New Connection Between Downsview Station And Wilson Yard Represents First Phase Of Construction On Spadina Extension

Commissioners approved the award of a contract worth $14.3 million for a new connection from Downsview Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina Subway to Wilson Subway Yard. The track work represents the first phase of the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension. The project will provide a connecting structure through the current mainline corridor to the maintenance and storage facility. It will also provide for a future third mainline track parallel to the Wilson-to-Downsview mainline, which can be used for short turns and the temporary storage of trains.

Commission Approves Conceptual Designs For Future Stations

Commissioners approved the conceptual designs for the Sheppard West and York University Stations on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension.

Sheppard West Station will be located on Parc Downsview Park and CN/GO lands on the south side of Sheppard Avenue, centred under the CN/GO Barrie rail line. York University Station will be located entirely on York University lands, crossing underneath Ian MacDonald Boulevard in the heart of the campus below the Harry W. Arthurs Common.

The designs for both stations will be shown at separate public open houses in November, and subsequent designs will be shown at public open houses in the spring of 2010. Contracts to build both stations are scheduled to be awarded in October 2010.

Commissioners also approved a station design philosophy for the subway extension to include elements, such as: high-quality urban design, streetscaping and landscape architecture.

Commission Approves $1.011 Billion Capital Budget For 2010

Commissioners approved a total of $1.011 billion for the 2010 portion of the 2010-2014 Base Capital Program. This funding provides for state of good repair projects (87 per cent of the total), legislative requirements, capacity enhancements, station and facility improvements and expansion initiatives.

Next year’s capital budget will provide for new vehicles ($425 million), structural repairs and construction ($310 million) and track and signal upgrades and rehabilitation ($276 million).

Capital funding is secure for 2010. However, the five-year capital program, which the board also passed, is facing a $482 million shortfall, highlighting the need for sustainable and predictable funding sources. A set of Strategic Funding Packages was presented by TTC staff to address the shortfall.