Toronto’s ambitious Ontario Line transit project has reached a significant milestone with the official groundbreaking at the site of the future Queen Station. This step marks the start of major construction for a crucial downtown node on the new 15.6-kilometre subway line, signaling tangible progress on a project designed to reshape transit across the city.
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Key Takeaways:
- Construction is underway at the future Queen Station, 40 metres below street level.
- Queen Station is expected to be the busiest stop on the line, serving over 15,000 peak hour riders.
- The Ontario Line will span 15 stations, connecting Exhibition Place to Don Mills Road.
- The project aims to significantly increase transit access and reduce road congestion.
The Ontario Line: A Major Urban Transit Project
The Ontario Line is set to be a transformative addition to Toronto’s transit network. Running from Exhibition Place in the west, through the downtown core, and extending to the Line 5 Eglinton at Don Mills Road, the new line will integrate into the existing transit system with numerous connections.
The 15 new stations will include stops in various key areas, such as Moss Park, Corktown, East Harbour, Riverside-Leslieville, Gerrard, and Pape, in addition to central downtown locations. This extensive route is designed to bring transit options closer to where people live and work across a wide swath of the city.
Focus on the Future Queen Station
Located beneath the existing TTC station at Queen and Yonge, the new Ontario Line Queen Station will be a critical transfer point. Crews are preparing for extensive excavation work, planning to remove over 100,000 cubic metres of earth and rock to build the station platform 40 metres below street level.
Once operational, Queen Station is projected to be the busiest station on the entire Ontario Line. Transit officials estimate it will serve over 15,000 riders during peak hours, highlighting its central role in the network’s capacity and connectivity.
Construction rendering of the future Ontario Line Queen Station entrance
Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Gregor Robertson, commented on the project’s significance, stating, “Canada is a nation of builders; this project builds connectivity for the people of Toronto to connect them to the city they love through reliable, sustainable, and affordable public transit.”
Project Impact and Benefits
The Ontario Line is poised to offer substantial benefits to Toronto commuters and the broader transportation landscape. Upon completion, the line is expected to provide more than 40 connections to various transit services, including existing subway lines, buses, streetcars, and regional GO Transit trains.
This integration is projected to bring 227,500 more people within walking distance of convenient transit options. Furthermore, officials estimate the line could reduce daily car trips by at least 28,000, contributing to reduced road congestion in the city.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized the collaborative effort and expected outcomes. “We need to get Toronto moving for drivers, pedestrians and public transit users. The Ontario Line is a vital new public transit option that will alleviate congestion and help hundreds of thousands of Torontonians get to their destination faster,” Mayor Chow said.
Metrolinx, the provincial agency overseeing the project, forecasts significant ridership, estimating the line could see 388,000 daily boardings. The system is being designed for high frequency, with trains potentially running as often as every 90 seconds during rush hour.
What’s Next for the Ontario Line
The groundbreaking at Queen Station marks a crucial step forward, moving from planning stages to active construction for a core segment of the line. As excavation and station building proceed at this site and others along the route, the focus will shift towards tunnel boring and track installation. Future milestones will include the completion of station structures and the integration of the rail systems.
The progress on the Ontario Line represents a major investment in Toronto’s future transportation capacity. While significant work remains, reaching the construction phase for a central station like Queen is a tangible sign of momentum for this city-shaping project.
To learn more about other major transit developments in the region, explore our coverage on [other Metrolinx projects] or [Toronto’s transit expansion plans].
