We’re building a time machine in Leaside.

Or at least the underpins for one.

Eglinton Crosstown construction isn’t all just about transit. A few stations along the line are being built by our partners Crosslinx Transit Solutions (CTS) in order to accommodate future developments for Toronto. Because as certain as snow in winter, the city will continue to grow. In fact, the Greater Toronto area is expected to increase by 2.8 million people, or 40.8 per cent, to reach almost 9.7 million by 2041.

At the intersection of Bayview Avenue and Eglinton Avenue East, Leaside Station is being built by CTS with additional structural elements to accommodate future development. This includes additional structural supports about the station’s southeast entrance and a layout that allows the entrance to remain operational during any potential high-rise construction.

Leaside Station saw construction start in 2016 with utility relocations. Excavation has begun and continues below the Eglinton roadway, while vehicles travel above on a temporary wooden decking. The station is expected to be completed in 2021.

The future Leaside station will include two station entrances, on-street TTC bus connections, 60 outdoor bicycle parking spaces and retail space inside. The station will include an expanded plaza at the southeast entrance, providing a connection to the adjacent Howard Talbot Park.

Wet utilities work, earth hauling and concrete and material deliveries all continue today. In June, deep excavation work will start to build the station, allowing lanes on the roadway to open up for drivers. Keep an eye out for large cranes that are being delivered later this summer to support the excavation work.

For now, it may look like we’re just building a new transit station. But we’re also thinking long term for the City of Toronto and its future.

So that means creating time machines today.