TTC unlocks Bay Lower Station for Doors Open Toronto
This Sat., May 25, as part of Doors Open Toronto, the TTC will open the doors of the historic Bay Lower Station to the public for a rare underground tour.
“Doors Open Toronto offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to explore the hidden gems of our great city, with the TTC’s Bay Lower Station being one of the featured attractions,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “Despite being off-limits to the public for nearly six decades, Bay Lower Station has not gone unnoticed, having served as a backdrop for blockbuster films like Total Recall and Suicide Squad. Its presence in the film industry has not only added to Toronto’s reputation as a sought-after filming location but has also showcased the station’s unique charm and historical significance.”
“I encourage all attendees to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of Bay Lower Station, learn about its historical significance, and witness firsthand its continued relevance in shaping Toronto’s identity as a world-class city,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “Join us this Saturday for a memorable journey through one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets, and discover the legacy of Bay Lower Station as both a cinematic marvel and a functional cornerstone of TTC operations.”
“While Bay Lower Station may be a hidden treasure for many, it continues to play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the TTC,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “We use the station for moving maintenance vehicles, as a training facility, and as a testing ground for new station designs and finishes before they are implemented in operational stations. Doors Open is great the opportunity to delve into Toronto’s rich transit history and gain insights into the evolution of our subway system, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Bay Lower Station this Saturday.”
A once-bustling commuter station designed to interline trains along a Danforth-University-Yonge route, Bay Lower Station quickly became a puzzle for commuters and a headache for TTC operations. Just six months after its grand opening in 1966, it was abandoned as a working station, paving the way for the modern TTC lines we know today.
For film enthusiasts, Bay Lower Station provides a unique glimpse into the intersection of art and infrastructure. By serving as a backdrop for blockbuster movies such as Total Recall and Suicide Squad, Bay Lower Station has become synonymous with cinematic magic, showcasing Toronto as a premier destination for filmmakers. Its distinctive aesthetic and historical significance make it a must-visit location for those interested in exploring the city’s cultural landscape.
Doors Open visitors can take a self-guided tour and take photos of TTC trains and equipment. TTC staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.
When: Sat., May 25, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admittance at 4:30 p.m.)
Where: Bay Lower Station. Attendees can enter through the Cumberland St. entrance on the south side of Cumberland St., west of Bay St. Please note that Bay Lower Station is only accessible by stairs.