Ontario Advances Scarborough Subway Expansion with New Station Connecting Hospital, Jobs and Transit Network
SCARBOROUGH, Ontario — Major construction has officially begun on the Lawrence Avenue and McCowan Road station, the second of three planned stations on the Scarborough Subway Extension, marking another milestone in Ontario’s multi-billion-dollar transit expansion strategy aimed at easing congestion and improving regional connectivity.
The Ontario government announced that crews have started piling and excavation work at the future station, which will become part of the 7.8-kilometre extension of the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Line 2 subway service from Kennedy Station to Sheppard Avenue and McCowan Road.
Once operational, the Lawrence and McCowan station is expected to accommodate more than 5,000 riders, support over 4,000 passenger transfers during peak hours and serve as a major transit hub with direct links to express bus services along Lawrence Avenue. The station will also provide improved access to Scarborough General Hospital and more than 3,400 nearby employment opportunities.
“Once complete, the Scarborough Subway Extension will reduce travel times for thousands of residents, connecting more people to good jobs, schools and vital appointments,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government will continue to deliver for the people of Scarborough through our historic investments to expand public transit and health care, create jobs and lower costs for families.”
Project Forms Part of Ontario’s Historic Subway Expansion
The Scarborough Subway Extension represents one of several major transit projects included in Ontario’s broader infrastructure investment plan. Together with the Ontario Line, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension, the province describes the initiative as the largest subway expansion program in Canadian history.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the project will play a key role in supporting one of Ontario’s fastest-growing regions while generating thousands of construction jobs.
“We’re bringing world-class rapid transit to Scarborough by extending the TTC’s Line 2 subway service almost eight kilometres farther east,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Under Premier Ford’s leadership, we’re building the infrastructure we need to support one of the fastest growing regions in Ontario, and we’re keeping thousands of workers on the job during construction.”
According to the province, approximately 3,000 workers are expected to be employed annually throughout construction.
Improved Access to Health Care and Employment
The new station is expected to significantly improve access to Scarborough General Hospital, part of the Scarborough Health Network (SHN), which serves approximately 850,000 residents across eastern Greater Toronto Area communities.
When the entire subway extension is complete, the province estimates it will accommodate approximately 105,000 daily passenger trips while placing an additional 38,000 residents and 34,000 jobs within a 10-minute walk of rapid transit.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones highlighted the project’s health-care benefits.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments to deliver connected and convenient care across Ontario. Today’s groundbreaking on the new Lawrence and McCowan subway station brings us a step closer to ensuring patients and families can get to and from Scarborough General Hospital faster than ever before.”
Transit-Oriented Development Planned Around Station
The Ontario government also plans to establish a transit-oriented community surrounding the future Lawrence and McCowan Station.
Acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy said the development is expected to create nearly 740 new homes while supporting more than 240 jobs alongside improved transit access.
“The Scarborough Subway Extension will provide seamless and faster transit across the Greater Toronto Area, connecting Scarborough to downtown Toronto. As part of our government’s $236 billion capital plan to build and protect Ontario, we are planning a transit-oriented community at the future Lawrence and McCowan Station that would deliver nearly 740 new homes and support over 240 new jobs, making it easier for people to connect to transit, work and other opportunities.”
Federal Government Supports Infrastructure Investment
The federal government also reiterated its support for the transit project.
“The federal government is on a mission to build strong, connected and affordable communities,” said the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “Projects like the Scarborough Subway Extension will make it easier for more people to access good jobs, affordable homes and better opportunities. Working with the province of Ontario we will build Toronto and Scarborough strong.”
Community Leaders Welcome Construction Milestone
Municipal leaders, business organizations and transit advocates welcomed the latest phase of construction, citing long-term benefits for residents, businesses and regional mobility.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said improved access to Scarborough General Hospital and stronger transportation links would benefit residents across the city.
“I want to thank the Ontario government for this important investment in Scarborough. The new Lawrence and McCowan Station will make it easier for residents to access Scarborough General Hospital and travel across the city, connecting them to jobs, services and opportunities.”
Metrolinx President and CEO Michael Lindsay added that the project will strengthen both health-care access and employment connectivity.
“We are excited to begin construction on another station for the Scarborough Subway Extension. Building seamless rapid transit to the Scarborough Health Network General Hospital at Lawrence and McCowan will improve access to health care for residents and connect to over 3,400 job opportunities in the local area.”
Industry organizations also praised the investment.
Marco D’Angelo, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Association, said the extension would provide better transportation access across Scarborough and the eastern Greater Toronto Area once completed. Meanwhile, Giles Gherson, President and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, noted that the extension will strengthen connections with TTC Line 2, Line 5, GO Transit and Durham Region Transit while helping reduce congestion and improve the region’s long-term economic competitiveness.