Located at the intersection of Highway 404 and Finch Avenue East, 111 Gordon Baker Road is a prominent office building that has become a model for commuter-focused amenities in a high-traffic suburban employment district. The site faces a common challenge: while it offers excellent regional highway access, it is slightly removed from major transit stations, creating a first-mile, last-mile (FMLM) gap for employees travelling by public transit. Recognizing the importance of equitable access, the building management invested in commuter solutions that bridge this gap, and for the 3rd year in a row, these efforts have earned them the BWC- Best site (2026) designation.  

Addressing the First-Mile, Last-Mile (FMLM) Challenge 

Because the building is not directly adjacent to rapid transit, transit users historically faced a less convenient final leg of their commute. To ensure that tenants and employees have seamless access to sustainable travel options, 111 Gordon Baker Rd partnered with pointA 10 years ago to offer a dedicated shuttle service, connecting the workplace to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Don Mills Transit Station. 

This shuttle service has quickly become one of the building’s most valued amenities. With approximately 800 riders per month, ridership has shown steady year-over-year growth since the COVID-19 pandemic, a trend influenced by increased Return-to-Office policies, new tenants with large employee populations and the high reliability of the shuttle operation in a heavily congested area.  

The Shuttle: A Pillar of Their Commuter Strategy 

The success of the shuttle program is rooted not only in its convenience but also in the strong communication efforts of the property management team and the pointA staff. Regular updates, easy access to schedules, and ongoing promotion of the service ensure that tenants understand how to incorporate the shuttle into their daily commute.  

The shuttle effectively covers the first and last mile gap, making public transit a practical and appealing option for hundreds of commuters each month. Its impact extends beyond individual convenience; it helps reduce single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips, alleviates local traffic congestion, and contributes to improved air quality and rounds the 404-Finch corridor.  

Improving Commuter Benefits  

The shuttle may be the cornerstone of their commuter benefits strategy, but 111 Gordon Baker Road has reinforced their BWC application through additional sustainability-focused initiatives: 

  • Installation of four electric vehicles charging stations.  
  • A comprehensive parking management plan  
  • Participation in the Smart Commute Program  

Together, these elements form a well-rounded commuter benefit package aligned with BWC’s Best Site criteria.  

Impact: Supporting Tenants, The Environment, and the Community 

Management at 111 Gordon Baker Road understands that good commuting options translate into real business value. Their investments help: 

  • Attract and retain tenants who want to be in a modern building with strong employee amenities 
  • Reduce parking pressures, thanks to the shuttle service who support public transit use 
  • Lower greenhouse gas emissions through fewer solo driving trips and expanded EV infrastructure 
  • Improve local mobility by reducing congestion near one of Toronto’s busiest traffic areas.  

Leadership in Sustainable Commuting 

The renewed BWC designation once again highlights 111 Gordon Baker Road as a leader in commuter experience and sustainability. Their commitment to solving the first/last mile challenge by investing in a reliable, well-promoted shuttle service demonstrates how a targeted strategy can deliver meaningful improvements for commuters that support social, environmental, and business goals.