SCARBOROUGH — The Ontario government has broken ground on Scarborough Centre Station, the first of three stops planned for the Scarborough Subway Extension, in what provincial officials are calling a major milestone for Toronto’s transit future and the local economy.
The $70-billion expansion, part of the government’s wider transportation strategy for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, will extend Toronto’s Line 2 subway service 7.8 kilometres from Kennedy Station to Sheppard Avenue and McCowan Road. Once complete, it is expected to handle 105,000 daily trips and bring rapid transit within walking distance for 38,000 residents.
“The Scarborough Subway Extension will be a gamechanger for the people of Scarborough, making it easier than ever before for commuters to get around quickly and conveniently,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation. “In the face of President Trump’s tariff threats, this project will also support thousands of skilled trades workers and attract new jobs and investment here in Scarborough and around the province.”
A Transit and Economic Hub
Construction crews have begun piling work at Scarborough Centre Station, which is designed to accommodate more than 10,000 passengers and over 7,000 transfers during rush hour. The new station will include a bus terminal, passenger pick-up and drop-off zones, and direct links to GO Transit and other local services.
Officials say the station will serve as a key interchange for the eastern GTA, providing faster commutes for nearly 30,000 students and staff at Centennial College Progress Campus and the University of Toronto Scarborough.
“The Scarborough Subway Extension is an important part of building a more connected region,” said Michael Coteau, MP for Scarborough—Woburn, speaking on behalf of federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson. “The federal government will continue to prioritize investing in key public transit infrastructure that makes it easier for Canadians to access their homes, jobs, schools and communities. I am thrilled to see work get underway on the Scarborough Centre Station and look forward to future progress.”
Backed by All Levels of Government
The federal government committed more than $2.2 billion to the project in 2021, while Ontario is also funding one-third of the cost of 55 new subway trains for Line 2, to be built by Alstom Transport Canada Inc. The province says the contract will support Canadian manufacturing jobs.
Beyond Scarborough, the project is part of the largest transit build in Canadian history. Ontario’s broader expansion plan includes the Ontario Line, Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, and Yonge North Subway Extension.
“The Scarborough Subway Extension will transform how residents and commuters travel across the GTA, reducing gridlock and travel times,” said Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure. “As part of our capital plan of more than $200 billion to protect and build Ontario, we are working with our partners to build vibrant, mixed-use communities along the province’s priority subway projects.”
Local and Industry Support
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow welcomed the groundbreaking, calling it a step toward better access for Scarborough residents. “People in Scarborough deserve better access to transit to get to work, school or run errands,” Chow said. “With our strong provincial partnership we can serve even more people in Scarborough with reliable, convenient and safe transit.”
Industry leaders also underscored the project’s role in tackling Toronto’s congestion. “Toronto’s congestion crisis is stifling our economy and undermining quality of life. Better transit is a critical solution,” said Giles Gherson, President and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade.
Marco D’Angelo, head of the Canadian Urban Transit Association, praised the government for answering calls to fund more GTA transit: “Today’s groundbreaking marks a historic milestone for the Scarborough Subway Extension and for public transit across the GTA.”
Karen Cameron, CEO of the Ontario Public Transit Association, echoed the sentiment, framing transit as key to affordability, economic development and housing.
Scarborough’s Long Wait
Local representatives emphasized that Scarborough residents have been waiting decades for major transit upgrades.
“The groundbreaking of Scarborough Centre Station is a proud and transformative milestone for our community,” said Raymond Cho, MPP for Scarborough North. “For too long, people here have waited for the Scarborough Subway Extension — and our government is making it happen.”
Other Scarborough MPPs, including Vijay Thanigasalam, Aris Babikian and David Smith, stressed that the project is not only about improving travel but also about strengthening communities, supporting education, and fueling local economic growth.
With piling work now underway, Ontario officials say the Scarborough Subway Extension is on track to deliver faster commutes, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
