The final pieces of the puzzle have been put into place for the Kipling Transit Hub. 

The Kipling Transit Hub is the latest transit jump-off point in west Toronto – moving and connecting customers via GO Transit, MiWay and TTC, all from a single location. New and renovated facilities as well as modern amenities will serve riders from across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, making it more convenient for commuters to catch connections.  

“Countless riders are already seeing the benefits of integrating transit options into one location,” said James Schick, Metrolinx manager, project delivery team.  

“The Kipling Transit Hub offers a seamless experience, meaning fewer cars on the road and better travel times to get people where they need to be.” 

The hub’s architectural footprint includes improved access for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, to make it easier for all transit commuters to get to, from and around the station.  

“This is a great example of Metrolinx undertaking a transportation project, delivering and bringing to life a true regional hub.” said Payman Khezri, Metrolinx project manager, project delivery team. 

MiWay bus service, which began at the beginning of the year, provides commuters with a key connection to and from Mississauga. GO bus service is expected to start later in 2021.  

Here are some of the features and amenities 

• New Kipling Bus Terminal (GO & MiWay) building for comfortable transit journeys includes washrooms, heated floors, accessible elevators, glass enclosed waiting area with views of the bus bays, digital displays for schedule information, enhanced lighting and wayfinding signage. Customers can also enjoy the convenience of electric phone charging stations as well as PRESTO and pay machines. 
• Snow melting system on the  new bus platform. 
• An elevated pedestrian bridge connecting the  new bus terminal to the rail platform, complete with stairs and accessible elevators. 
• Pedestrian underground tunnels connecting the new bus terminal to the Kipling TTC Station. 
• Renovated GO station building located on the rail platform. 

• Upgrades to the GO train platform, including new accessible boarding features.   
• Renovated TTC commuter parking lot northeast of the new bus terminal, including a new main access driveway from Dundas Street West (via Acorn Avenue). 
• Updated pick-up and drop-off building and taxi waiting area. 
• Total pre-construction parking capacity has been maintained at over 1,400 parking spots 
• Bike shelters, bike racks and lockers.  

• Enhanced station layout to improve bus, pedestrian and cyclist flow to and from the stations, with upgraded sidewalks, signage and a new signalized intersection at Acorn Avenue. 

Going Green

Kipling Transit Hub was designed with the goal to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification and was constructed with renewable and low-emission construction materials. LEED is a green building certification program used worldwide and Gold is one of four levels of certification. 

“Sustainable design and construction are now an essential part of environmental stewardship,” said Payman Khezri, Metrolinx project manager, project delivery team.  

“Collaborating with EllisDon and their experience with LEED sustainable construction practices has been an important component of the design and construction process – and is part of the project’s overall plan to meet LEED Gold certification.”  

Sustainable design is evident in the bus terminal’s green roof, which provides a fresh view from the second level windows. In addition to providing a touch of nature, the green roof benefits the building’s overall energy performance, diverts excess rainwater from the sewer system and helps combat the urban heat island effect which can contribute to higher city temperatures during hot summers.  

Over the course of five weeks in summer 2020, workers installed 24,000 vegetated modules over a total surface area of approximately 4,500 square metres. That’s more than an acre. 

Another eye-catching feature sure to turn heads is the new pedestrian bridge. The bridge connects customers from the bus terminal’s entrance building, complete with stairways and accessible elevators to the rail platform.  

The bridge was central to the transit hub’s design – it spans 26 metres and weighs approximately 40 tonnes. The four steel lateral trusses were welded together at ground-level and crane hoisted into place. After connecting the bridge span, glass panels were installed, along with an exterior stainless steel solar shield to help keep it cool inside for passengers in the summer.  

On the southwest side of the bus terminal there is a concrete and brick 7.5-metre high sound wall to reduce the sound of buses moving in and out of the bus loop. The building canopy design also assists with absorbing noise from buses.   

The Kipling Transit Hub will be the local launch pad for Toronto’s west end serving the regional transit network. Situated on the Milton corridor, the transit hub is designed to make commutes easier by improving transit connectivity and reducing travel time.   

 Kipling Transit Hub The Kipling Transit Hub is part of Metrolinx’s larger plan to deliver safe, comfortable and convenient transit connections across the region. It’s part of a motto for Metrolinx, pointing out that ‘it’s happening’.