
Located in the heart of North York and managed by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), Parkway Place remains a leader in sustainable transit and tenant engagement. After becoming an inaugural Canadian recipient of the BWC – Best Site designation in 2024, the property has reaffirmed its status by once again surpassing the national standards of excellence required for this honour.
Understanding Commuter Needs
Through biannual tenant commuter surveys, JLL gathers ongoing insights into commuting challenges at Parkway Place. This data-driven approach allows them to invest in targeted, meaningful solutions that reduce barriers and support sustainable transportation.
In recent years, Parkway Place has been home to a diverse range of tenants, some of whom work non-traditional hours, including late evening shifts. For these employees, limited late-night transit options create challenges in accessing safe and reliable commuting alternatives. Recognizing this, the property management team has worked closely with pointA to build programming that is practical, responsive, and tailored to the people who work on site.
Carpooling as a Key Strategy to Address Parking Constraints
Like many busy office sites, Parkway Place faces parking pressure. Rather than simply expanding parking supply, JLL has taken a forward-thinking approach by investing in carpooling programming.
Over the past two years, Parkway Place has worked closely with pointA and the Smart Commute program to cultivate a vibrant carpool culture through:
- On-site Mix-and-Mingle Events: Connecting employees with potential carpool partners and highlighting the financial and social benefits of shared rides.
- Smart Commute Tool Promotion: Providing access to a centralized platform for finding matches, tracking trips, and exploring transit options.
- Priority Carpool Parking: Offering reserved spaces to make shared commuting both convenient and highly attractive.
These strategies have successfully reduced solo vehicle trips while providing a safer, more reliable transit alternative for tenants working late shifts.
Enhancing First/Last Mile Connections
To further support transit commuters, Parkway Place offers a shuttle service that connects the building to the nearest transit station. This first/last mile solution reduces reliance on personal vehicles, ensures easier access to public transit, and supports tenants with choosing sustainable transportation options.
Promoting Active Transportation and Building Cycling Confidence
During the annual Smart Commute Bike Month in June, JLL and pointA partnered to champion active commuting through several key services:
- On-site Bike Tune-ups: Providing tenants with professional maintenance and mechanical support to ensure a safe ride.
- Route Planning Resources: Distributing local cycling maps and trail guides to help commuters identify the most accessible routes.
- Educational Webinars: Hosting Smart Commute-led sessions to build employee confidence and provide practical tips for bike commuting.
Exceptional Communication & Ongoing Engagement
JLL’s proactive communication strategy is a big reason for Parkway Place’s success with sustainable transportation programming. This property manager consistently ensures that tenants know what sustainable commuting options are available through:
- Tenant emails/newsletters
- In-person events and activations
- Posters and on-site signage
- Ongoing promotion of the Smart Commute Tool
This multi-channel approach helps maintain awareness, build interest, and keep sustainable commuting top-of-mind throughout the year.
Leadership in Sustainable Workplace Mobility
By investing in a diverse suite of commuter benefits and fostering a strong partnership with pointA, this Best Site has once again demonstrated leadership in sustainable transportation. Their continued efforts support:
- Tenant attraction and retention, thanks to a modern and commuter-friendly work environment
- Reduced traffic congestion and improved local air quality
- Lower parking pressures and optimized use of on-site resources
- A healthier, more connected tenant community
Parkway Place’s renewed BWC – Best Site (2026) designation is confirmation that their proactive, people-centered approach to commuting is working! Through data-driven planning, consistent engagement, and sustained investment, they continue to set a high standard for what a truly commuter-friendly workplace can be.
