East Harbor Transit Hub Begins Construction

The Ontario government has officially kicked off construction on the East Harbour Transit Hub in Toronto, a transformative project set to become the city’s second busiest transit station after Union Station. Designed to serve approximately 100,000 daily riders, this multi-modal interchange will link the Ontario Line subway with the Lakeshore East and Stouffville GO Transit lines, vastly improving access to downtown Toronto and reducing congestion throughout the network.

Strategic Urban Placement and Broader Vision

Situated in Toronto’s east end, the East Harbour site has been designated a Transit-Oriented Community (TOC). This means it’s not just about trains and platforms—the plan includes housing, retail, daycare, parkland, and green space to support Toronto’s growing population. This urban integration aligns with Ontario’s larger $70 billion transit infrastructure investment, which also encompasses the Ontario Line, Scarborough Subway Extension, Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, and Yonge North Subway Extension.

“In the face of economic uncertainty, we are doubling down on our plan to build Ontario and deliver the largest expansion of public transit in North America. We are protecting Ontario by getting shovels in the ground quicker on projects like the East Harbour Transit Hub, which will support economic growth, keep thousands of workers on the job and help commuters get where they need to go, when they need to get there.”

Premier of Ontario | Doug Ford

Construction Timeline and Delivery Team

Ontario Newsroom reports that the contract for the major construction of the hub was awarded in March 2024 to a joint venture between AtkinsRéalis and Bird Construction, with Hatch Ltd. onboard as the design partner. The project will be delivered using an alliance contracting model, which encourages collaboration among all parties to optimize outcomes.

Construction is now underway and is expected to take 12 years to fully deliver. During this time, the project will generate an estimated 8,300 annual jobs, providing steady employment for a variety of skilled trades.

Key Trades and Roles in Construction

The scale of the East Harbour Transit Hub demands the expertise of a wide range of construction professionals, including:

• Drill Rig Operators – Essential for foundational work and piling operations.

• Steelworkers – For structural framing of station platforms, overpasses, and support buildings.

• Concrete Workers – Including formworkers and finishers, crucial for structural foundations and architectural elements.

• Crane Operators – Needed for lifting large structural components and heavy materials.

• Excavator Operators – For grading, trenching, and earthmoving tasks.

• Electricians – To install power systems, lighting, signals, and switchgear.

• Plumbers and HVAC Technicians – Required for mechanical systems in station buildings.

• Waterproofing and Insulation Crews – Critical to ensuring infrastructure durability.

• Elevator and Escalator Installers – To provide accessibility throughout the facility.

• Finish Trades (Tilers, Painters, Millworkers) – For final detailing and passenger-ready finishes.

Economic and Community Impact

The East Harbour Transit Hub represents more than a transit solution. It is expected to catalyze job growth and economic development across Toronto’s east end. Through Ontario's TOC initiative, it will also support thousands of new housing units and enhance community amenities.

Federal Minister Gregor Robertson highlighted the importance of transit investment in national growth: "Supporting cities like Toronto through transit projects allows communities to thrive."

Transit Benefits

Once complete, the transit hub will:

• Relieve congestion at Union Station

• Provide direct connections to three major rail lines

• Enable faster, more convenient commutes across the GTA

• Increase access to housing and employment hubs

• Promote sustainable urban development

Conclusion

The East Harbour Transit Hub is a landmark project in Ontario’s ambitious transit expansion strategy. With significant contributions from skilled tradespeople, it promises not only improved connectivity but also meaningful employment and vibrant urban growth. As Toronto continues to grow—welcoming 270,000 new residents last year alone—investments like this ensure the city can meet future demands with world-class infrastructure.