Toronto congestion officer needs authority to break gridlock.

Toronto has appointed Andrew Posluns as its first chief congestion officer, and the Toronto Region Board of Trade says he must be given cross-department authority, clear performance measures and political backing to address costly gridlock ahead of FIFA 2026.

Toronto has appointed Andrew Posluns as the city's first chief congestion officer. The Toronto Region Board of Trade describes congestion as an economic emergency and cites a $44.7 billion annual cost to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The board and other stakeholders say the new office's impact will depend on its authority to act across city divisions and on visible performance measures. Key facts: - Andrew Posluns was named Toronto's first chief congestion officer and is set to report to the deputy city manager for infrastructure services. - The Toronto Region Board of Trade previously called for a city office to coordinate road-impacting activity across departments in its Breaking Gridlock Action Plan. - The board urges that the role be given authority to direct cross-division actions, publish clear performance indicators, and deliver near-term results ahead of FIFA 2026. Summary: The board warns that if the office is confined within a single silo, it risks producing reports without reducing congestion and eroding public trust. Stakeholders emphasize the need for political backing, measurable targets and short-term deliverables because of the upcoming FIFA 2026 timeline. Undetermined at this time.