024
Can we make congestion work for cities? Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s talked with CBC on how this might work.
CBC News
Oct 2024
Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s was a guest on CBC News to discuss this topic.
The Local
Oct 2024
The Annex had fewer residents in 2021 than 1971. The towers of Crescent Town had far more. How the uneven, illogical densification pattern of the last 50 years created today’s Toronto. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s caught up with The Local to talk about density in the city.
Daily Mirror Online
Oct 2024
The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on October 23, that Canada will “significantly” reduce the number of new immigrants. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s talked with the Daily Mirror on how immigration has been helpful to Canada.
Toronto Star
Oct 2024
Amid fierce debate, we took a look at the arguments in a bid to extract facts from the friction. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s spoke with the Toronto Star about what is right and what is wrong in this debate.
CBC Radio
Oct 2024
Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s talked to CBC about Ford’s decision.
The Brock Press
Oct 2024
Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s speaks on his concerns over the logistics of Ford’s proposal.
The Trill Podcast
Oct 2024
The most ambitious infrastructure project in Canadian history? Or the biggest potential boondoggle since Muskrat Falls? Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s was a guest on The Trill Podcast about Doug Ford’s plan to build a new tunnel under highway 401.
Global News
Sept 2024
Doug Ford’s tunnelled highway plan will likely cost tens of billions of dollars and be hugely complicated, experts and advocates say. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s spoke with Global News about the high cost of a new tunnel.
CTV News
Sept 2024
The pitch is to build an expressway for vehicles, and possibly transit too, under Canada’s busiest throughfare: Highway 401. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s talked to CTV News about where Boston went wrong.
Toronto Star
Sept 2024
Ford is touting a tunnel from Brampton to Scarborough to carry more traffic as GTA roads become increasingly crowded. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s spoke with Toronto Star about this announcement.
Global News
Sept 2024
Ford government considers possibility of tunneling under Hwy. 401 for new expressway. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s caught up with Global News about what this means for Toronto traffic.
CityNews
Sept 2024
As City of Toronto officials begin a crackdown on motorists who block intersections, one of the problematic pinch points is outside the Union Station Bus Terminal. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s talked to CityNews about why we need this crackdown.
Toronto Star
Sept 2024
Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s op-ed in the Toronto Star.
CBC News
Sept 2024
Government declines to comment on measures outlined in draft internal documents. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to CBC on the impacts of cyclist safety.
Global News
Sept 2024
Ontario Premier Doug Ford plans to focus on Toronto’s grinding gridlock in a round of upcoming legislation that promises to be “game-changing” for drivers. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to Global News about what this means for drivers.
Global News
Sept 2024
A new report from the Toronto Region Board of Trade found the current cost of new transit in the city averages more than $700 million per kilometre. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with Global News about how political choices can drive costs up.
Toronto Star
Aug 2024
The West Toronto Railpath is beloved and well-used. It shouldn’t cost $75 million per km to expand. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki is featured in Toronto Star talking about this high cost.
CBC
Aug 2024
More Toronto flooding and Montreal’s water main break the latest in a series of flood events this summer. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked to CBC about the future of flooding in cities.
Toronto Star
Aug 2024
The decision by an Ontario Superior Court judge caps a seven-year legal battle over construction problems that afflicted Pioneer Village station. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with Toronto Star about how this issue got so far.
CBC
July 2024
Toronto raising fines for more than 100 parking offences. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CBC about inconsistencies and dangers around parking enforcement.
CTV News
July 2024
Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to CTV News about how major congestion impacts quality of living in Toronto.
CP24
July 2024
A pair of downtown city councillors are calling for a new “action plan” to address gridlock concerns in Liberty Village. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CP24 about the unique congestion Liberty Village faces.
Global News
July 2024
Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with Global News to discuss Toronto’s gridlock troubles.
CityNews
July 2024
Recent massive rain fall caused dangerous flooding on the DVP and Gardiner. Director of the Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki caught up with CityNews to discuss Toronto’s issues with dealing with such natural disasters.
CBC
July 2024
City asks province to greenlight higher fines; province says Toronto can set its own. Matti Siemiatycki talked with CBC about how increased fines are important but won’t solve everything.
CBC
July 2024
86% of people who responded to a new survey say city has a congestion crisis. Matti Siemiatycki talked with CBC about how to ease congestion in the city of Toronto.
