cacruden
Senior Member
That was funny -- everyone was moving at the same speed.... no one running at the last minute... I felt that the video needed an axe wielding psychopath to speed things up a little....
Toronto Union Station Revitalization | ?m | ?s | City of Toronto | NORR
That was funny -- everyone was moving at the same speed.... no one running at the last minute... I felt that the video needed an axe wielding psychopath to speed things up a little....
DavidH
Senior Member
So in the future, we will all have locomotion defects, and there will be nowhere to sit.
catcher_of_cats
Active Member
Mayor seeks federal funds to revitalize Union Station
JENNIFER LEWINGTON
CITY HALL BUREAU CHIEF
January 26, 2009
Amid signs of life for its long-awaited facelift, Union Station is seen as a strong contender for infrastructure dollars expected to flow from tomorrow's federal budget.
With an eye to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's much-anticipated economic stimulus package, Mayor David Miller describes the station's renewal, planned over the next seven years, as one "that makes perfect sense to expedite."
The mayor has asked Mr. Flaherty to put $75-million toward the estimated $615-million renewal, which already assumes funding from the city, the province and an as-yet-unnamed private investor. As well, provincially owned GO Transit plans to spend about $500-million over the same period, including $280-million on signal equipment and $220-million for a new train shed, two new tracks and improved pedestrian flow inside the station.
"There is direct national economic historical and transportation interest in this hub," Mr. Miller said of the federally designated heritage building. "This is about Toronto's international competitiveness. This is about Canada's international competitiveness."
Ottawa has signalled its broad interest in a project that aims to ease the rush-hour crush for thousands of daily commuters from across the Toronto region.
"Revitalizing Union Station is an exciting process which ministers [Transportation Minister John] Baird and [Finance Minister Jim] Flaherty are working on," said Christopher Day, a spokesman for Mr. Baird. "It's something that will be considered as we prepare for the federal budget," he added, noting Mr. Baird has met with the mayor and Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure George Smitherman on the project.
On an annual basis, Union Station handles more passengers (43 million on GO Train and bus, 20 million on the TTC and 2.4 million on VIA Rail) than Pearson International Airport.
Whatever Ottawa's financial pledge, this year already marks a quickening in the pace of renewal for the 82-year-old building.
By early spring, the city aims to name a private-sector investor (likely the real-estate arm of a pension fund) to manage new commercial space at Union Station, including a new lower retail concourse. Earlier projections of 18,800 square metres of retail were cut to 15,300 square metres to allow for wider pedestrian corridors through the station.
Despite the credit crunch, Mr. Miller says the city continues to have "positive conversations with potential private-sector partners."
Meanwhile, other work under way this year includes:
Rebuilding the pedestrian "bridge" on Front Street between the station and the sidewalk by 2010 at a cost of $4-million.
Design work on the northwest PATH connection, a $65-million underground pedestrian link between the northwest corner of Union Station and downtown offices.
Plans by GO Transit to seek industry bids next month to replace its aging train shed over the tracks. The new 2.8-hectare replacement structure would have a green roof over a portion of the tracks and a 15-metre-high central glass and steel atrium. Construction is set for later this summer, with completion by 2014.
Expected confirmation of a deal, announced in principle late last year, for GO Transit to buy a portion of the west wing of Union Station for its new head office.
Continuing design work by the TTC on a new subway platform and mezzanine at Union Station. Construction of the $137.5-million project is expected to begin in 2010 and wrap up in 2012-13.
JENNIFER LEWINGTON
CITY HALL BUREAU CHIEF
January 26, 2009
Amid signs of life for its long-awaited facelift, Union Station is seen as a strong contender for infrastructure dollars expected to flow from tomorrow's federal budget.
With an eye to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's much-anticipated economic stimulus package, Mayor David Miller describes the station's renewal, planned over the next seven years, as one "that makes perfect sense to expedite."
The mayor has asked Mr. Flaherty to put $75-million toward the estimated $615-million renewal, which already assumes funding from the city, the province and an as-yet-unnamed private investor. As well, provincially owned GO Transit plans to spend about $500-million over the same period, including $280-million on signal equipment and $220-million for a new train shed, two new tracks and improved pedestrian flow inside the station.
"There is direct national economic historical and transportation interest in this hub," Mr. Miller said of the federally designated heritage building. "This is about Toronto's international competitiveness. This is about Canada's international competitiveness."
Ottawa has signalled its broad interest in a project that aims to ease the rush-hour crush for thousands of daily commuters from across the Toronto region.
"Revitalizing Union Station is an exciting process which ministers [Transportation Minister John] Baird and [Finance Minister Jim] Flaherty are working on," said Christopher Day, a spokesman for Mr. Baird. "It's something that will be considered as we prepare for the federal budget," he added, noting Mr. Baird has met with the mayor and Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure George Smitherman on the project.
