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Toronto is currently witnessing a transformative era in public transit, with several major upgrade projects underway. Poised to significantly impact neighbourhoods, daily commutes, and the overall urban landscape. In this article, we’ll delve into these key projects, outlining their scope, expected completion dates, and the potential effects on the city’s dynamics. From easing daily travel to shaping future development, these upgrades are set to revolutionize how Torontonians navigate the city. The ripple effects of these projects promise not just improved transit options but also a reshaping of community connectivity and urban growth.
Here’s everything you need to know about Toronto’s transit upgrades:
Finch West LRT
The Finch West LRT is an 11km light rail transit project, stretching along Finch Ave West from Keele Street to Humber College, set to significantly enhance the connectivity of northwest Toronto. This state-of-the-art transit line, complete with 18 stops, not only promises a more efficient commute but also fosters greater accessibility for residents to live, work, study, and play across the region. Complementing its utility, the project includes the construction of bicycle tracks, ensuring a safer and more inclusive commute for cyclists. It will also integrate with TTC Line 1 and local transit in York and Peel Regions. As the project nears completion, crews are putting finishing touches at stops for alignment along the tracks. With 25 of 29 PRESTO machines installed across 18 stops, its operational debut is expected by the end of 2024!
Ontario Line
The Ontario Line, a transformative 16 km subway line, plans to redefine urban mobility from the Ontario Science Centre to Exhibition Place in the heart of downtown Toronto. Featuring 15 stations, this line will offer links to over 40 other stops in the downtown area. A journey from one end of the line to the other will be slashed from the current 70 minutes to under 30, dramatically reducing transit times. As an integral part of Toronto’s transit expansion, the Ontario Line is currently under construction, with a completion target set for 2031. The construction has begun from Exhibition Place and a pedestrian crossing bridge has recently been installed. This project is not just a testament to infrastructural progress but also a commitment to the community’s growth and ease of mobility in one of the busiest neighbourhoods of the city. For locals and visitors alike, this could make exploring the city even more exciting!
Scarborough Subway Extension
The Scarborough Subway Extension is an eagerly anticipated project extending the current Line 2 by 7.8 km, from Kennedy Station to Sheppard Ave and McCowan Road. Deeply embedding itself into the heart of Scarborough, this extension will offer a seamless and expedited transit experience. Set to replace the discontinued Line 3 in Scarborough, this project is not just about enhancing travel efficiency but also about nurturing the growth and connectivity of the community. With tunnelling already underway, the project’s completion is anticipated between 2029 and 2030, marking a significant milestone in Toronto’s transit landscape and a boon for Scarborough’s current and future residents.
Eglinton Crosstown West Extension
The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension (ECWE) is a transformative transit project extending 9.2 km from the future Mount Dennis Station on Line 5 (Eglinton) to Renforth Drive. Featuring seven stations, this line will primarily operate underground, seamlessly integrating with other local and regional transit routes. Currently, plans for a potential extension towards Toronto Pearson are also being discussed. With construction already in progress, the project is on track for completion by 2030. This extension is set to become a vital artery in Toronto’s transit network, significantly improving daily commutes more efficiently than ever before.
Yonge North Subway Extension
The Yonge North Subway Extension is a significant development in Toronto’s transit system, extending Line 1 from Finch Station through Vaughan, Markham, and Richmond Hill. This expansion, encompassing 5 stations along an 8 km stretch, could greatly enhance mobility for the York Region. Slated to go into service following the completion of the Ontario Line, this extension will facilitate faster and more efficient travel between the York Region and downtown Toronto. This project will connect 3 major regions in the GTHA that have been gaining popularity among new homeowners and investors. Which could subsequently mean even more developmental growth for these regions. While the construction is already underway, a completion date for the project has not yet been set.
We’re excited to see how these new projects shape the future of developing neighbourhoods across Toronto! While you’re still here, check out our Instagram page.
