Pre-pandemic the Bloor and Yonge Subway Lines were becoming unbearable for the never-ending crush of commuters collectively pissed off for cramped cars and ongoing delays. Then COVID-19 kept everyone at home – rarely commuting – and those transit woes were put on pause.
But once city life got back to the status quo, I think I speak for most transit commuters when I say that returning to a ‘packed-in-like-sardines’ subway system had zero appeal.
Interestingly (I’ll hold off on using the word “fortunately” until it’s completed) there’s a new transit line coming to the City of Toronto that will give central and east side commuters some relief. Metrolinx unveiled an upcoming alternative: the Ontario Line! It’s an in-progress transit line that will run from Lake Ontario (Exhibition Place) to the Ontario Science Centre in North Toronto. There will be 15 planned stops and is estimated to whisk travellers from one end of the line to the other in just 30 minutes! It will be a mix of surface, elevated and underground tracks.
Here’s the map:
What’s most exciting is that this line runs North and South but also East and West; Toronto has never before had an (essentially) diagonal transit line before! The benefits will be seen by previously ‘unconnected’ neighbourhoods, from those far from transit to those relying on aging streetcar lines. In their own words, Metrolinx representatives describe the Ontario line thus: “With 15 new stations in vibrant, growing neighbourhoods and easy connections to more than 40 other local and regional transit lines including the TTC’s Line 1 and Line 2, GO train lines, and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, the Ontario Line will be part of a truly integrated transit network that will make getting around the city and the entire region easier and more intuitive.”
For those who enjoy proximity to the current subway lines – and ride them daily – there will be a noticeable relief in numbers with the addition of the Ontario Line; fewer passengers, delays, and more room – we hope!! Check out our post on the Real Financial, Emotional And Health Costs Of Commuting.
Here’s a word from Metrolinx:
* Via Metrolinx YouTube
Like us, you’re probably thinking “how long?” bad “how much construction?”. According to press releases and initial models, the line will be built within sections of existing Metrolinx-owned GO rail corridors in two sections of the line: the western (Exhibition) and eastern (East Harbour to Gerrard) segments of the line. This is reported to have the benefit of reducing the number of – and duration of – construction projects. After what neighbourhoods in proximity to Eglinton Ave endured during the construction of the Eglinton Crosstown, all eyes will be on these numbers and timelines.
Metrolinx and the City Of Toronto promise that the Ontario line will improve an aging network, alleviate crowding, and stimulate neighbourhood business growth.
This case summary of the current plans is definitely worth the read – and has some fab infographics!!
The Ontario Line & Real Estate Values
Aside from what proximal neighbourhoods might have to endure as the line is created, how might they benefit beyond what’s already been stated? What about those purchasing real estate near the Ontario Line?
As we know, major public transit infrastructure is the basis for urban growth; as Toronto’s population continues to boom, a new transit line – ready to serve – will allow intensification in new areas. If you live in downtown Toronto, there are certain amenities considered the staple of the urban dweller – and convenient access to public transportation is usually found at the top of that list. As transit expands, so does the viability of underused and outlying neighbourhoods.
For example, right now, neighbourhoods like The Danforth, Bloorcourt Village and High Park, etc. are highly coveted – and suffering from high-price syndrome – because they are within walking distance of the Bloor-Danforth subway line, which is one of our two subway lines. As the Eglinton Crosstown nears completion, it’s going to make any property within walking distance (both north and south) of Eglinton extremely attractive and more valuable. More importantly, this new transit artery invites the opportunity to intensify our urban fabric; anticipate the rezoning of existing low-density sites on Eglinton into high-density commercial residential condominiums and rental buildings. In a city suffering from its insufficient supply of housing, having a transit infrastructure in place will spurn redevelopment.
Such will be the case with the Ontario Line, as well; the line-adjacent communities will benefit, because they will inevitably become coveted once the line becomes established. Here’s our post on The Value Of Public Transit.
BlogTO reports that ‘Toronto’s New Subway Communities Will Create Almost 55,000 Jobs & 7,000 Homes’.
For anyone with a long-term view, buying in locations that are undergoing transit redevelopment can reap financial rewards. Herein lies the window of opportunity. If you can secure a dwelling in any of the fringe Ontario Line-adjacent neighbourhoods before it hits the collective consciousness, you’ll not only see your investment escalate in value faster than suburban locations, but you’ll see your transit commute time reduced significantly once the line is complete. The disclaimer of mentioning a “long term view” is that, as academics studying urban growth know, financial gains in situations like this generally take around ten years to accrue.
This kind of advancement requires cooperation among so many different groups, and we’re excited to see how effectively the City navigates the expansion!
Construction began in 2021, and the full project is scheduled to be completed in 2031.
“More Possible, For More People!”
Take a peek at this listing we SOLD in Leslieville. We call it: So Sweet Ya Gotta Brush Yer Teeth – On Colgate Avenue In Leslieville.
This sun-kissed ground floor unit – one of only two 2-bed units on this level – has a premium patio with south exposure. Seriously, whether you’re in the bloom of youth, baby-making, giving your boss the Freedom 55 finger – or just YOU being YOU – when you live here life will be more dynamic, people will be more engaging, and everything that matters will be within walking distance!
We’re Singing Shangri-La-La-La On Sherbourne Street – NOW SOLD!
280 Sherbourne Street is a collection of 18 multi-level townhomes constructed in 1977. Separated by a tranquil refuge of mature plantings and tiered stone paths, the row facing Sherbourne Street features fenced garden terraces within the private courtyard while the back row of townhomes enjoys private terraces on the west side of the complex overtop the secure exclusive-use carports accessible from the laneway.
Our listing – A Royal Suite At King’s Court Condominium, Steps To Toronto’s Beloved St. Lawrence Market – is NOW SOLD but was just 4-minute walk from the Ontario Line’s upcoming Moss Park Station!
Check out this fab loft listing NOW SOLD – A Sun-Kissed Contemporary Loft In Riverdale’s Printers Row
Wrapped in the roots of history while boasting the conveniences of modern living, Loft 105 in Printers Row is the epitome of stylish urban living. Having around 1154 square feet of indoor/outdoor living, this elegant voluminous space has 979 square feet spread over 2 levels inside, and an exceptional 175 square foot south-facing terrace with gas barbecue hook-up, electrical outlets and water line! Unchanged: Wrapped in the roots of history while boasting the conveniences of modern living, Loft 105 in Printers Row is the epitome of stylish urban living. Having around 1154 square feet of indoor/outdoor living, this elegant voluminous space has 979 square feet spread over 2 levels inside, and an exceptional 175 square foot south-facing terrace with gas barbecue hook-up, electrical outlets and water line!
Are you planning to sell your property now or one day in the future? We have a sterling track record as one of Bosley Real Estate’s Top Producers spanning 30 years. We are committed to excellence.
With three decades of experience navigating the ever-changing Toronto real estate market, a commitment to promote the sale of properties like yours with interesting and relevant information, and the ability to guide Buyers with credible insights and well-informed guidance, the Urbaneer Team help without pressure or hassle.
Thanks for reading!
-The Urbaneer Team
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-800
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