Construction is progressing on the Exhibition GO station on the north side of the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto's Liberty Village neighborhood. The work here, designed by HDR for Metrolinx, prepares the station to receive more GO service as part of the ongoing GO expansion project, which will include more frequent train frequency and electrification of the Lakeshore West line, as well as the addition of new platforms for the West will be the terminus of Ontario Line 3, a new subway line currently in the early stages of construction. The Ontario Line will run east from here into Toronto's Leslieville neighborhood before turning north to meet the Eglinton Line 5 Crosstown at Don Mills Road. With a total of 15 stations, it will form an important new artery for Toronto.
Ontario Line exhibition station designed by HDR for Metrolinx
The station's location in a dense and active area with an active rail corridor, a busy highway adjacent to it, and proximity to major venues such as BMO Field and Exhibition Place presents a unique challenge. Changes to the existing GO station include installation a temporary footbridge, while extensive shoring, piling and excavation work is underway all around. The closure of Atlantic Avenue at the south end and the future Liberty New Street are part of the area's major redevelopment, while access to the westbound GO train platform will be solely via the suspension bridge seen in the background below.
Looking southeast at ongoing construction, including the temporary suspension bridge, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Kotsy
A top view shows an excavated tunnel pit from September 2024, surrounded by a protective fence. Steel rakes at each corner support the retaining walls, while timber formwork and additional support materials are visible inside the pit.
A top view of the excavated pit for the utility tunnel, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Kotsy
Active piling work for the new middle GO platform was well underway in December 2024, looking northwest from the ground. A red concrete boom pours concrete deep into the ground while a large mobile crane extends its boom above.
Looking northwest at the concrete pour for the center GO platform, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Kotsy
This month, piling was completed at the future north entrance to form a rectangular perimeter to support and stabilize the excavation area. Heavy equipment, including green pile drivers and excavators, are on site alongside piles of concrete pipes and construction materials. The work area is equipped with fencing and construction offices, with the BMO field visible some distance to the south at the top left.
Completed piles for the north entrance building, image by Kotsy, UrbanToronto Forum contributor
Later this month, construction crews will pour concrete at the north entrance and maneuver a red concrete boom arm at the southeast corner.
Construction crews maneuver the concrete boom pump for the north entrance building, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Kotsy
At the same time, the long excavation pit for the Ontario Line portal and the tunnel boring machine (TBM) starting shaft is limited to the west by rows of pylons and concrete barriers. On the left, a green fence closes off the construction area from the public. On the right a GO train serves the station.
Looking southeast at the ongoing excavation for the TBM and launch shaft, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Kotsy
In January 2025, an aerial view looking west provides a clear view of the divided activity zones: On the left, GO Transit tracks and platforms run parallel to the Gardiner Expressway, with sections lined with temporary barriers. The piles for the north entrance, completed in December, can be seen at center right and provide a defined perimeter for the upcoming support and foundation work.
An aerial view looking west at the construction site earlier this year, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ash_iwn95
The ongoing excavation for the portal and the TBM starting point extends to the east, flanked by safety pylons. Once completed, the portal will serve as a starting point for tunneling and enable construction of the downtown section of the line.
An aerial view looking east of construction progress at the Exhibition Station, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Kotsy
With the Ontario Line scheduled to open in 2031, a recent look along the length of the line highlights the initial work to create a modern new subway to meet Toronto's growing transit needs.
UrbanToronto will continue to monitor the progress of this development, but in the meantime you can learn more in our database file linked below. If you'd like, you can join the discussion in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the designated area on this page.
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