The province officially broke ground on the Ontario Line subway project beginning with upgrades at the Exhibition station releasing renderings of what it’s all going to look like.
“This project will be a game-changer for the city and region and is a key part of our plan to build the roads, bridges, and transit needed to move our economy forward,” said Premier Doug Ford.
The 15.6-kilometre, 15-stop subway line will run from Exhibition Place to the Ontario Science Centre with over half of the route planned to run underground through new tunnels, while the remainder will run along elevated rail corridor sections of track. The project is expected to speed up travel times and relieve congestion thanks to over 40 connections to GO train lines and existing subway, streetcar, and bus lines.
According to Metrolinx, Exhibition Station is significant as it will become one of Ontario Line’s most popular transit hubs and will provide connections to both GO trains and the TTC.
Adm MacKay, Program Sponsor of the Ontario Line says that at the peak of rush hour, approximately 6,300 people will transfer between the Ontario Line, Go trains, and TTC at Exhibition Station, and once complete, it will be completely enclosed, bringing GO and Ontario Line services under one roof.
“The exciting work starting now is all about upgrading the existing Exhibition Station to keep people moving during major construction,” MacKay said. “Providing continued access to GO train services through new features like a temporary pedestrian bridge, new platforms, and new station entrances is critical for us.”
Expected to complete in 2030, initial renderings of 14 of the line’s stations, show early planning concepts including some with multi-story glass lobbies and modern designs.
In a release from the province, by 2041, the Ontario Line will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14,000 tonnes annually and cut overall fuel consumption by more than 7 million litres a year. It’s also expected to generate $11 billion in economic benefits for the City of Toronto and the GTA.
