New hub will create more than 500 high-skilled jobs and strengthen Ontario’s leadership in AI, software engineering and transportation technology
TORONTO, Ontario, September 16, 2026 – Invest Ontario teamed up with Lyft today to celebrate the launch of its new office in downtown Toronto. This investment sets up Lyft’s second-largest technology hub in North America after San Francisco and will generate over 500 high-skilled jobs in Ontario. Situated at First Canadian Place, the new 90,000-square-foot office represents a major expansion of Lyft’s operations in Canada. It will function as a center for engineering, product development, marketing, and AI advancements that back the company’s ongoing efforts in next-gen mobility technologies. This opening comes at a time when the global transportation industry is shifting towards more integrated, multimodal and tech-driven platforms. Companies throughout the mobility sector are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI), marketplace optimization, pricing algorithms and autonomous vehicle technologies to enhance safety, efficiency and customer satisfaction. Toronto was chosen for this expansion due to its top-notch talent pool and renowned innovation ecosystem. With Ontario’s strengths in AI, machine learning, software development, transportation technology and robotics combined with Toronto’s resources, Lyft gains access to skilled engineers, product developers and operations experts essential for driving growth and innovation. The new hub reflects strong confidence in Ontario’s workforce and capacity for innovation. In addition to creating over 500 high-skilled jobs, this investment bolsters the province’s status as a North American center for mobility innovation, software engineering and emerging transport technologies. Invest Ontario worked closely with Lyft during its site selection and expansion journey by offering strategic advice and connecting them with leading post-secondary institutions like the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo and Mc Master University. These partnerships highlight the strength of Ontario’s talent pipeline as Lyft considered various options for expansion. As international companies look to grow their presence within Canada’s market, Ontario is proud to be a preferred location that supports their growth ambitions. Lyft’s expansion into Toronto signals strong trust in our world-class workforce capabilities along with our leadership in AI innovation and competitive business landscape. We congratulate them on this achievement and anticipate seeing their technology hub further establish Ontario’s global position in tech innovation. Hon. Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Toronto has been pivotal for Lyft’s growth beyond the US; it allows us to connect communities across Ontario as well as all of Canada. We’re thrilled to increase our investment here with our new office supported by incredible Canadian talent we’re bringing on board. Jerry Golden Chief Policy Officer, Lyft Competition for tech investments is fierce globally; companies seek locations where they can innovate effectively while accessing necessary talent for scaling up. Lyft’s growth within Toronto highlights what makes Ontario stand out: a vast pool of engineering talent alongside leading research institutions within a collaborative innovative environment. This leads to more than 500 high-skilled positions being created along with solid groundwork for future mobility solutions. Khawar Nasim Chief Executive Officer, Invest Ontario For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit investontario. ca.Source link
