Lyft to open dedicated downtown Toronto office next year
Lyft has announced the launch of a new dedicated office in Toronto, expanding the company's presence in the Canadian market.
The company will locate its new Canadian base in Toronto's downtown financial core, establishing the city as its second North American technology hub after San Francisco. According to the company, the office will open in the second half of next year.
According to the company, the new hub is expected to accommodate several hundred employees and will focus on functions ranging from engineering to product and operations. Toronto is projected to play a key role in Lyft's broader global growth plans.
Canadian growth
Lyft reported that rides in Canada grew by more than 20 per cent year over year in the first half of the year, underscoring the company's position within the local market.
Jason Vogrinec, Executive Vice President of Core Systems and Platforms at Lyft, commented on the expansion, stating,
"Our expansion in the GTA will enable us to tap into exceptional talent across engineering, product, operations, and beyond - allowing us to build world-class teams that will drive innovation across every part of our business."
The company has operated in Toronto since 2017 and maintains teams in Longueuil and Montréal, Québec. As the provider of technology for Bikeshare Toronto and several bikeshare systems throughout Québec, Lyft highlighted its ongoing local involvement.
The move has attracted support from local stakeholders, including Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of Ontario. Fedeli said,
"Lyft's investment in Toronto marks a resounding vote of confidence in Ontario's world-class workforce and innovation ecosystem," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of Ontario. "We congratulate Lyft on this significant milestone and look forward to seeing their new hub further enhance our province's leadership as one of the most competitive tech sectors in the world."
Community partnerships
As part of the Toronto investment, Lyft is initiating new collaborations with Nonnina's Table and Daily Bread Foodbank, two charities focused on food scarcity and supporting vulnerable populations in the Greater Toronto Area. This continues Lyft's job access partnership with The King's Trust, enabling Toronto youth to access job training, interviews, networking opportunities, and employment.
Lyft also offers the Round Up & Donate initiative, which enables passengers to contribute to organisations such as Food Banks Canada, YMCA of Canada, The Canadian Red Cross, or True Patriot Love Foundation through rides.
"This new office will be a hub for innovation that our team is genuinely excited about. The team is truly energized by Lyft's growth in Canada, and that enthusiasm is already fueling some of our most ambitious work yet," said Cass Zawadowski, Toronto-based Executive Creative Director at Lyft.
Rendering courtesy of Lyft.