CTV News
July 2024
Matti Siemiatycki was on CTV News discussing what can be done to alleviate Toronto traffic woes.
Financial Post
July 2024
The number of active condo listings skyrocketed by 70 per cent, hitting a record high of 10,688 for any month. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with the Financial Post about the need for developers to listen to the needs of demand.
CBC
July 2024
Decision to settle quietly likely informed by Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown case. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CBC about the challenges with P3s.
CP24
July 2024
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CP24 about celebrities complaining about Toronto traffic.
Global News
June 2024
While the original construction price tag in 2019 was projected to be $10.9 billion, the latest estimate to build and operate the line over 30 years is now pegged at $27.2 billion. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki discussed with Global News how this price got so inflated.
CBC
June 2024
Calgary, a city of about 1.6 million people, has been cut off from more than half of its water supply since June 5. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CBC about how other cities should see this as a wake up call.
Global News
June 2024
Calgary’s catastrophic water main break is raising questions about whether a similar event could happen in other Canadian cities. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with Global News about what other major cities can learn from this.
CBC Front Burner Podcast
June 2024
Calgarians are still rationing water more than two weeks after a catastrophic pipe break and other Canadian cities should be gearing up for similar crises. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CBC’s Front Burner podcast about what cities should do now to avoid an infrastructure collapse.
CP24
June 2024
The Gardiner Expressway rehabilitation project can see commute times increase by 250% and impacts on the environment. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CP24 about what can be done to help this.
Montreal Gazette
June 2024
Marrying transit and development seen as key to bringing the administration’s goals for 2050 to fruition. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to the Montreal Gazette about how this can be accomplished.
Toronto Star
June 2024
A newly released analysis by Oakville-based company Geotab puts travel-time numbers to the experience that drivers have been living for months. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to the Toronto Star about the cost of congestion.
CBC
June 2024
Some school districts are turning to prefabricated classroom expansions to more quickly address surging student populations, but not everyone believes it’s the best path forward. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CBC about the trade-offs for prefabrication.
CP24
May 2024
What technologies can help improve urban mobility? Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CP24 about how tech companies might be able to help traffic congestion.
CityNews
May 2024
A hydraulic oil spill brought TTC Line 2 trains to a stop for a large portion of the line for several hours. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CityNews the need for more resources are needed to fix the existing system.
CP24
May 2024
As preconstruction condo sales in Toronto plummet to levels not seen since the global financial crisis 15 years ago, developers are now turning to more lucrative incentives to try to entice prospective buyers. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with CP24 about what this means for the housing market.
Global News
May 2024
Toronto’s construction ‘catch up’ means ‘unacceptable’ traffic. What’s the solution? Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki caught up with Global News to discuss possible solutions.
Toronto Star
May 2024
The Star asked a panel of housing experts to weigh in on the firehose of political promises. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki was one of these experts.
Toronto Star
May 2024
A new report suggests many parents are co-signing their kids’ mortgages to help priced-out young adults gain a toehold in pricey markets. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to the Toronto Star about the trials of homeownership for younger generations.
CP24
Apr 2024
With the Gardiner Express Way under massive construction for years, now comes more delays while work is being done on the 401. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CP24 about what this could mean for Toronto traffic and downtown revitalization.
CBC Coast of Living
Apr 2024
Mega-projects going over budget is the norm in Canada (and everywhere else), but why do planners always get it so wrong? Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CBC Cost of Living about why it all comes down to the “optimism bias.”
CTV Your Morning
Apr 2024
With more homes being built, more infrastructure and community spaces must be built as well. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CTV Your Morning about the importance of planning whole communities, not just housing.
CP24
Apr 2024
With the Gardiner Express Way under construction for five years this is already having a big impact on traffic and bringing business to downtown. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CP24 about how we might be able to speed up this process.
Globe and Mail
Apr 2024
The federal government says it is launching a multibillion-dollar fund to pay for infrastructure needed to build housing and will bypass any provinces that object to the requirements to deal directly with municipalities. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with Globe and Mail about what this means for new housing which desperately needs to be built across Canada.
CP24
Mar 2024
Construction has begun on a years long project to revamp the Gardiner Express Way . Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CP24 about how this will effect commuters.
