Province Breaks Ground on Second Ontario Line Tunnel

August 14, 2025

Future tunnel boring machines will dig from south Riverdale to the Don Valley

TORONTO – The Ontario government has broken ground on the second tunnel launch shaft near the site of the future Gerrard Station on the Ontario Line, marking another milestone in the province’s plan to protect Ontario by creating jobs, cutting commute times across the Greater Toronto Area and bringing nearly 230,000 more people within walking distance of public transit.

“The Ontario Line will introduce all-new rapid transit to the Gerrard and Carlaw community and surrounding neighbourhoods, part of our nearly $70 billion investment to deliver the largest transit expansion in North America,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “In the face of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty, we are protecting Ontario’s economy by building the next generation of subway service that will create thousands of good-paying jobs and fuel long-term economic growth.”

From the launch shaft, tunnel boring machines will travel north, digging three kilometres of twin tunnels underneath Pape Avenue. The launch shaft will eventually serve as the tunnel portal, where Ontario Line trains will move from above-ground tracks to the underground tunnels. Gerrard Station, located just south of the launch shaft and future portal, will put nearly 12,000 people within walking distance of the Ontario Line, with over 3,000 passengers expected to use the station during rush hour every day.

Once complete, the Ontario Line will deliver quick, convenient subway service to Riverdale and many residents across the east end for the first time. A trip across the city from Exhibition Place to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT at Don Mills Road will take 30 minutes or less compared to the hour and 10 minutes it takes today. The Ontario Line will also offer more than 40 connections to TTC subways, buses and streetcars, as well as regional train services, bringing nearly 230,000 more people within walking distance of transit.

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