On an annual basis, Union Station handles more passengers (43 million on GO Train and bus, 20 million on the TTC and 2.4 million on VIA Rail) than Pearson International Airport.
Whatever Ottawa's financial pledge, this year already marks a quickening in the pace of renewal for the 82-year-old building.
By early spring, the city aims to name a private-sector investor (likely the real-estate arm of a pension fund) to manage new commercial space at Union Station, including a new lower retail concourse. Earlier projections of 18,800 square metres of retail were cut to 15,300 square metres to allow for wider pedestrian corridors through the station.
Despite the credit crunch, Mr. Miller says the city continues to have "positive conversations with potential private-sector partners."
Meanwhile, other work under way this year includes:
Rebuilding the pedestrian "bridge" on Front Street between the station and the sidewalk by 2010 at a cost of $4-million.
Design work on the northwest PATH connection, a $65-million underground pedestrian link between the northwest corner of Union Station and downtown offices.
Plans by GO Transit to seek industry bids next month to replace its aging train shed over the tracks. The new 2.8-hectare replacement structure would have a green roof over a portion of the tracks and a 15-metre-high central glass and steel atrium. Construction is set for later this summer, with completion by 2014.
Expected confirmation of a deal, announced in principle late last year, for GO Transit to buy a portion of the west wing of Union Station for its new head office.
Continuing design work by the TTC on a new subway platform and mezzanine at Union Station. Construction of the $137.5-million project is expected to begin in 2010 and wrap up in 2012-13.
TOareaFan
Superstar
Isn't that the bit that was supposed to be done in time for us to host the 2008 Olympics? (or am I missing something).....wow....if it is, we would have been a wee bit late with it!!
At the pace infrastructure spending moves here, we should really be planning on solving the next recession with infrastructure commitments now!
waterloowarrior
Senior Member
Budget stokes two-year construction spree
Infrastructure spending to upgrade transit, repair roads and city services and improve conditions in First Nations communities
January 27, 2009
RICHARD J. BRENNAN
OTTAWA BUREAU
OTTAWA - Toronto’s historic Union Station will get a long-awaited multi-million-dollar facelift as part of the federal government’s two-year, $12-billion infrastructure spending pledge announced in today’s recession-fighting budget.
"Since Sir John A. Macdonald laid a railway across a continent, infrastructure has been both an immediate response to an urgent need and hopeful act of nation building," Finance Minister Jim Flaherty told Parliament.
The City of Toronto, which owns Union Station, has long asked for federal funding to modernize and preserve the train station, which serves tens of thousands of Via Rail and Go Train passengers daily.
With its 2009-10 budget, the Conservative government is hoping to build its way out of a recession, as long as the provinces and cash-strapped municipalities can afford to play along. Canada is reported to have an infrastructure deficit of more than $100 billion.
"We are launching one of the largest building projects in Canada’s history," Flaherty said in his 24-page budget speech.
"In the next few months, we will start construction of roads, bridges, public transit, broadband Internet access, schools and social housing in every region of the country. We will create jobs for Canadians now, while providing infrastructure Canada needs," he said.
"When chosen carefully, infrastructure projects can provide a much needed, short term stimulus to our economy."
The finance minister emphasized that much of the new funding will only be available for the next two years "when our need for economic stimulus is greatest."
Flaherty said the "landmark Union Station will, at last, be revitalized" as part of an overall effort to improve travel along the Toronto-Montreal corridor.
"We will add a third rail track at key locations between Montreal and Toronto, will allow more express trains and make the express trip shorter by 30 minutes," he said. A Toronto-Montreal trip currently takes four and a half hours.
Railway stations in Hamilton, Windsor and Belleville will also be improved.
The $258 billion budget concentrates heavily on infrastructure, offering in some cases to pay up to 50 per for municipal projects that are ready to go.
It also includes up to $2 billion over two years in direct low-cost loans to municipalities to repair sewers and water lines and for neighbourhood improvement projects. It remains to be seen whether this will help municipalities, which say they can’t afford to borrow any more money, regardless of the interest rate.
The breakdown for investment in provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure includes:
* $4-billion infrastructure stimulus fund to renew existing services, such as water, sewer, roads and bridges.
* $1 billion over five years for a green infrastructure fund to support sustainable energy projects.
* $500 million over two years to build and renew recreational facilities, many of them built in 1967 to celebrate Canada’s centennial.
* Accelerating up to $1 billion in payments over two years under the Provincial-Territorial Base Funding Initiative for "ready-to-go" infrastructure projects.
* Up to $500 million over two years for infrastructure projects in small towns.
