Metrolinx intends to build the Ontario Line subway between Exhibition Place / Ontario Place and the area near the Ontario Science Centre, through downtown Toronto.
Sunday, March 27, 2022, Metrolinx formally launched construction of the subway project, starting with upgrading Exhibition GO Station.
Construction on the south platform (Platform 4) started Monday, October 3, 2022, but, by Saturday, March 11, before the first train service, GO is reopening the previously closed portion. Contractors have completed curb work on the platform and foundation work for the new temporary pedestrian bridge. They’ll continue working to extend Platform 4 further eastward to make space for future Ontario Line construction.
Next up is structural work on the south platform to build the new temporary pedestrian bridge, heated shelters to protect you from the weather and electrical rooms to provide important communication services to the platform.
The new bridge will help you cross between the north and south platforms. Metrolinx expects to complete the bridge “in approximately one year” from the start of construction, meaning as late as October 31, 2023.
^ Click to enlarge.
Platform 1 access:
- Use extra care and spread out on the north platform (Platform 1). The west side of Platform 1 is partially closed while crews prepare to shift tracks to align to new platforms in the future.
Platform 4 access:
- All train doors again open trains arrive at Exhibition GO Station.
- Use extra care and spread out on Platform 4. A fence will separate the open portion of the platform from the closed construction area.
Early works to upgrade the south and north platforms on the east side of the station to prepare for future Ontario Line construction now impact how you board and exit trains. Since Friday, December 2, 2022, the elevators at Exhibition GO Station have been out of service.
- The elevators connecting the north and south platforms (Platform 1 & 4) are both out of service. There is no elevator service at Exhibition GO Station.
- Passengers with accessibility needs can’t use the pedestrian tunnel connecting the north and south platforms.
- Dignity Transportation Shuttle service is available by request to transport passengers with accessibility needs.
- To ask for shuttle service, call GO Transit at 416-869-3200 or 1-800-438-6646 (toll-free). You must ask for this service 48 hours before your travel time.
GO Transit expects the elevator construction to continue “until spring 2023”, meaning as late as until June 30.
Monday, June 27, 2022, GO opened a new temporary entrance building, just off Atlantic Avenue. The building leads to a tunnel that connects to both the north platform (platform 1) and the south platform (platform 4). Currently, this new entrance building has no elevator. If you have accessibility needs, please use the street-level entrance to the north platform (platform 1). Use the PRESTO card-payment devices at the street-level entrance to the north platform (platform 1) or the payment devices and ticket-vending machines on the south side of the station. GO intends to add PRESTO payment devices to the new entrance building in the coming weeks.
^ Future Exhibition Station north entrance building and shared GO / Ontario Line concourse, pictured from eastern side of Atlantic Avenue. Image, Metrolinx
Monday, March 28, 2022, GO temporarily shifted the south platform further east to serve GO trains and make space for Ontario Line construction further west. It removed the north platform to make space for a new Ontario Line and GO platform on the north side of the station. You may notice plywood on small sections of both platforms. It is there to keep you safe while crews install underground utilities in these areas overnight.
During the early-works phases of the project, crews are:
- building a new entrance and exit building on Atlantic Avenue;
- extending the north and south platforms;
- installing a temporary pedestrian bridge between the north and south sides of the station; and
- upgrading the elevator at the south side of the station.
When the early-works phases of the project end, construction to build the new Ontario Line at Exhibition Station will start.