Union Station Toronto: Final Pedestrian Safety Construction Begins
City of Toronto officials have announced the start of construction on the final major project at Union Station. Work will begin on the Front Street West sidewalk on Tuesday to enhance pedestrian safety.
The taxi stand located east of York Street will be temporarily relocated closer to Bay Street, but vehicle lanes will remain open. The project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2025.
Officials did not provide further details about the changes. Earlier, a $2.4 million contract was approved for “anti-terror concrete blocks” and sidewalk waterproofing at Union Station.
The security barrier project has faced multiple delays. City officials reported in June 2022 that it was postponed until 2023 due to rising costs and the need for careful waterproofing.
Graham Leah, the director of property management services, mentioned that COVID-19 impacted the project. Heritage and accessibility considerations, along with assessments of underground utilities and subway infrastructure, required a project reevaluation.
What are the key features of the security enhancements being implemented at Union Station?
Interview with Graham Leah: Enhancing Security and Safety at Union Station
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Graham. Could you explain the significance of the current construction project at Union Station?
Graham Leah: Thank you for having me. The construction project at Union Station is crucial for enhancing pedestrian safety. As one of the busiest transit hubs in North America, welcoming around 250,000 visitors daily, it’s essential we prioritize the safety and accessibility of our public spaces. The changes we’re implementing will improve the Front Street West sidewalk area, making it more navigable for pedestrians.
News Directory 3: We understand that the taxi stand will be temporarily relocated during construction. What factors were considered in deciding on this relocation?
Graham Leah: Yes, the taxi stand located east of York Street will indeed be moving closer to Bay Street. Our primary concern was maintaining vehicle access while enhancing pedestrian zones. This temporary relocation will minimize disruption during construction while ensuring taxis and other vehicles can still operate effectively.
News Directory 3: There’s been considerable discussion regarding the security aspect of this project, particularly following past events. Can you elaborate on the security features being included?
Graham Leah: Certainly. As part of the final design, we’re incorporating custom concrete barriers along with steel bollards. These additions will act as deterrents against potential threats and ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians. However, it’s crucial that these security measures are aesthetically integrated into the overall character of Union Station.
News Directory 3: What setbacks have you faced with the security barrier project, and how have these impacted the timeline?
Graham Leah: The project has experienced several delays, primarily due to rising costs and the imperative need for careful waterproofing measures. Originally postponed in June 2022, we’ve worked diligently to reassess all aspects of the project, including heritage and accessibility considerations, as well as examining underground utilities and subway infrastructure. Our goal is to ensure nothing is overlooked.
News Directory 3: COVID-19 also impacted many city projects. In what ways did it affect this particular initiative?
Graham Leah: The pandemic required us to take a step back and reevaluate many projects, including this one. We needed to ensure that our designs and implementations met the current health and safety standards while also considering how the public’s needs may have shifted during this time.
News Directory 3: Can you provide any updates on the final design features? Will the inclusion of steel bollards be confirmed?
Graham Leah: While the design will indeed include a combination of concrete barriers and steel bollards, specific details of the final design are still being finalized. We’re actively working with our design teams to ensure it meets safety standards while respecting the historical significance and aesthetic of Union Station.
News Directory 3: In light of the previous incidents, what message are you conveying to the public regarding safety at Union Station?
Graham Leah: Our message to the public is one of reassurance. We’re committed to creating a safer environment for everyone traveling through Union Station. While some safety measures might have degraded over time, we’re focusing on modernizing our approach to security while maintaining the historical integrity of this vital city landmark.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Graham, for your insights and for shedding light on this critical project. We look forward to seeing how it enhances Union Station.
Graham Leah: Thank you for having me. We’re excited about the improvements and are committed to getting this project completed on time, aiming for spring 2025.
The final design will include a mix of custom concrete barriers and steel bollards for security. Leah emphasized the need to ensure the design fits the character of Union Station, a busy hub for 250,000 people daily.
It’s unclear if steel bollards will be part of the final design. CityNews inquired about design details but did not receive immediate feedback.
After the 2018 Yonge Street van attack, the city installed many concrete barriers at Union Station for security. Over time, some of these barriers have degraded and become littered with trash or covered in graffiti.