CTV News
Mar 2024
Canada has recorded the fastest population growth in 66 years, increasing by 1.3 million people, or 3.2 per cent, in 2023, according to a new report from Statistics Canada. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CTV about how this impacts Canada’s economy.
CBC News
Mar 2024
A luxury Toronto condo project that’s been sitting idle for at least two years is irking its Forest Hill neighbours. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CBC about industry-wide challenges that allow this to happen.
CityNews
Mar 2024
Toronto city council has approved an updated traffic congestion management plan, which includes calls for hiking certain traffic fines and a pilot project for using new AI technology. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CityNews about how this could impact Toronto.
Canada Council for the Arts
Mar 2024
The Mixtape Collective which includes Infrastructure Institute team members, Phat Le and Alexandra Lambropoulos have been shortlisted for the 2025 Venice Biennale Architecture.
NRU
Mar 2024
Helen Ketema from Infrastructure Institute and Cheryll Case from CP Planning talked with NRU about the new Roadmap Connect Accelerator Program. Posted with permission of the publisher of NRU Publishing Inc. Original article first appeared in Novae Res Urbis Toronto, Vol. 28, No. 10, Friday, March 8, 2024
The Globe and Mail
Mar 2024
Op-Ed in The Globe and Mail by Infrastructure Institute team members Sarah Chan and Nigel Carvalho.
The Globe and Mail
Feb 2024
Canada’s mayors are expressing concern that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau won’t deliver a promised long-term infrastructure deal in the upcoming 2024 federal budget. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with The Globe and Mail about what this could mean for Toronto.
City News
Feb 2024
Only six garden suites have been built in Toronto since the city began to search for new ways to bolster the housing supply. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with City News about the lack of laneway developments.
CBC
Feb 2024
The minister’s comments were poorly phrased — that doesn’t make them wrong. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with the CBC about these comments.
Toronto Star
Feb 2024
The Gardiner lane restrictions between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue will be halted during the 2026 World Cup. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked with the Toronto Star about what this could mean for downtown Toronto traffic.
Toronto Star
Jan 2024
The budget needs to provide assurances that higher taxes and spending in 2024 will improve the quality of life for Torontonians. Op-ed in the Toronto Star by Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki and Myer Siemiatycki
City News
Jan 2024
The dedicated busway that is supposed to replace the Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT) Line 3 is behind schedule and costs have skyrocketed. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with City News about the frustrations this has caused for transit users.
CBC
Jan 2024
Growing capital repair list projected despite new deal with the province, tax increases. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with CBC on the urgent need for more infrastructure repairs in Toronto.
MSN
Jan 2024
Toronto has recently been identified as North America’s most congested city, outpacing both New York and Mexico City according to the TomTom’s annual traffic index. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki was featured on MSN commenting on this finding.
CP24
Jan 2024
A study of traffic congestion in 387 cities around the world found Toronto to be the worst city in North America, third worst in the world. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with CP24 about the consequences of all this traffic.
Toronto Star
Jan 2024
The new type of rental subdivision is an option that gives tenants access to yards, and space for a growing family, but critics say what’s needed here is more density. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with Toronto Star on what this could mean for Ontario.
CTV News
Dec 2023
The city of Toronto is not out of the woods yet when it comes to its fiscal challenges, and some key questions will need to be answered in the year ahead. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with CTV News on what still needs to be done.
CBC About That
Dec 2023
The federal government is reviving a war-time plan for pre-approved home designs to accelerate building across the country. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki discusses how this might work.
CHCH
Nov 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to CHCH on the future of Ontario Place.
Toronto Star
Nov 2023
What are the longer-term systemic problems to this historic deal? Read Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki thoughts in the Toronto Star.
Globe and Mail
Nov 2023
What are the true pros and cons P3s? Read what Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki had to say to the Globe and Mail.
CBC News
Nov 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked to CBC news on the good and the bad news when it comes to the new federal financing.
City News
Nov 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki talked to City News on how enforcement is needed for this project to succeed.
Spacing Magazine
Nov 2023
Spacing magazine review of the panel discussion which included Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki.
Toronto Star
Nov 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to Toronto Star on how social purpose real estate can help underserved communities.
CP24
Nov 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki on CP24 speaking on how to solve congestion on Toronto’s streets.
Ottawa Citizen
Oct 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to Ottawa Citizen about air rights at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa.
Toronto Star
Oct 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to Toronto Star on the high cost of highway repairs.
