Prior to the completion of the Bloor-Danforth Subway line, the TTC was already looking to expand its overcrowded and hectic Yonge Subway line and Eglinton Station terminal. The continued growth and expansion of Metropolitan Toronto meant that a solution would need to be found. In 1961 the first set of plans was drawn up for the Yonge Subway northern extension. These plans were modified several times until 1967 when Metropolitan Toronto accepted the new alignment.
Construction on the Yonge Subway Northerly Extension began in October 1968. This extension would see the Yonge Subway extended from Eglinton Station to Sheppard Station. A decision was made in 1969 to further extend the Yonge Subway to Finch Station. The original stations for this line were Lawrence, York Mills, Sheppard, and Finch.
This north Yonge Subway extension was opened in two parts. First, the extension from Eglinton Station to York Mills Station opened in March 1973. The remaining two stations, Sheppard Station and Finch Station, were opened a year later in March 1974, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the original Yonge Subway opening.
Piling operation at Eglinton Avenue January 10, 1970 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 77, Item 200.
View looks south on Yonge Street towards Eglinton Avenue showing deck beams in place and timber decking being laid March 2, 1970 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 77, Item 226.
Connection of southbound tunnel to box tunnel structure. This connection linked contract Y1, the cut and cover construction from Eglinton Station to Orchard View Avenue with contract Y2, which consisted of the construction of subway tunnels between Orchard View Boulevard and Lawrence Avenue. October 28, 1970 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 283, Item 342.
View taken looking north showing excavation of box structure for Lawrence Station June 9, 1971 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 80, Item 631.
This elevated view looks north-east across the intersection of Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue, showing the east entrance to the station. September 11, 1972 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 270, Item 1304.
The installation of a dewatering system south of Mill Street allowed the Don River to be rerouted for the construction of York Mills Station. April 21, 1969 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 87, Item 81.
View of York Mills Station showing excavation, lagging and struts behind a Shell gas station. A line of concrete trucks is waiting on York Mills Road to pour. September 19, 1969 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 86, Item 163.
General progress photograph of the east side of the north entrance of York Mills Station and surrounding area June 9, 1971 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 284, Item 627.
Placing deck beams, looking southbound on Yonge Street between Bogert Avenue and Poyntz Avenue November 11, 1970 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 280, Item 374.
Underground view looking south showing excavated area and decking at Sheppard Avenue March 23, 1971 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 279, Item 494.
Deck removal operations during street restoration to west side of Yonge Street, working north from Sheppard Avenue, looking south-west March 1, 1972 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 281, Item 971.
Decking at Yonge Street, looking north March 1, 1972 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 109, Item 974.
Excavation and lagging operation at the box structure, north of Norton Avenue, looking south April 24, 1972 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 108, Item 1092.
The worksite of Finch Station Kiss ‘N’ Ride and bus transfer-way, looking south May 14, 1973 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 101, Item 1492.
The North York City Centre Station (originally referred to as Park Home Station) had been planned during the original design of the extension, but construction on this station did not begin until June 1985. This station was built on an operating subway line and was done without interruption to subway service. This station opened for service on June 18, 1987.
West side of Yonge Street looking south from Park Home Avenue November 12, 1985 Fonds 16, Series 1604, Files 4950, Item 851141-10.
West side of Yonge Street looking north towards Park Home Avenue November 28, 1985 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 4950, Item 8511108-5.
East side of Yonge Street looking west towards the construction of North York Civic Centre January 15, 1986 Fonds 16, Series 1604, File 4951, Item 860162-3.