As part of the six-station Toronto-York-Spadina Subway Extension for the Toronto Transit Commission, Pioneer Village and Finch West help form a crucial gateway to York University and the City of Vaughan in disparate areas in northern Toronto. For the TTC, the extension to Line 1 marks the first new subway project in almost a decade and the first project to cross into new municipal boundaries. The new line expects over 23 million travelers this year, boosting growth and mixed-use development in the areas surrounding each new station and along the line.
IBI Group is the architect of record for both Finch West and Pioneer Village Station, based on the scheme developed with British designer Will Alsop, in joint venture with LEA and WSP.
Destined to become a civic landmark, straddling the Toronto & York Region border, Pioneer Village Station will function as a mobility hub for the area, servicing 20,000 TTC passengers daily, two regional bus terminals, and providing 1,881 parking spaces for commuters. As project architect, IBI provided a full range of design services, including design and planning of the station, contract and working drawings, coordination and liaison with authority and consultants, construction administration and technical support.
The station design is defined by a fluid, continuous connection from surface level down to the platform from both entrance buildings anchoring as landmark on surface, embodying playfulness, free-flowing movement and warm light. It is further emphasized by incorporating a dynamic artwork lighting system, transforming this journey to an experience of joy and delight.