On January 28th, 2025, the Institute for Inclusive Economies & Sustainable Livelihoods (IIESL), in collaboration with DIAC, hosted a one-day design charrette at the University of Toronto Scarborough to explore the future of the decommissioned Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT). 

The decommissioning of the Scarborough Rapid Transit presents a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity. Rather than spending millions to dismantle and demolish the infrastructure, we have the chance to transform it into a community asset that supports inclusive economies, sustainable mobility, local arts and culture, and healthy recreational spaces.

Achievements: Refreshed the organization’s brand and identity through a collaborative design process resulting in a new logo and cohesive branding package. Introduced the tagline ‘Impact by Design’ to clearly reflect our mission and values. 

What if, instead of spending hundreds of millions to tear down the Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT) infrastructure, we transformed it into a vibrant and iconic community space that fosters local arts and culture, promotes sustainable mobility, provides healthy recreational options and supports inclusive local economies?

We live and breathe design, and instinctively know its value. In a resource focused economy like Canada’s, how do we make sure that the sector gets the recognition and support it needs? How can we better represent design in Ontario? Hear from DIAC’s Strategic Director and a panel of experts about the work done so far, plans for the future, and how a bold new graphic identity has been developed to help the mission.

The Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC) is seeking to rebrand the current wordmark of DIAC. DIAC is calling for interested design companies or individuals in Ontario, with a strong knowledge of branding and visual identity design, to design the new visual identity/wordmark for DIAC and develop basic visual identity guidelines/standards.

DIAC is partnering with Seneca Polytechnic “Design for Social Change” course in the Graphic Design program to develop strategies and recommendations to engage stakeholders, especially policymakers and businesses while showcasing the vital role of the Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC) in promoting the value of design. 

The Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC), in its 22nd year, continued to seek to bring an integrated design perspective to industry and public sector initiatives to improve economic, social, and environmental outcomes. The Committee works to enable other industries to utilize the problem-solving skills of our local design workforce to improve business results.

Thursday, Jan. 18, 2-3pm, ARIDO + IDC Stage, Interior Design Show, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building. For more information and the link to register for the show: Agenda – Thursday, Jan 18 | IDS Toronto – Interior Design Show

Design is more than simply aesthetics; it is how users interact with products and services to develop an experience that helps them connect and build a relationship with the company. In this panel, learn how great design builds great businesses and what it takes to do so. Join DIAC’s design panel at the City’s Small Business Forum, October 30th, MTCC South Building, noon to 1 p.m.