TTC opening the doors to its historic Hillcrest Complex, celebrating 100 years of service
This Sat., Sept. 28, the TTC is opening its historic Hillcrest Complex to the public, marking 100 years since operations began there in 1924.
The one-day event offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the past, present, and future of a complex that has been the heart of transit operations in Toronto for a century. Entry to Saturday’s event is just $5, with children under two years of age admitted free of charge. All proceeds from the event will go to United Way Greater Toronto, supporting vital community initiatives.
“I am thrilled that the public will have the chance to go behind the scenes of their TTC and witness firsthand how Hillcrest has played a crucial role in building and maintaining Toronto’s extensive transit network that millions of people rely on daily,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “From streetcars to buses to subways, Hillcrest has been at the forefront of it all for a century, and it continues to be a vital hub for TTC operations today. Thank you to all the TTC employees who are working hard to make this day possible.”
“Behind every machine and every vehicle at Hillcrest, teams of dedicated TTC employees have been the backbone of Toronto’s transit system for the past 100 years,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “For a century at Hillcrest, TTC employees have been bending rails, maintaining streetcars and buses, and building a transit system that is the third largest in North America. There is so much history to explore on Saturday, and I encourage the public to join the TTC at Hillcrest to see how their TTC keeps them moving.”
“We hope to see you this Saturday at Hillcrest Complex to celebrate this momentous occasion and explore the legacy, and future, of the TTC,” said TTC Interim CEO Greg Percy. “Our dedicated employees have been working hard to present the public with a special day filled with fun, learning and appreciation for the vital roles that Hillcrest and public transit play in our city.”
From tours of Streetcar Way to the Harvey Shops and Repair Shop, visitors will have the chance to dive into the rich history and innovative technologies that have shaped the TTC.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness rail bending demonstrations and see streetcar maintenance vehicles and equipment up close. There will be current and vintage vehicles on display, and a rare chance to ride an original Peter Witt streetcar.
In addition to the historic vehicles, exhibits, and demonstrations, there will be plenty of activities for kids, including face painting. There will also be merchandise for sale and a barbeque with all proceeds going to United Way Greater Toronto. For those interested in job opportunities, there will be pop-up sessions by TTC staff, as well as information about TTC projects and service plans.
What: TTC Hillcrest Complex 100 Year Anniversary Open House
When: Sat., Sept. 28, 2024. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: 1138 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON M5R 3H2
Cost: $5 entry (children aged under two years are free). All proceeds raised will go to United Way Greater Toronto.
Getting there is easy with plenty of transit options. Customers can take the subway, Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, to Bathurst Station. Special event shuttle buses will run between Bathurst Station and TTC Hillcrest Complex, along with regular service on the 7 Bathurst and 90 Vaughan. From Line 1 Yonge-University, customers can board a 512 St. Clair streetcar at St Clair Station, or outside St Clair West Station, and transfer to a southbound 7 Bathurst bus at Bathurst St.