TTC to transform over 100-year-old garage into spooky extravaganza next weekend

The TTC's annual Halloween bash will take over an over-century-old transit garage next weekend.

The transit agency's century-old Danforth Garage will be transformed into what the TTC describes as a "spooktacular weekend of fright and fun."

Unlike past celebrations held in the mothballed Bay Lower Station, this year's Halloween Fest will take over the TTC Danforth Garage at Coxwell and Danforth for the weekend of Oct. 24 and 25.

Built in 1915, the carhouse was originally built to serve streetcars, but was converted into a bus garage following the opening of the Bloor-Danforth subway in 1966 and the retirement of streetcar service along the route's path.

The garage served buses until 2002, when it was converted into the home of the TTC's heritage streetcar fleet and an office for subway operations.

In place of the haunted train attraction seen in previous years, this year's event will feature a haunted bus bay, along with trick-or-treating and other activities, including a carnival with a barbecue, a bounce house, a maze, and more, with event proceeds supporting United Way Greater Toronto. 

"TTC's Halloween Fest is an important part of our United Way campaign, providing an opportunity to further support and engage with our communities, said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. 

The TTC encourages visitors to get into costume, but warns that, while the event is family-friendly, "parental discretion is advised."

"I encourage everyone to come see how our staff and pensioners transform our Danforth Garage into a one-of-a-kind Halloween destination that is both terrific and terrifying," said Lali.

Lali invited the public to "Join us for a frightfully fun weekend of monsters, ghouls, fun characters, and trick-or-treating while raising money for an important cause."

Halloween Fest runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 24, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 25, in the Danforth Garage, 1627 Danforth Ave.

Admission is $7, or free for kids two and under. The event is cash-free, so make sure you bring debit/credit cards along.