Ontario Line | ?m | ?s

[TheTigerMaster]

I feel like there's a big difference between a cost-effective design and value engineering. Metrolinx's render doesn't look that bad, considering what kinds of bridges we're used to seeing in the GTA.

The architectural designs for the Ontario Line stations are very well done, and Metrolinx has a pretty solid record of delivering high quality architecture. Of course I want the fancy bridge with all the flourishes too, but we’re getting a pretty good deal with the Ontario Line, as far as architecture is concerned.

And while we're on the topic of bridges, I must say that, from an urbanist point-of-view, I do appreciate how the Ontario Line will improve the walkability under the railway underpasses at Leslieville and Gerrard stations.

And these are just two of several railway underpass revitalizations underway at the moment. The Bentway, the Bay Street/Union underpass and the Davenport Diamond also come to mind. Private developers have also proposed and implemented improvements under the Gardiner as well. These kind of architectural improvements for underpasses are becoming standard in Toronto.

 

[AlvinofDiaspar]

The architectural designs for the Ontario Line stations are very well done, and Metrolinx has a pretty solid record of delivering high quality architecture. Of course I want the fancy bridge with all the flourishes too, but we’re getting a pretty good deal with the Ontario Line, as far as architecture is concerned.

Those are concepts, not renderings of the project as it will be.

AoD

 

[M II A II R II K]

Perhaps they could turn Gerrard Square into another Dundas Square.

 

[nfitz]

Perhaps they could turn Gerrard Square into another Dundas Square.

Hopefully not, given the drama of that building. Which is called The Tenor this year.

 

[T3G]

Perhaps they could turn Gerrard Square into another Dundas Square.

Dundas Square benefits* from its central location in the city, being right in the downtown core. Why would anyone go hang out at Gerrard Square besides people who already live in the nearby areas? What's around there that would draw downtown level crowds to come there?

* Not sure you could reasonably accuse Dundas Square of having benefited from anything, given the generally sorry state of the whole space, but it's the closest word for it.

 

[crs1026]

Those renders hint that the existing railway underpass will remain. The new line will hide it a little, but it’s not an attractive space.

- Paul

 

[M II A II R II K]

If the core expands to include East Harbour and the blank slate along Eastern Avenue is filled in then Gerrard Square would be in the proximity of the core, especially if around Pape station ends up looking like Bloor and Yonge.

 

[innsertnamehere]

Those renders hint that the existing railway underpass will remain. The new line will hide it a little, but it’s not an attractive space.

- Paul

The existing underpasses are getting removed as the entire corridor is getting raised. They are just bad renderings.

 

[Kitsune]

... can the existing underpass at carlaw/gerard be outrighted replaced? I thought it was declared heritage.

 

[torontologist]

... can the existing underpass at carlaw/gerard be outrighted replaced? I thought it was declared heritage.

Municipal heritage designations can’t stop/won’t stop the province from replacing it if they need to. Provincial interest always supersedes.

The main roadblock would be any objection from the Feds, as interprovincial railways are under their purview.

 

[crs1026]

I don't see the underpass on the City's Heritage Register map ?

- Paul

 

[innsertnamehere]

regardless of it's heritage status Metrolinx has publicly stated it will be demolished and replaced, as soon as 2024 from my understanding. Work is already underway to raise the entire corridor.

 

[therockiesman]

What do you think the future of Pape & Danforth will be? I see other Line 1/2 junctions (St. George, Spadina) and, though they have more high-rises than Pape & Danforth, they are nowhere close to Bloor & Yonge.

 

[Allandale25]

Dig coming up.

 

[AHK]

September 11, 2022. Posting these here as they are an Ontario Line Early Works / Prerequisite Project activity. In support of the upcoming closure of Queen Street for construction of the Queen and University and Queen and Yonge Street stations, the Adelaide streetcar tracks are to be reinstated between Charlotte and Victoria Streets. Work is now actively underway, with delivery and preparation of the rail to a staging area on Adelaide, between Brant Street and Spadina Avenue, where the two centre lanes have been closed and taken over for the project. Starting from the west, just west of Brant Street, working towards Spadina Avenue.

Rail sections of the delivery truck. Shorter sections, to fit on the trailer, and be able to get through city streets and corners.

Adelaide Street closed east of Brant Street, with the mobile crane in position.

Crane lifting a rail section for welding into longer, 'continuous welded rail' pieces

Assembled welded rail sections, ready for installation once the track bed has been prepared. Given that the track bed preparation work has not even been started, suspect that the rails will be staged here for quite a while.