CTV News
Oct 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to CTV News on why the province should take over the responsibility of the highways.
City News
Oct 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to City News about who should handle the massive cost of repairing the highways.
CBC
Oct 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to CBC on the possibility to convert unused office buildings to much needed housing in the downtown core.
Toronto Star
Oct 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with the Toronto Star on the state of Toronto’s line 2 subway and what the future might bring.
Azure Magazine
Sep 2023
Infrastructure Institute’s Architectural Designer, Phat Le spoke to Azure Magazine about our current +(plus)2.0 exhibition.
Global Radio
Sep 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to Global Radio on the impact of removing HST new on rental apartments will have on Canada’s housing supply.
Toronto Star
Sep 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki’s op-ed in Toronto Star: Both federal and provincial governments have a critical role to play. They need to revive and reinvest in successful earlier policies that built affordable housing.
NRU
Sep 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with NRU on our +(plus)2.0 exhibition in Collision Gallery. Posted with permission of the publisher of NRU Publishing Inc. Original article first appeared in Novae Res Urbis Toronto, Vol. 27, No. 34, Friday, September 1, 2023
Toronto Star
Aug 2023
Infrastructure Institute Post-Doctoral Fellow, Yinnon Geva spoke with the Toronto Star on the Artscape receivership.
CBC Radio
Aug 2023
Infrastructure Institute Post-Doctoral Fellow, Yinnon Geva spoke on CBC Radio on the possible future of Artscape.
CP24
Aug 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki was featured on a CP24 segment on incorporating new bike lanes into downtown Toronto’s infrastructure.
Toronto Star
Aug 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to the Toronto Star This Matters podcast on if there is a need to build on the Greenbelt.
National Post
Aug 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to the National Post on the provincial government has made housing intensification around transit stations a key part of its political platform.
Toronto Star
Aug 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to the Toronto Star on how EVs will continue to perpetuate the car culture.
CTV Your Morning
Aug 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke CTV Your Morning on what political leaders are responsible for fixing the housing crisis.
Global News
Aug 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke Global News about an all-hands-on-deck approach to solving the housing crisis.
Toronto Star
Aug 2023
What alternatives do we have for building on the Greenbelt? Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with Toronto Star on how we can better solve the housing crisis.
CBC News
Aug 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with CBC News on the current state of Vision Zero and how far we have left to go.
Montreal Gazette
Jul 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with Montral Gazette about Montrea’s REM and the future of transit.
CBC
Jul 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with CBC about the closing of the the Buttonville Airport.
Toronto Star
Jul 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with the Toronto Star on the TTC’s state of good repair on its aging infrastructure.
Chat News Today
Jul 2023
Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki discussed Montreal’s impressive REM model.
Toronto Star
Jun 2023
Exactly how did Olivia Chow win Toronto’s Mayoral election? Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki discussed with the Toronto Star
CTV News
Jun 2023
Looming over the race to pick the city’s next mayor is a problem lying in wait for whoever wins: Toronto had a deficit to the tune of $1.5 billion. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki shared his thoughts with CTV News on Toronto’s tough budget.
BNN Bloomberg
Jun 2023
Matti Siemiatycki, Director of Infrastructure Institute, joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss Canada’s growing population as it hits a new record growth high driven by immigration.
Toronto Star
Jun 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki gives his expert opinion on leading mayoral candidates’ promises about some hot-button topics in Toronto.
Yahoo!
Jun 2023
Infrastructure Institute Fellow, Astrid R.N. Haas wrote for Yahoo! on who should foot the bill for mitigating the impacts in African cities.
Globe and Mail
Jun 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki and School of Cities Director, Karen Chapple spoke to the Globe and Mail about the politics of affordable housing.
Global News
Jun 2023
Watch Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki talk with Global News on the signifigance of this milestone.
CBC
Jun 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with CTV News on the infusion of cash from the provincial and federal governments needed to catch up on building the affordable housing the city desperately needs.
CTV News
Jun 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with CTV News on the infusion of cash from the provincial and federal governments needed to catch up on building the affordable housing the city desperately needs.
CBC
Jun 2023
Canada’s population just hit 40 million. What does that mean for housing in our country? Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with CBC on the opportunities and challenges for our growing population.
