York University Station

Overview
York University Station is located in the heart of the York University Campus, crossing diagonally under Ian Macdonald Boulevard, with the main entrance in the Harry W. Arthurs Common. The York University Station is intended to remove the existing bus service currently circulating through the Common, and to provide pedestrian access for existing and future facilities and developments on the York University campus. The necessary TTC, YRT, Viva, and GO bus services will be relocated to bus terminals at Pioneer Village Station and Highway 407 Station.
The main entrance is located on the west side of Ian Macdonald Boulevard with two covered entry wings rising up to the north and south side of the Common. The entrance also has a lightwell from the Common providing daylight into the concourse and views to the campus. A roof structure links the two entrance pavilions and the lightwell. Glazing on the east side of the entrance structure provides natural light down to the concourse level. The lightwells in the Common provide passenger orientation and opportunities for daylight harvesting according to the Toronto Green Standard.
The York University Station project incorporates the following environmental initiatives:
- Cool roof and green roofs;
- Increased daylight levels to reduce electric lighting power usage;
- LED lighting in pylon signs, and energy efficient lighting in illuminated wayfinding;
- Water efficient plumbing fixtures;
- Energy efficient HVAC system;
- Reduced storm water runoff into the municipal drainage system by utilizing green roof landscaping and soft, landscaping areas adjacent to other building runoff areas;
- 26 short term bicycle parking spaces; and
- Landscaping with native and drought tolerant species provided.
A major element of this station design is the roof over the upper concourse and entrances in the Common. This metal roof is considered a cool roof as it has a high solar reflectance and absorbs little heat.
The roof is clad in standing seam anodized aluminum panels with anodized aluminum cladding to the ring beam. Glazing is bird-friendly fritted glass in painted steel curtain wall framing. The emergency exit buildings and secure bicycle storage will have green roofs and will be clad in opaque glass panels. Hard landscaping will be concrete. Soft landscaping will be generally hardy and low maintenance for durability in the local environment.
Follow these links to the TTC Commission Reports and learn more about the conceptual design and features for Station:
Public Art
Jason Bruges Studio
Jason Bruges Studio, based in London, United Kingdom, has been awarded the public art contract for York University Station. The team of 14 that make up Jason Bruges Studio create mostly stand-alone pieces installed after a building is complete, as well as time-based mixed media.
The artist is intrigued by the dynamics of people and vehicles moving through the built environment. He has developed a piece with a working title of “Piston Effect” which has been approved by the York University Art Design Review Committee (ADRC)
The artwork is a series of glass panels on the east walls at concourse and the smoke duct above the east trainway. Mounted to the back of these panels are an array of Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) which can dynamically vary in tone between black and white. The result is a huge electronic screen that is capable of showing images. The final number of panels will be confirmed as the design evolves to meet the public art budget.
Architect's Concept
The architect's vision for this structure is one of crisp, clean lines accented by daylight which is harvested by the light scoop and shines into the fare-array concourse level and down to the platform level through large openings in the concourse slab. Realizing this aspiration required close integration of architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services, as well as performance requirements. This higher level of integration between architectural and engineering design has resulted in a beautiful and cost effective station, and is a good pairing of form and function.
Construction Notices
Construction Notices RSS Feed-
Subway Emergency Simulation, Subway Tunnel – York University Station, Bus routes 41, 60, 106, 107, 195, 196A, 196B, 199B servicing York University
October 13, 2017The Toronto Transit Commission will conduct several emergency exercises to test the effectiveness of emergency planning, equipment and training.
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Handover of York University Station to TTC Operations for ongoing trials begins Monday, September 18, 2017
September 15, 2017Beginning on Monday, September 18, York University Station will be handed over to TTC Operations by the station’s construction contractor.
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York Boulevard (North Side) west of Ian Macdonald Boulevard Pathway Restoration Work and TTC Bus Route Changes
September 29, 2016Beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, September 30, 2016 pathway and plaza restoration work will continue on York Boulevard from the Kaneff Tower to York Lanes.
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York Boulevard (South Side) Reopening August 31 2016, TTC and GO Bus Route Changes
August 29, 2016Beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 outbound York Boulevard will reopen to bus traffic on the south side of the Common.
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New Dates: Pedestrian Walkway Closed, Kaneff Tower to York Lanes (east entrance), July 15 – September 1, 2016, Temporary path closed on weekends
July 12, 2016Beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, July 15 until Thursday, September 1, 2016, a portion of the pedestrian sidewalk will be closed between the east end of York Lanes and the Kaneff Tower.
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Lane Restrictions for Utility Work, York University Parking Lot Detour Road, July 12-15, 2016
July 11, 2016Beginning on Tuesday, July 12 until Friday, July 15, 2016, a portion of the York Boulevard Parking Lot Detour Road will be closed for utility work.
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Pedestrian Walkway Closed, Kaneff Tower to York Lanes (east entrance), July 6 – August 10, 2016, Temporary path closed on weekends
July 4, 2016Beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, a portion of the pedestrian sidewalk will be closed between the east end of York Lanes and the Kaneff Tower.
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York University Station, Disassembly and Removal of East Tower Crane, April 21, 2016
April 21, 2016Work begins Thursday, April 21, 2016 on the disassembly of the east tower crane in the subway construction site.
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Early Morning Construction Work, York University Station, Begins April 12, 2016
April 11, 2016Overnight construction work will begin at York University Station on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 until Friday, April 22, 2016.
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UPDATE: Modified Construction Hoarding and Pedestrian Route East End of York Lanes From March 29 – April 1, 2016
March 23, 2016A portion of the pedestrian sidewalk will be closed at the east end of York Lanes.
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York Boulevard Bus Lane Closure: TTC, GO and York University Buses Diverting, March 22 – August 22, 2016
March 18, 2016TTC, GO Transit and York University buses will begin diverting on a detour starting on the early morning of Tuesday, March 22, 2016.
- More Construction Notices
Service Alert:
162 Lawrence-Donway: Detour eastbound via The Donway W, Don Mills Rd E, Lawrence Ave E and The Donway E due to construction.
Last updated 8:47 AM
York University Construction Activity

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