Written by Amélie Chanda, Program Manager, pointA
The BWC™ designation recognizes employers and sites that provide exceptional benefits for commuters supporting sustainable and inclusive commuting. Gaining this recognition not only builds brand credibility, but also affirms your commitment to sustainability, employee well-being, and forward-thinking workplace practices..
There are currently 827 BWC™ Locations in the U.S. and Canada recognized for their forward-thinking to prioritize innovative commuter programs and benefits. That is over 2 million commuters directly impacted through these organizations. 31 of these workplaces and sites are located and Canada and we hope to add new recipients as the application for the 2026 list is now open.
Earning the Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC™) designation is a powerful signal of trust and leadership. Developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, this well-established program recognizes organizations that meet a national standard of excellence in commuter support.
Spotlight on 2025 Designees
The 2025 list celebrates many standout organizations. Let’s take a moment to give a shoutout to organizations who are doing the work to support their commuters through exceptional programming.
First, Steeles Technology Campus is a leading example of how a business park can support cleaner and healthier commuting. They hold the BWC™ designation because the site offers:
- Smart Commute Programming for their tenants
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Secure bicycle parking
- Reserved parking for carpool and vanpool participants
- On-site healthy living initiatives, including biking and walking programs
Next, we are proud to recognize North York General Hospital (NYGH), the first hospital in Canada to earn the BWC™ designation. Their leadership shows how essential sectors such as health care can support their teams through:
- Smart Commute Programming for their employees
- A carpooling program
- Emergency Ride Home (ERH) services
- Secure bike parking
- Flexible scheduling to help staff balance life and work
Another inspiring example is The Regional Municipality of York, who empowers its employees with:
- An employee transit subsidy program
- A robust carpooling program
- ERH services that add peace of mind for sustainable commuters
These organizations are a few examples amongst many on our current list of workplaces that prove that supporting smart commuting isn’t just good for the planet, it’s a powerful way to care for people, too!
New for 2026: Residential Site Category
This year, we’re proud to introduce a new category in the BWC™ program: Residential Sites. Apartment buildings, townhome developments, and condo communities can now apply for recognition.
These sites are leading the way by:
- Offering sustainable transportation choices to residents
- Implementing programs that reduces traffic congestion and GHG emissions
- Supporting tenants with innovative options that helps protect local air quality
- Enhancing the livability and value of their communities
As more municipalities adopt Transportation Demand Management (TDM) guidelines for residential development, we’re excited to recognize those who meet or exceed national criteria with programs that support commuters and that truly make a difference.
For residential sites, there are very few designations available, and BWC residential helps landowners and developers stand out from the crowd, especially those that are purpose-built rentals.
Why It Matters
The Best Workplace for Commuters designation is a recognition for organizations who raise the bar for sustainable commuting across North America. It highlights workplaces and sites (commercial and residential) that are not only making it easier for people to get to work but are doing so in a way that supports climate action and employee/ tenants’ well-being.
The organizations who receive the BWC™ designation become models for what’s possible, inspiring others to implement programming that truly makes a difference. While the return on investment (ROI) can vary depending on the specific initiatives implemented, the BWC™ designation generally leads to positive outcomes that can be quantified and measured.
By celebrating leaders through the BWC™ designation, we help drive a national conversation about what supportive, inclusive, and future-ready commuting looks like. It’s how we move from intention to action and build a Canada where better commutes are the norm, not the exception.
BWC™ Sites and Workplaces signal to potential and current employees that they care about employee commuting, which is a leading concern for employees as they consider return to office mandates.
Finally, the BWC™ designation offers a framework for continued improvement and innovation with respect to commuting and sustainable transportation. The BWC™ membership gives you access to exclusive events and trainings offered by the Center for Urban Transportation Research that will improve your understanding and expertise in Transport Demand Management (TDM).
Ready to Lead the Way?
As the Canadian partner for the Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC™) designation, pointA is here to support organizations of all sizes in meeting and exceeding the national standard. Our team of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) specialists will work with you to build tailored programs that support your people and the planet.
Let the success of 2025 designees inspire you and take the next step!
Book a free discovery call with our experts to assess where your organization is today and identify practical solutions to start or strengthen your commuter programs. Together, we’ll help you qualify for the 2026 BWC designation and stand out as a leader in sustainability and workplace well-being.
Reach out today to get started. Early engagement gives us the time to review, improve, and elevate your programs before the next list goes live.