The Globe and Mail
Jun 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki was a guest at the Globe and Mail panel. Watch the full conversation at the link in the article.
I Heart Radio
Jun 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki featured on I Heart Radio with thoughts on increased TTC safety.
CityNews
Jun 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with City News on why the neighbourhood is ground zero of Toronto’s congestion crisis.
The Agenda TVO
May 2023
Maple Leaf Gardens was built in less than six months. The Canadian Pacific Railway, four years. The Eglinton Crosstown is now at 12 years with no end in sight. What does that reveal about Ontario’s ability to build big things? And what’s changed from years past? Infrastructure Institute Associates, Shoshanna Saxe and Drew Fagan speak with TVO on building infrastructure in Ontario.
CTV News
May 2023
Part 3 of its Downtown Decay series, CTV News Toronto examines the path forward for the city’s slumping core—and what can be done to reverse the troubling trend featuring Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki.
BNN Bloomberg
May 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with BNN Bloomberg about the role of transit in downtown recovery.
CTV News
May 2023
Is the city of Toronto in a state of disrepair? Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with CTV News on why downtown infrastructure is seemingly crumbling.
Toronto Star
May 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with Toronto Star on outlining how to make the core thrive again.
Globe and Mail
May 2023
Public-private partnerships (P3s) have a public perception problem yet, they are essential partnerships for development. Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with the Globe and Mail on how to share the risk equally.
NRU
May 2023
New NRU story features Infrastructure Institute Land Value Capture Study exploring the potential of this as a possible municipal revenue tool. The piece includes interviews with Infrastructure Institute director Matti Siemiatycki and University of Toronto Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy professor, Drew Fagan. Posted with permission of the publisher of NRU Publishing Inc. Original article first appeared in Novae Res Urbis GTHA, Vol. 26, No. 18, Wednesday, May 18, 2023.
Global News
May 2023
What transit solutions are needed for the highly-anticipated Ontario Line to Ontario Place? Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke to Global news about creative solutions.
ReNew Canada
May 2023
ReNew Canada grasps the Infrastructure Institute’s Land Value Capture study
CBC News
Apr 2023
What are mayoral candidates stance on the Toronto housing crisis? Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with the CBC News on candidates positions.
Toronto Star
Apr 2023
How is the Ontario government shaping the Toronto mayoral election? Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with the Toronto Star on candidates positions in relation to the premier
Hamilton Spectator
Apr 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with the Hamilton Spectator on the rising costs of Canadian rapid transit projects
Building.ca
Apr 2023
Building.ca grasps the Infrastructure Institute’s Land Value Capture study
National Post
Apr 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with National Post about the need for more more development outside of cite centres
Construct Connect
Apr 2023
Exactly how many cranes are in Toronto’s sky? Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with Construct Connect to talk new developments being built in Toronto.
Toronto Star
Apr 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki comments on TTC delays in the Toronto Star
CP24
Apr 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with CP24 about the need for more safety barriers on public transit in Toronto.
Global News
Apr 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with Global News about public transit safety issues in Toronto.
Global News
Mar 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with Global News about issues with motorists on King Street Transit Priority Corridor.
CBC Radio
Mar 2023
CBC spoke with Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki about the “mixed record” of using P3s to build schools.
CBC News
Mar 2023
Canada’s population rose by a record one million people in 2022, driven almost entirely by a surge in immigrants and temporary residents. Such growth can lead to a richer and more diverse economy, says Matti Siemiatycki, director of the Infrastructure Institute at the University of Toronto.
Toronto Star
Mar 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki spoke with the Toronto Star about the issues with politicization of transit.
CBC Radio
Mar 2023
The provincial government plans to use a public private partnership to build nine schools across Manitoba. CBC spoke with Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki about the “mixed record” of using P3s to build schools.
Toronto Star
Mar 2023
Read about our new BIPOC real estate incubator done in partnership with Monumental.
CityNews
Mar 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CityNews about the city of Toronto’s plan to create new homes.
Building.ca
Mar 2023
Organizations providing critical social infrastructure are now being pushed out of the neighbourhoods that depend on them, and as a result, our society risks losing its “community glue,” according to the “Greater Toronto Non-Profit Community Space Survey,” a newly released research report by Toronto’s Social Purpose Real Estate (SPRE) Reference Group.
