Glencairn Station now fully accessible as TTC opens two new elevators

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) announced the opening of two new elevators at Glencairn Station on Line 1 Yonge–University, marking a significant step in its ongoing accessibility upgrades. With this addition, Glencairn becomes the TTC’s 56th fully accessible station in the subway network.

“Toronto is for everyone, and the TTC continues to work towards making all our stations accessible so that residents of all abilities can use public transit with dignity and ease,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “Our entire fleet of buses, subway trains and streetcars is accessible, and we expect that by the end of 2026, 10 of the remaining 11 stations will be barrier-free.”

The upgrades at Glencairn include:

• Elevators connecting street level to the subway platform, providing step-free access
• Improved signage and wayfinding
• Tactile walking surface indicators
• Accessible fare gates
• Improved lighting at entrances

The elevators were officially opened today, Nov. 17, at an event attended by MP for Eglinton-Lawrence Vince Gasparro, Deputy Mayor and Eglinton-Lawrence City Councillor Mike Colle, TTC Chair Jamaal Myers and TTC Chief Capital Officer Stephanie Davis.

“We’re proud to deliver on our commitment to make Glencairn Station accessible to all TTC customers,” said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. “This upgrade benefits not only people with physical disabilities, but also anyone who finds stairs or escalators challenging, including seniors and parents with strollers. Tens of thousands of customers are now enjoying improved accessibility as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance safety and service across the transit system.”

The TTC’s Easier Access Program will make all subway stations accessible and is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF). Elevator construction is currently underway at 11 stations: Christie, Summerhill, Warden, Lawrence, College, Greenwood, Spadina, Museum, Islington, King and Old Mill.

“The newly completed upgrades to Glencairn Station will help more residents reliably travel to school, work, home or access essential services, regardless of ability,” said Vince Gasparro, MP for Eglinton-Lawrence. “With the launch of the Build Communities Strong Fund, the Government of Canada can continue to work with partners like the City of Toronto and TTC to deliver infrastructure that makes a difference.”

The elevators at Glencairn Station opened for customer use in late 2024. The TTC has also recently opened elevators at Castle Frank, High Park and Rosedale stations.
Other improvements to the station include an upgraded station entrance with new, accessible, automatic sliding doors, a barrier-free path from the main entrance to all levels of the station, improved lighting at entrances, and enhanced signage and wayfinding.

“Public transit should be fully accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. I’m very pleased to officially open these elevators at Glencairn Station,” said Deputy Mayor Mike Colle. “These new elevators and the TTC’s commitment to barrier-free transit is great news for transit users in Eglinton-Lawrence and across the city.”

Featured image: (Government of Canada)