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The Leslie Station Open House (June 29, 2000)

Sheppard and Leslie

Text by James Bow.

After almost three years of work, Leslie Station is nearly complete. To promote the line, and to say 'thank you' to the local residents who have put up with construction, the TTC organized an open house to show off the station. On Thursday, June 29, 2000, the media and the general public gathered for a BBQ lunch, speeches, and a chance for a sneak peak at the Sheppard Subway.

As an exercise in community relations, the event was a success. Leslie Station was an ideal place for such an event, because of the artwork that had been designed into the station. The station is covered with thousands of tiles with the words "Sheppard and Leslie" silk-screened onto them. Each tile has those words written out in different handwriting, from a different member of the general public. Exactly 3440 handwriting samples were provided by people from the community in May 1997, and each sample was reproduced five times. This open house was a good opportunity for people to see the fruits of their labor.

After the requisite speeches and photo opportunities, the station was thrown open, and people had a unique chance to preview the Sheppard Subway. From what was seen here, the line will be impressive. Indeed, railfans at the event agreed that their only regret was that the line was not to be longer.


Leslie Station Open House Image Archive

Thanks to the organizers of this event, particularly the representatives of Ellis Don and the TTC personnel on hand, for making this an enjoyable and interesting sneak-peak at what is sure to be a beautiful subway line.

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