Sheppard Subway

The Sheppard Subway line was proposed in the report titled Network 2011. Published in 1985, this report laid out a plan for future rapid transit development. Under this plan, three routes were suggested for expansion: the Sheppard Subway line, a Downtown Relief line, and an Eglinton West Rapid Transit line. The Sheppard Subway line was planned to run from Yonge Street to Victoria Park Avenue, and later to be extended west to Dufferin Street and east to the Scarborough Town Centre.

Construction on the Sheppard Subway line began in 1994. The line would consist of five stations: Yonge-Sheppard Station, Bayview Station, Bessarion Station, Leslie Station, and Don Mills Station. Both tunnelling and cut and cover tunnel construction were used to create the line. Constructing the connection between the new line and the Yonge line at Sheppard Station required careful engineering to keep the Yonge line open.

While the Sheppard Subway line was highlighted as a priority for rapid transit expansion, progress did not immediately materialize. In 1990, Network 2011 was reimagined as the Let’s Move Program. This program consisted of more rapid transit lines. The Sheppard Subway line was still part of the plan, but it was no longer considered a priority. In 1993, the Let’s Move Program was rebranded and altered, becoming the Rapid Transit Expansion Plan (RTEP). Under the RTEP, the Sheppard Subway was prioritized once more and cut down in size; now, it would only run between Yonge Street and Don Mills Road.

The Sheppard Subway line opened on November 24, 2002.

 

Foreground shows mall, parking lot, and subdivisions. Background shows highway and subdivisions.
This south-facing picture of the proposed Sheppard Subway line shows Sheppard and Bayview avenues and Bayview Village Shopping Centre on the left.
July 27, 1983
Fonds 16, Series 1615, File 202, Item 830777B-9.
Foreground shows subdivision. Middle of the picture shows an industrial building. Background shows highway and subdivisions.
This south-facing picture of the proposed Sheppard Subway line route shows Sheppard Avenue between Bessarion Road/Burbank Drive (at right) and Provost Drive/Ambrose Road.
July 27, 1983
Fonds 16, Series 1615, File 202, Item 830777B-11.

 

Major roadways and highway with subdivisions and hospital in the foreground.
Proposed Sheppard Subway line route; the view is looking south. It shows Sheppard Avenue and Leslie Street, North York General Hospital is in mid-photo. Leslie Station would be constructed here, in a difficult location between the railway and the Don River.
July 27, 1983
Fonds 16, Series 1615, File 207, Item 830777G-2.
Proposed Sheppard Subway line. The view is looking south and shows Sheppard Avenue and Don Mills Road (at right) and Hwy 404, Fairview Mall in foreground.
July 27, 1983
Fonds 16, Series 1615, File 207, Item 830777G-6A.

 

Construction if foreground. Background showing shopping centre and office towers.
Sheppard and Yonge intersection showing traffic diverting for subway construction. The curved excavation at bottom right is for the east-to-south track connection from the Sheppard line to the Yonge line.
March 2001
Courtesy of the TTC (TTC 010326).
Traffic on roads, office towers, and shopping centre with parking lot. Background shows green space.
View westward of the Sheppard and Yonge intersection. Excavation has begun at three of the four corners for station and track construction.
June 1998
Courtesy of the TTC (TTC 980614).
Foreground shows hoarding and concrete floor. Background shows two box tunnel structures with scaffolding.
Construction of twin tunnel structure at Leslie Station
June 1998
Courtesy of the TTC (TTC 9806439).

 

Installation of rebar along wall. Horizonal beams have been installed at two levels.
Construction of Leslie Station
June 1998
Courtesy of the TTC (TTC 9806439).
Heavy machinery and work site trailers in background.
Construction of Leslie Station
June 1998
Courtesy of the TTC (TTC 980614).

 

Foreground shows road with TTC buses and cars. Middle shows station construction near Sears wing of Fairview Mall. Background shows apartment buildings and office towers.
Don Mills Station construction. This station included a large bus terminal and a multi-story commuter car park.
June 1998
Courtesy of the TTC (TTC 980614).