"The new investments we are announcing today will be focused on projects ready to start construction," Flaherty said, noting these projects will create new jobs in construction, engineering, science and technology and manufacturing.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has long complained that by requiring municipalities to put up 25 per cent or more of the cost of a particular project, Ottawa is making it impossible for cash-strapped communities to participate.
The FCM has lobbied Ottawa to instead make infrastructure funding a transfer similar to the gas tax.
Today’s budget also provides for up to $2 billion for repairs and expansions at colleges and universities. Universities will get the lion’s share at 70 per cent, with colleges getting the remainder. In the case of universities, preference will be given to projects that can improve the quality of research and development.
Responding to intense criticism from native communities and opposition parties, especially the New Democrats, Ottawa is providing $515 million over two years for First Nations ready-to-go projects in priority areas, including schools, water and critical care services.
Dozens of native communities across Canada are without potable water and many have schools that have been condemned or are in desperate need of repair.
Some $135 million will go towards the construction and renovation of health services for native communities, including health care clinics and nurses’ residences. It is expected that 40 new projects and about 230 remedial projects will be completed during the next two years, according to the budget.
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/578135
Infrastructure spending to upgrade transit, repair roads and city services and improve conditions in First Nations communities
January 27, 2009
RICHARD J. BRENNAN
OTTAWA BUREAU
OTTAWA - Toronto’s historic Union Station will get a long-awaited multi-million-dollar facelift as part of the federal government’s two-year, $12-billion infrastructure spending pledge announced in today’s recession-fighting budget.
"Since Sir John A. Macdonald laid a railway across a continent, infrastructure has been both an immediate response to an urgent need and hopeful act of nation building," Finance Minister Jim Flaherty told Parliament.
The City of Toronto, which owns Union Station, has long asked for federal funding to modernize and preserve the train station, which serves tens of thousands of Via Rail and Go Train passengers daily.
With its 2009-10 budget, the Conservative government is hoping to build its way out of a recession, as long as the provinces and cash-strapped municipalities can afford to play along. Canada is reported to have an infrastructure deficit of more than $100 billion.
"We are launching one of the largest building projects in Canada’s history," Flaherty said in his 24-page budget speech.
"In the next few months, we will start construction of roads, bridges, public transit, broadband Internet access, schools and social housing in every region of the country. We will create jobs for Canadians now, while providing infrastructure Canada needs," he said.
"When chosen carefully, infrastructure projects can provide a much needed, short term stimulus to our economy."
The finance minister emphasized that much of the new funding will only be available for the next two years "when our need for economic stimulus is greatest."
Flaherty said the "landmark Union Station will, at last, be revitalized" as part of an overall effort to improve travel along the Toronto-Montreal corridor.
"We will add a third rail track at key locations between Montreal and Toronto, will allow more express trains and make the express trip shorter by 30 minutes," he said. A Toronto-Montreal trip currently takes four and a half hours.
Railway stations in Hamilton, Windsor and Belleville will also be improved.
The $258 billion budget concentrates heavily on infrastructure, offering in some cases to pay up to 50 per for municipal projects that are ready to go.
It also includes up to $2 billion over two years in direct low-cost loans to municipalities to repair sewers and water lines and for neighbourhood improvement projects. It remains to be seen whether this will help municipalities, which say they can’t afford to borrow any more money, regardless of the interest rate.
The breakdown for investment in provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure includes:
* $4-billion infrastructure stimulus fund to renew existing services, such as water, sewer, roads and bridges.
* $1 billion over five years for a green infrastructure fund to support sustainable energy projects.
* $500 million over two years to build and renew recreational facilities, many of them built in 1967 to celebrate Canada’s centennial.
* Accelerating up to $1 billion in payments over two years under the Provincial-Territorial Base Funding Initiative for "ready-to-go" infrastructure projects.
* Up to $500 million over two years for infrastructure projects in small towns.
"The new investments we are announcing today will be focused on projects ready to start construction," Flaherty said, noting these projects will create new jobs in construction, engineering, science and technology and manufacturing.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has long complained that by requiring municipalities to put up 25 per cent or more of the cost of a particular project, Ottawa is making it impossible for cash-strapped communities to participate.
The FCM has lobbied Ottawa to instead make infrastructure funding a transfer similar to the gas tax.
Today’s budget also provides for up to $2 billion for repairs and expansions at colleges and universities. Universities will get the lion’s share at 70 per cent, with colleges getting the remainder. In the case of universities, preference will be given to projects that can improve the quality of research and development.
Responding to intense criticism from native communities and opposition parties, especially the New Democrats, Ottawa is providing $515 million over two years for First Nations ready-to-go projects in priority areas, including schools, water and critical care services.
