Construction of York University Station is Still Underway

York University students utilize over 1,400 TTC buses everyday to move around campus. To scrap dependency on the existing bus service, a subway station is being developed that will enhance public transit to the university and other surrounding areas. York University Station is geared towards reducing the number of buses entering campus while effectively managing transport to and from the university.

The York University Station is set to give pedestrians access to various facilities and developments in the campus. Plans are underway to relocate the TTC bus terminals to other stations such as the Pioneer Village Station and Highway 407. The entrance of the station has a beautiful roof structure allowing natural light to penetrate down through the lightwell and giving pedestrians the perfect view of the campus. The magnificent station is designed to promote daylight harvesting in accordance with the Toronto Green Standard.

This substation is designed with environmental sustainability in mind. It has cool, green roofs which makes it a perfect place to wait for transport in sunny summer months. The station has increased daylight levels to minimize electric lighting power usage. The unique design also incorporates LED lighting which is used to light up the pylon signs and walkways. York University Station has been designed using state of the art plumbing fixtures. Fixtures have been carefully selected to enhance water efficiency.

The station will have 26 short term bicycle parking spaces as well as beautiful landscaping. Drought resistant species have been planted on the landscapes to reduce water consumption. Other features of the station such as energy efficient HVAC units have been put in place to make the new development cost effective to manage and environmentally friendly.

One major element of the York University Station is the unique design of its roof. The roof is made of metal with high solar reflectance. This unique roofing system is designed to absorb very little heat which helps to keep the interior cool and hence reducing the amount of energy used to cool down temperatures during the hot season. The roof is beautifully structured to cover the upper concourse as well as all the entrances in the Common.

Green roofs will be put up to cover the emergency exit buildings as well as the bicycle storage spaces. The rooms will have opaque glass panels which not only add on to the beauty of the station but also help to bring in more daylight and keep the area cool. Unique concrete finishes have been used on the landscaping to give the station a modern edge. Landscaping is generally low maintenance and expected to last for many years.

The conception design and features of the York University Station has been fully covered by the TTC Commission Reports. A well-known architectural firm, Foster and Partners was commissioned to develop the station’s design. The construction has taken place in stages and is now almost approaching the final steps to deliver the project. The project is estimated to be completed by December 2017.