Here's what's happening where Metrolinx demolished a block of Toronto stores

Toronto's Pape and Danforth intersection is currently undergoing one of the city's most significant infrastructure overhauls, as Metrolinx continuously makes progress with the construction of a major interchange station for the forthcoming Ontario Line. 

Although the line promises faster commutes and reduced congestion, the transformation has come at a steep cost to cherished local businesses. Over the past two years, a full block of business along the north side of Danforth Avenue (between Pape and Eaton Avenues) has been cleared to make way for the station's new entrance. 

Long-time neighbourhood staples like Akropolis Pastries, Eton House, Tibet Shoppe, and Home Hardware shuttered their doors to make way for construction. Even adjacent businesses, such as De-Dal's Clothing Centre, which had operated for 45 years, were forced to shut down following expropriation by Metrolinx. 

Since then, construction in the area has ramped up significantly, with major progress recently announced at the Pape-Danforth and Sammon Avenue sites. As construction advances, jet grouting work (a critical phase of soil stabilization for underground tunnelling) is slated to continue through February 2026. 

The work is set to take place in three stages, with stage 1 now underway until October 2025. This phase includes exposing the TTC tunnel box, installing soldier pipes and a deep secant wall, placing TTC support caissons, and excavating above Line 2.

Stage 2, which takes place between November and December 2025, will focus on underpinning Line 2, while Stage 3 (January to February 2026) involves excavating beneath Line 2 to allow for the Ontario Line to be built directly below. 

To minimize environmental impacts, Metrolinx is implementing a comprehensive set of mitigation measures. Both construction sites are equipped with real-time air, noise, and vibration monitors. Future plans also include erosion and sediment control, and the proposed installation of new sound walls at select locations.

Pape Station will be a key point on the future 15.6-kilometre Ontario Line, connecting with the existing TTC Line 2. As one of only a handful of interchange stations, which also includes Don Valley, East Harbour, Osgoode, and Exhibition, Pape is set to become a major transfer hub, with over 9,000 transfers during the morning rush hour alone. 

By 2041, around 12,700 people are expected to live within walking distance of the station, and over 10,000 customers will pass through it during peak travel times. Metrolinx estimates this will relieve the pressure on existing transit lines, reducing crowding on Line 1 by 15 per cent and on Line 2 by more than 20 per cent.