TVO
Feb 2023
An article on Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation searching to create their own Black Led space in Toronto featuring Infrastructure Institute team members Helen Ketema and Nigel Carvalho
Globe and Mail
Feb 2023
An article on Infrastructure Institute’s new FutureBUILDS program, a BIPOC real estate incubator in partnership with Monumental and Future Skills Canada.
CityNews
Feb 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki talked with CityNews about the construction starting on Queen St and why it will take so long.
CBC
Feb 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki discussed with CBC the costs involved in refurbishing segment of elevated expressway
New York Times
Feb 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki talked with New York Times on the plan to build 50,000 homes in a protected green space surrounding Toronto.
Toronto Star
Feb 2023
Infrastructure Institute’s Nigel Carvalho and Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation’s Amina Mohamed penned an op-ed for Toronto Star on the growing evidence that a Black-led community centre is necessary, yet lacking in Toronto.
CBC Radio
Jan 2023
Fewer riders means smaller budgets, which means fewer riders. What does this mean for the state of public transit. Director of Infrastructure Institute, Matti Siemiatycki discussed with CBC.
BBC
Jan 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki talked with BBC about the rise of violence on the TTC
CTV News
Jan 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki talked with Yahoo Canada about Toronto’s aging infrastructure
Yahoo Canada
Jan 2023
Infrastructure Institute Director, Matti Siemiatycki talked with Yahoo Canada about Toronto’s underwhelming transit system
Toronto.com
Jan 2023
Team member, Helen Ketema spoke with toronto.com about our latests research report which found a need for more community-led social infrastructure geared to Toronto’s diverse Black communities.
NRU Publishing
NOV 2022
Team members, Alix Alyen and Matti Siemiatycki spoke with NRU about the Infrastructure Institute’s SPRE Accelerator program which is designed to help not-for-profit organizations with a plan to expand gather the tools they need to approach developers.
CityNews
NOV 2022
The lack of homes available in the GTA has contributed to rising housing prices and the housing crisis at large. The plan from the provincial government would build 50,000 homes on Greenbelt land, despite an election promise not to touch the space. Watch Matti Siemiatycki speak with CityNews on this issue
CP24
OCT 2022
The beginning of a huge construction project in Toronto will close more downtown streets for the next six weekends, leaving Torontonians increasingly frustrated over the ongoing closures and resulting gridlock in the city. Watch Matti Siemiatycki speak on this issue with CP24
CBC News
OCT 2022
Watch Infrastructure Institute’s team member, Alexandra Lambropoulos speak on the 2022 municipal election on CBC!
BNN Bloomberg
OCT 2022
Matti Siemiatycki, professor – geography and planning at University of Toronto, joins BNN Bloomberg and says that road tolls could be useful to fund infrastructure maintenance. He also says Toronto can implement short term interventions such as dedicated bus lanes to relieve traffic gridlock.
Toronto Star
OCT 2022
Installed after the Yonge Street van attack to protect pedestrians, the Jersey barriers were supposed to be replaced after a year. Read what Matti Siemiatycki has to say on this issue.
NRU Publishing
SEPT 22
Team member, Sarah Chan discusses with NRU Publishing how new housing can be built at retail chain store locations NRU Clipping Sept 22
Breakfast Television
AUG 2022
Watch our interview for insights into the reason behind Toronto’s booming construction and the future outlook on cities, including the characteristics of liveable neighbourhoods.
Ottawa Citizen
JUL 2022
An article examining the data on rail projects to exceed budgets and timelines in relation to Ottawa’s new LRT system. Watch Matti Siemiatycki weigh in as one of three experts on P3s for the Ottawa LRT Commission’s Expert Panel Discussion.
Toronto Star
JUL 2022
An article outlining the key findings from our study with Esri Canada on the development potential of large retail portfolios towards affordable housing and other community uses.
The New York Times
JUL 2022
An article examining the tendency of cost overruns and delays when building transit infrastructure in public-private partnerships.
The Globe & Mail
MAY 2022
A special feature that examines the creative mixed-use model in Toronto through past cases, our current work, and our future ambitions for city-building.
Monocle - The Urbanist
ARR 2022
Described as “sounding the alarm for urban planners across the globe”, listen to our interview on our work to introduce affordable housing with fire halls. Read more about our work here.
City News
ARR 2022
An article featuring our exciting work with CreateTO to implement mixed-use fire halls with affordable housing and other community services. Read more about our work here.
