The whole Northwest PATH is a great idea that with its stunted length was a complete waste. It could go north on York to 70 York and TD West, it could go on University as the latest plan suggests to 55 University, it could connect to the new 160 Front building... but instead it goes to the corner of the intersection with the least pedestrian traffic.
The PATH is built (in general) block by block and paid for by the adjacent developments. GO paid for most of (all of?) the existing PATH tunnel here as part of the pre-Pan-Am Games work on Union. Initially there was supposed to be more of it and the City looked at several options. Here is the initial report on options
Here is the Tender call:
Scope of work:
1 The following is included to provide the respondent with a general understanding of the City’s intent for this project
a. To establish and confirm precise location, both vertically and horizontally of all existing utilities and under ground structures within the ROW and within the anticipated new N-W PATH Tunnel (PATH Tunnel) alignment across the Front Street R.O.W. and northward on York Street to the north side of the Wellington Street R.O.W.
b. Confirm the location both horizontally and vertically via a ‘hydro-vac’ method, or an alternate approved locating procedure, of locating all underground utilities , chambers, vaults, tunnels, duct banks and any unknown buried items in the alignment ‘footprint’ of the new PATH Tunnel.
c. Provide design and tender, documentation for the relocation of all utilities and underground structures that are required to be relocated in order for the construction and installation of the new North-West PATH Tunnel between the north-west corner of the Union Station moat and Wellington Street immediately east of York Street
d Provide a new PATH Tunnel concourse exiting from the North-West Corner of the Union Station Moat and connecting to the existing PATH facility beneath Wellington Street immediately east of York Street.
e New PATH Tunnel to provide for lateral connections to appropriate and approved properties adjacent to the PATH Tunnel along the existing York Street ROW as confirmed by the City of Toronto. Possible connections include for the Royal York Hotel, the condominium at 33 University Ave., the PATH connection at Wellington Street, west of York Street and others locations as to be confirmed later.
f Provide for egress and ingress to the PATH Tunnel from grade locations along York Street which will also be utilized as emergency exits from the PATH Tunnel as determined by code and requirements of design as generally set out in the ESR.
g. The base PATH tunnel construction is to be of the following procedure: - open cut and installation across Front Street and tunneling the remainder from the north side of Front Street to Wellington, northward on York Street; this will be inclusive of this PATH Tunnel being constructed over the existing subway tunnel
