Inauguration of Toruń Metropolitan Area
Marshal Piotr Całbecki is participating today (January 17) in Golub-Dobrzyń in the general assembly of the Association of the Municipal Functional Area of Toruń (MOFT), during which the signing of a declaration to establish the Toruń Metropolitan Area Association is expected. The proclaimed metropolis has a potential of 500,000 residents, a low unemployment rate, and direct access to the highway.
The Toruń MOF is one of eighteen local government partnerships operating in our region, established to implement development strategies for functional areas of the largest cities in the region (MOF/ZIT) and other areas of territorial policy (OPPT). In addition to the main city, it covers the counties of Aleksandrów, Chełmno, Golub-Dobrzyń, and Toruń. Acting as a ZIT association, it is composed of 36 local government entities (municipalities and counties) operating in this area. In autumn 2023, the regional government, as with all other partnerships, signed a territorial agreement with it, including a list of priorities, project outlines, implementation schedules, and expected outcomes, ensuring MOFT an appropriate pool of funds.
Funds for the Toruń MOF/ZIT – €88.5 million, including €3.6 million for revitalization projects – are primarily allocated to business infrastructure, urban transport, climate change adaptation initiatives, sustainable water management, preschool and educational facilities, sports infrastructure, public space renewal, and the development of tourism and culture. The list of priority projects includes 168 items.
Now, MOFT local governments are tightening their cooperation – they aim to integrate their public transport systems (a unified fare is planned), transportation infrastructure, water supply and sewage systems, waste management, and social services. During today’s general assembly, the statute of the Toruń Metropolitan Area Association is expected to be adopted, initiating work on a new joint development strategy (the Toruń Metropolitan Area Supra-local Development Strategy) and updating the ZIT strategy. By February, the association plans to apply for membership in the Union of Polish Metropolitan Areas, which brings together 12 of the country’s largest cities.
Bydgoszcz is already a member of the UMP, having established the Bydgoszcz Metropolitan Area in 2016.
Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office
January 17, 2025