Toronto's huge new linear park under a rail line is finally happening

After what consisted of seemingly endless delays, construction is finally underway on the Davenport Diamond Greenway — soon to be a favourite among Toronto trails. 

If you need a refresher, the Davenport Greenway is a new public green space ​​​​​​that will run below and along a new elevated rail line between Bloor Street West and Davenport Road. 

Designed to provide an enhanced community experience and reconnect neighbourhoods that were previously separated by at-grade rail tracks, the new linear space will include features like an off-leash dog park and public art displays.

Now, after much waiting, the trail is finally starting to break ground. 

The proposed off-leash dog park for the Davenport Greenway. Photo: Metrolinx

Early stages of work launched on Monday, June 23. 

Metrolinx is set to execute the plan in two phases: 

• Phase 1 includes a multi-use path, work on plazas at Wallace and Dupont, a pedestrian bridge and new sidewalks. 
• Phase 2 includes work on soft landscaping and public realm details — work that will only start after the city's operations agreement is finalized. 

The proposed pedestrian bridge will begin in phase 1 of the project. Photo: Metrolinx

Work on the greenway was set to begin in 2024, but delays, including coordination of utilities on the project, pushed the process of construction. Bid procurement also delayed the start of construction, hindering progress on the hotly anticipated linear space. 

The new greenway was only made possible through a significant infrastructure upgrade to relieve rail congestion.

The future public space will be built along a corridor previously occupied by at-grade commuter tracks, including a busy train intersection where CP freight and GO trains crossed. 

To minimize disruption caused by those tracks' configuration, Metrolinx built a stretch of elevated rail between Bloor and Davenport, known as the Davenport Diamond Guideway, where GO train service commenced in April 2023. 

With GO trains now using the new elevated rail, the former tracks at ground level have been torn up, freeing space for the forthcoming Davenport Greenway, which will repurpose the area into a community urban escape. 

While the long wait might be worth it, you can expect the project to be a new hot spot for locals as early as next year, with construction currently estimated for completion by 2026.