Waterfront Transit Network Expansion
Background
The Waterfront East Network Expansion project is one of the City’s priority transit projects and will expand the streetcar network in a dedicated right-of-way from Union Station, along Queens Quay East to Cherry Street, to serve the growing East Bayfront and Port Lands neighbourhoods.
This TTC streetcar network expansion will improve transit service to Toronto’s waterfront and enhance customer experience, as well as its connections and integration with, the existing streetcar routes at Union Station.
The Harbourfront streetcar (Union Station to Queens Quay and Spadina) opened in 1990. Since then, ridership has grown steadily as development along the streetcar route, especially the waterfront, has increased. The existing Union Station streetcar loop can’t accommodate the demand from new riders, particularly when transit is added to the east.
In 2010, the East Bayfront Transit Environmental Assessment (EA) was completed, recommending expansion of the streetcar loop at Union Station as a means of providing infrastructure to support growing demand, including an interim loop at Parliament Street and a future extension of the streetcar along an extended Queens Quay to Cherry Street and into the Port Lands.
In 2018, the City of Toronto, in partnership with the TTC and Waterfront Toronto, completed the Waterfront Transit “Reset” study, including a comprehensive assessment of needs and options for transit improvements for the waterfront area. On January 31, 2018, City Council endorsed the overall Waterfront Transit Network Plan.
In March 2019, the City of Toronto, Waterfront Toronto, and the TTC held a public meeting to gather feedback on transit technology options for the link between Union Station and Queens Quay. The public meeting included a presentation and display panels.
In April 2019, City Council approved a streetcar loop expansion as the preferred option for the Union-Queens Quay Link and requested staff to commence the preliminary design and engineering (PDE) phase of the project in December 2020 and to report back to City Council at the completion of the PDE project phase.
In 2021, the TTC, the City of Toronto, and Waterfront Toronto held two virtual community consultations for the Waterfront Transit Network Expansion. View the February Engagement Summary Report and Appendix, and the June Engagement Summary Report and Appendix for further details about the consultation activities.
In spring 2023, the TTC, the City of Toronto, and Waterfront Toronto held a virtual Community Consultation. View the Engagement Summary Report for further details about the consultation activities.
The Preliminary Design and Engineering (PDE) phase of the Waterfront Transit Network Expansion project is a collaborative effort between the City of Toronto (the asset owner), Waterfront Toronto (the tri-government lead for waterfront revitalization), and the TTC (the asset operator).
In July 2025, City Council provided funding and direction to undertake minor enabling works for the Waterfront East Network Expansion project.
In March 2026, the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario announced their commitment to a cost-sharing agreement alongside the City of Toronto to advance the Waterfront East Network Expansion project.
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Background
In 2010, the East Bayfront Transit Environmental Assessment (EA) was completed, recommending the expansion of the streetcar loop at Union Station as a means of providing infrastructure to support growing demand, including an interim loop at Parliament Street and a future extension of transit along Queens Quay to Cherry Street and into the Port Lands.
In 2018, the City of Toronto, in partnership with the TTC and Waterfront Toronto, completed the Waterfront Transit “Reset” study, including a comprehensive assessment of needs and options for transit improvements in the waterfront area. On January 31, 2018, City Council endorsed the overall Waterfront Transit Network Plan.
In April 2019, City Council approved a streetcar loop expansion as the preferred option for the Union-Queens Quay Link and requested staff to commence the preliminary design and engineering (PDE) phase of the project in December 2020 and to report back to City Council at the completion of the PDE project phase.
The Preliminary Design and Engineering (PDE) phase of the Waterfront Transit Network Expansion project is a collaborative effort between the City of Toronto (the asset owner), Waterfront Toronto (the tri-government lead for waterfront revitalization), and the TTC (the asset operator).
In July 2025, City Council provided funding and direction to undertake minor enabling works for the Waterfront East Network Expansion project.
In March 2026, the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario announced their commitment to a cost-sharing agreement alongside the City of Toronto to advance the Waterfront East Network Expansion project.
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What we're doing
The Waterfront East Network Expansion project is divided into three focus segments: Segment 1 – the underground section from Union Station to Queens Quay, Segment 2 – the at-grade section along Queens Quay from Yonge Street to Cherry Street, and Segment 3 – where the line extends further north along Cherry Street to Mills Street and south into the Port Lands.
TTC is responsible for project delivery for Segment 1. Waterfront Toronto is responsible for Segments 2 and 3. TTC is also providing overall technical oversight for the project relating to streetcar infrastructure.
The Waterfront East Network Expansion project Segment 1 includes the following key scope:
- the reconstruction of Union Station streetcar loop with 4 independently operated platforms, 2 accessible entrance connections, and an underground traction power substation;
- the reconstruction of the running tunnel section between Union Station and Lakeshore Boulevard;
- accessibility upgrades at Queens Quay-Ferry Docks Station;
- the reconstruction of the existing west portal on Queens Quay;
- the construction of an east portal on Queens Quay to west of Yonge Street;
- an underground through-travel wye connection between the tunnel portals; and
- associated track and overhead catenary systems works.
The station expansion and upgrades are being designed to enhance accessibility and safety in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Ontario Building Code.
Artist’s rendering of the future Union Streetcar Station. Design subject to change.
Artist’s rendering of the future Union Streetcar Station typical platform level. Design subject to change.
Artist’s rendering of the new west entrance at Queens Quay-Ferry Docks Station and reconstructed west tunnel portal on Queens Quay (view looking west). Design subject to change.
Artist’s rendering of the new east tunnel portal on Queens Quay, west of Yonge Street (view looking west). Design subject to change.
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Next Steps
- The TTC project team continues to work closely with the City and Waterfront Toronto to advance Project Development and Environmental (PDE) phase deliverables, including the 60% design submission for Segments 2 & 3 (Queens Quay to Villiers Loop), the advancement of the Queens Quay Extension (Parliament to Cherry) beyond 60% design, as well as the constructability assessment (coordination with adjacent projects), phasing plan, and business case.
- The Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) is now available here.
- In July 2025, City Council approved funding and direction to undertake minor enabling works for the Waterfront East Network Expansion project.
- In March 2026, the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario announced their commitment to a cost-sharing agreement with the City of Toronto to advance the Waterfront East Network Expansion project.
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Reports
City of Toronto Reports
- Toronto's Transit Expansion Program - Update and Next Steps (April 2, 2019)
- Attachment 3 - Waterfront Transit Network – Union Station – Queens Quay Link and East Bayfront LRT (April 2, 2019)
- Attachment 1 - Eglinton East Light Rail Transit and the Waterfront Transit Network (November 26, 2020)
- Update on the City's Transit Expansion Projects – Fourth Quarter 2020 (November 26, 2020)
- Advancing City Priority Transit Expansion Projects – Eglinton East LRT and Waterfront East LRT (May 25, 2022)
TTC Board Reports
- Waterfront Transit Network Expansion, Union Station and Queens Quay Link (June 17, 2020)
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Transit Network Expansion Update (February 10, 2022)
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Transit Network Expansion Update (July 14, 2022)
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Transit Network Expansion Update (February 28, 2023)
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Transit Network Expansion Update (November 22, 2023)
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Transit Network Expansion Update (July 17, 2024)
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Advancing the Waterfront Light Rail Transit (February 24, 2025)
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Transit Network Expansion Update (April 16, 2025)
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Transit Network Expansion Update (November 3, 2025)