If you’ve passed an Ontario Line construction site in downtown Toronto lately, you’ve likely spotted a crane rising against the skyline. These impressive machines are essential for subway construction. We use the following types of cranes on our sites: 

• tower cranes, the tall cranes that dominate the skyline; 
• gantry cranes that slide on rails to move from side to side; and  
• mobile cranes that move around the site as needed.  

Each crane, whether fixed in place or gliding on rails, plays a unique role in shaping the future of the city’s transit infrastructure by lifting materials high into the air or low into the ground.  

Where do we use tower cranes? 

Tower cranes are the most visible cranes along the route. They’re easy to spot by their tall vertical mast — the metal structure rising from the ground — and their long horizontal jib, which extends out like an arm. These cranes are designed for height and strength, capable of lifting heavy loads and transporting materials across wide areas. Counterweights balance the load, ensuring stability during lifts. 

At Exhibition Station, there are three tower cranes on site assisting with excavation and other activities, like ensuring that materials move efficiently. Most striking is one that  

that rises approximately 65 metres tall. Surprisingly, it’s not just a tower crane — it’s also mobile. Mounted on rails, this crane moves east to west, necessary for constructing the future concourse above the active Lakeshore West GO tracks. Its size and reach are unmatched – in fact, it’s the largest crane on rails in the province right now!  

Other Ontario Line sites like King-Bathurst, Queen-Spadina, Moss Park and Corktown are also being built with tower cranes. These cranes are instrumental in excavation, helping crews dig while maintaining efficiency and safety. They’re ideal for long-term projects, though their setup is no small feat. Once installed, they stay put throughout construction, anchoring the site’s operations. 

Where do we use gantry cranes?  

Gantry cranes are freestanding structures with a horizontal beam supported by two vertical legs. These cranes travel on wheels or fixed tracks and are ideal for lifting and moving heavy materials across smaller, flat surfaces. The hoist mechanism moves along the horizontal beam, allowing side-to-side movement of loads.  

Gantry cranes appear at King-Bathurst, Osgoode, and Queen, where they operate inside acoustic shelters. These shelters help reduce dust and noise for the community and limit construction impacts for nearby residents. Inside each, gantry cranes move side to side, supporting excavation with quiet efficiency. 

Where do we use mobile cranes?  

While tower and gantry cranes are the main workhorses day to day, mobile cranes play an equally critical role across the Ontario Line route. These cranes are typically mounted on wheeled vehicles, allowing them to move between locations and adapt to changing site needs. Their flexibility makes them indispensable for short-term lifts, tight spaces and areas where permanent crane installations aren’t feasible. 

Mobile cranes are often used to assist with material deliveries, equipment placement and to support excavation in areas where tower or gantry cranes can’t reach. They’re especially useful during early site setup or when we’re transitioning between construction phases. 

The use of tower, gantry and mobile cranes across the Ontario Line’s downtown construction sites reflects a thoughtful balance between vertical lifting power and horizontal mobility. Each crane is tailored to meet the unique demands of its site, ensuring safety, efficiency and progress.