This report examines the key success factors for designing effective community benefits requirements for large transit infrastructure projects and how their success can be monitored, tracked and measured – particularly for targeted training and recruitment initiatives.
The report offers a series of recommendations to policymakers to help them deliver on the promise of community benefits policies.
Download Delivering Benefit - Achieving Community Benefits in Ontario
Public investments in infrastructure have long been seen as a driver of economic growth and productivity. However, in recent years, unlocking the potential social value of these investments has also become a vital consideration for governments.
The basic premise behind community benefits approaches is that investment in public infrastructure and economic development projects can be better leveraged to create local economic value, as well as other social and environmental outcomes that strategically align with community goals and government mandates.
However, putting these concepts into practice can be difficult. When properly designed and implemented, community benefits and social procurement policies can ensure that benefits accrue to those living in communities. But, if developers and governments are unable to deliver upon their promises, they risk losing the trust of the communities in which they’re operating.
This report examines the key success factors for designing effective community benefits requirements for large transit infrastructure projects and how their success can be monitored, tracked and measured – particularly for targeted training and recruitment initiatives. It also offers a series of recommendations to policymakers across Ontario and, in particular, Metrolinx, as the agency moves to implement the promises outlined in its 2014 Community Benefits Framework.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
1 Introduction
2 What Are Community Benefits?
Approaches to Community Benefits
Defining “Community Benefit”
Stakeholder Perspectives
3 How To Enable Community Benefits
Legislative and Regulatory Tools
What Should Policies Include?
4 How To Prepare Contractors To Deliver On Commitments
Stakeholder Needs and Interests
Buy-In and Follow Through Under Community Benefits Clauses
5 How To Set Effective Targets
Trends In Target-Setting
Defining Beneficiaries
6 How To Ensure The Right People Get Hired
Creating the Talent Pool
Governance and Oversight
Monitoring Progress
7 How To Measure Long-Term Impact
Challenges for Understanding Long-Term Impact
The Importance of Monitoring and Measurement
Best Practices
8 Case Study: Metrolinx Eglinton Crosstown LRT
What is the Eglinton Crosstown LRT?
Progress to Date
What Should Metrolinx Consider as it Moves Forward with Future Initiatives?
9 Recommendations
Works Cited