Financial Post
ARR 2022
The Infrastructure Institute cohosted the exhibition launch of the World Urban Pavilion in Regent Park. Our exhibition celebrates Toronto as a leader in creative mixed-use leadership. Learn more about the exhibition here.
Ontario Professional Planners Institute
FEB 2022
A thoughtful piece by the Infrastructure Institute’s Robert Arku, this post reflects on Canada’s history of racialized planning practices and how to move towards a better future.
CBC
JAN 2022
Metrolinx recently sold a piece of prime public land next to the Port Credit transit hub to a private condo developer. The article discusses the missed opportunity in regards to affordable housing, featuring some of our insights.
The Globe & Mail
DEC 2021
Canada is the only country where major transportation projects are not planned as part of a national long-term strategy.
CTV News
NOV 2021
Toronto City Council is considering removing a requirement that requires developers to build a minimum number of parking spaces in new condos.
The Agenda
NOV 2021
The Ontario government’s plans to go ahead with Highway 413 connecting Vaughan, Caledon, Brampton and Halton Hills is proving controversial.
Construct Connect
OCT 2021
When it comes to building major transit and highway projects in Toronto, the planning, design and construction phases are often blamed for the length of time it takes to make the infrastructure a reality.
Toronto Star
SEP 2021
The town of Rimbey didn’t have to pay for RCMP services until 2020 and now the cost to have RCMP in the community will result in the equivalent of a 10-per-cent property-tax increase annually, starting in a few years.
TVO
SEP 2021
If we’re going to emerge from COVID-19 with a more equitable and environmentally sustainable society, experts say, we should make a transit a priority. Here’s what the federal parties are promising.
CBC
SEP 2021
A coalition of environmental and transit advocacy groups is telling federal parties to commit to funding the operating costs for public transit systems.
Ottawa Citizen
JUL 2021
An article examining the VIA Rail’s proposed high frequency electrified train service between major cities in Ontario and Quebec.
TVO
JUL 2021
Featuring our insights on Ontario’s first low-speed vehicle in Haldimand County.
Global News
JUL 2021
Insights on the feasibility of the federal government’s procurement process for VIA Rail’s proposed high-frequency train between Quebec City to Toronto.
National Post
JUN 2021
Article discussing the walkable the transit-oriented development and mixed-use communities spurred by the Eglinton LRT.
The Globe & Mail
MAY 2021
An article that highlights the the benefits and potential drawbacks of implementing demand-responsive transit as a public service.
U of T News
MAY 2021
Insights about the large appetite for social purpose real estate in Toronto, drawn from training sessions we offered in February 2021.
Toronto Star
APR 2021
See us weigh in on the debate of e-scooters in filling public transit needs.
CBC
JAN 2021
Prompted by the plummeting ridership levels in Calgary, this article presents the factors in rethinking transit models, with a focus on pandemic recovery.
The Hill Times
APR 2021
A piece written by Matti Siemiatycki on the importance of using transit infrastructure as a catalyst for effective city building.
Toronto Star
DEC 2020
Discussion on the future of the former Sidewalk Labs site for integrated communities with affordable housing.
Maclean's
NOV 2020
A discussion on the technological, lifestyle, and economic trends that will reshape city centres, particularly work culture and retail.
Toronto Star
OCT 2020
An article envisioning how the pandemic will shape suburbs, including changes to the commuter lifestyle and the creation of amenity-rich communities in the suburbs.
NRU Publishing
OCT 2020
This article presents the City of Brampton’s plans to transform Uptown Brampton from a car-dependent community into an urban transit-oriented gateway to the city.
CBC
MAY 2020
An article that examines the need for public transit ridership against public health concerns in post-pandemic recovery.
NRU Publishing
MAY 2020
A feature of our Creative Mixed-Use Initiative, a program to bring unexpected partners together to pursue new development projects for unique community-building.
University of Toronto Magazine
JAN 2020
An article detailing the rise of mixed-use buildings and their potential to deliver social enterprises, religious institutions and community services through the right partnerships. It highlights our matchmaking work through our Creative Mixed-Use Initiative.
The New York Times
NOV 2019
An op-ed authored by Shoshanna Saxe and Matti Siemiatycki on the refocusing of the private “smart-city” towards the public interest.