TORONTO — The Ontario government has officially awarded the construction contract for the East Harbour Transit Hub, a major infrastructure project set to enhance transit accessibility for thousands of residents while supporting over 50,000 jobs in the area. Designed to streamline connections between GO Transit and the Ontario Line, this new hub is a key part of the province’s efforts to improve transportation across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

“The investments we are making in transit and infrastructure will help reduce congestion and shorten commutes for millions across Ontario, including the 100,000 daily riders expected to use the East Harbour Transit Hub,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “These investments also ensure stable employment for thousands of skilled workers in Ontario’s construction sector—particularly important as we navigate economic challenges like U.S. tariffs targeting Canadian industries.”

Upon completion, the East Harbour Transit Hub will handle an estimated 100,000 passengers each day, offering a crucial alternative for commuters while alleviating congestion at Union Station. The project is expected to divert approximately 14,000 passengers from Union Station during peak periods, reducing overall crowding at the station by up to 14%.

“We need to prioritize building more housing near transit,” said Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “With this investment, the East Harbour Transit Hub area will see the addition of roughly 4,000 new residential units, helping to create a more connected and livable community.”

Strategically located east of the Don Valley Parkway and south of Eastern Avenue, the transit hub will serve key neighborhoods, including Riverdale, Riverside, and Leslieville.

“Reliable and efficient public transit is essential for our city,” said Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto. “The East Harbour Transit Hub will make commutes easier for 100,000 people every day while reducing congestion at Union Station. We are committed to working together to deliver a better transit experience for Toronto residents.”

Quick Facts

  • The construction of the East Harbour Transit Hub will be carried out by a joint venture involving AtkinsRéalis and Bird Construction, with Hatch Ltd. also playing a key role in project delivery.
  • The project is a collaboration between the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the City of Toronto, aimed at enhancing transit infrastructure for local residents.

Quotes

“The launch of construction at the East Harbour Transit Hub marks a significant milestone in our government’s efforts to deliver the largest transit expansion in Canadian history. This project goes beyond transit—it’s about building a thriving, mixed-use community that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and support new housing. By investing in transit-oriented development, we are strengthening Ontario’s economy and positioning our province for long-term success, even in the face of external economic pressures such as U.S. tariffs.”

— Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure

“The Metrolinx team is excited to collaborate with government and industry partners to expand transit options, cut commute times, and ease traffic congestion. The East Harbour station will become one of the most vital transit hubs in the region, seamlessly integrating the Ontario Line with an expanded GO network. This project will fundamentally transform the way people travel within Toronto and beyond.”

— Michael Lindsay, Interim President & CEO, Metrolinx