Dozens of native communities across Canada are without potable water and many have schools that have been condemned or are in desperate need of repair.
Some $135 million will go towards the construction and renovation of health services for native communities, including health care clinics and nurses’ residences. It is expected that 40 new projects and about 230 remedial projects will be completed during the next two years, according to the budget.
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/578135
ShonTron
Moderator
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I think Belleville will be a passenger tunnel to allow trains to pass the station at higher speeds and allow two trains to load at the same time (currently, if a train is loading on the second track, it ties up the first one as there is only a narrow 'platform' between the two and must cross the first track to board the train). I know VIA wanted this for Brockville as well, and even Cobourg.
Hamilton and Windsor might be entirely new stations (Windsor downtown and Hamilton CN).
Hamilton and Windsor might be entirely new stations (Windsor downtown and Hamilton CN).
Kiwi
Active Member
Hopefully they'll be some serious money toward's Hamilton VIA Station. It'll go to James St North (GO Transit is suppose to build the platforms this year - $3 million). Maybe a part of the former CN Station (LIUNA Station) will turn into a transit station.
299 bloor call control.
Senior Member
FWIW, LIUNA station is fully occupied and will not be part of any GO Transit/VIA station.
khris
Senior Member
Union Station makeover begins along Front Street
The street outside Toronto's Union Station is set to undergo a big facelift.
The city is beginning reconstruction of the station's pedestrian bridge, at an estimated cost of $4 million, as part of the revitalization of the historic landmark.
The structure runs east-west between the Front Street sidewalk and the front of the station building.
Mayor David Miller told a news conference outside Union Station on Friday that the development is a top priority for the city and that the structure will be restored for accessibility and safety.
"Our plan is to demolish the existing bridge and replace it with another that captures the essence, style and heritage of Union Station.
"The reconstruction of the bridge is expected to be completed within approximately 15 months — and during this time we hope to have the support, patience and co-operation of all passengers who use this station for their travels," Miller said.
The city estimates about 200,000 people go through Union Station every day, making their way onto the TTC, or GO or Via trains.
Source
The street outside Toronto's Union Station is set to undergo a big facelift.
The city is beginning reconstruction of the station's pedestrian bridge, at an estimated cost of $4 million, as part of the revitalization of the historic landmark.
The structure runs east-west between the Front Street sidewalk and the front of the station building.
Mayor David Miller told a news conference outside Union Station on Friday that the development is a top priority for the city and that the structure will be restored for accessibility and safety.
"Our plan is to demolish the existing bridge and replace it with another that captures the essence, style and heritage of Union Station.
"The reconstruction of the bridge is expected to be completed within approximately 15 months — and during this time we hope to have the support, patience and co-operation of all passengers who use this station for their travels," Miller said.
The city estimates about 200,000 people go through Union Station every day, making their way onto the TTC, or GO or Via trains.
Source
khris
Senior Member
Anyone know what pedestrian bridge they're talking about exactly?
CDL.TO
Moderator
I presume it's the main entrance to the Great Hall. It's a "bridge" over the moat and has been fenced off at the moat level for a while now.
This is an essential repair. I'm wondering if any of this will work contribute to the city's larger plans for Union Station?
`
This is an essential repair. I'm wondering if any of this will work contribute to the city's larger plans for Union Station?
`
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DSC
Superstar
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Yes, it's the 'bridge' from the Front Street sidewalk to the front door of Union Station. At least when it's fixed we will be able to visit Union Station safely
catcher_of_cats
Active Member
There are two bridges over the moat, the one that is fenced is the York Street side as opposed to the Bay Street side. There is a lot of concrete that will be rehabilitated here.
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adma
Superstar
Actually, it's a single bridge that's being rebuilt in two phases.
http://www.toronto.ca/union_station/pedestrian_bridge.htm
Unless you're also thinking of the narrower "bookend bridges" that go into the wings. (Which makes it three bridges, rather than two, that span the moat.)
I'd suggest looking to other bridge reconstructions (Leaside, or the current one on Dundas over the Humber), or parking garage rehabilitations, as an analogy to what's taking place here, i.e. when it's all over, it'll look practically the same (except, maybe, from the moat down below--unless they're planning to maintain the "early concrete construction" look)
http://www.toronto.ca/union_station/pedestrian_bridge.htm
Unless you're also thinking of the narrower "bookend bridges" that go into the wings. (Which makes it three bridges, rather than two, that span the moat.)
I'd suggest looking to other bridge reconstructions (Leaside, or the current one on Dundas over the Humber), or parking garage rehabilitations, as an analogy to what's taking place here, i.e. when it's all over, it'll look practically the same (except, maybe, from the moat down below--unless they're planning to maintain the "early concrete construction" look)
