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Here’s the latest on the Union Station Revitalization Project

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TORONTO, ON., Sept. 4, 2020 — Today, the City of Toronto provided an update on the ongoing Union Station Revitalization Project and the impact of COVID-19 as the City and partners continue to work toward project completion this year.

The City says the project, now in its tenth year, is one of the most complicated projects in Canada, with the station continuing to operate as the country’s busiest transportation hub throughout construction. Built in 1927, there are also significant complexities around infrastructure and historical significance that must be worked through.

COVID-19 delays

The report notes that the project is “progressing within the approved budget, but with risks to the completion schedule. Earlier contractor performance issues and the recent impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic – including physical distancing requirements and limited construction crews – have caused delays in opening additional retail space and completing Bay Concourse renovations. The team is requesting four contract amendments to ensure the project is completed as intended; amendments do not increase the approved project budget of $824 million.

Union Station’s revitalization was initially an $800-million City initiative supported by investments of $164 million from the Government of Canada, $191.8 million from the Government of Ontario.

There is still no word on an actual completion date as it continues to shift from 2017 to 2018 and then September 2020.

COVID-19 delays

The revitalization team is working with stakeholders, including Metrolinx and retail developer Osmington, to expedite ongoing construction and complete the Union Station Revitalization Project this year. Once complete, the Bay Concourse will be handed over to Metrolinx and retail space handed over to Osmington to complete retail tenant work prior to public opening.

When the revitalization is complete, Union Station will have doubled the pedestrian capacity, restored important heritage elements, and transformed into a major destination for shopping, dining and community gathering.

Union Station will have more than 160,000 square feet of retail space. Twenty per cent of the total retail space is now fully leased and operational. The retail component has driven financial benefits for the City, allowed for art and cultural partnerships, and been well received by travellers and residents.

Find more project details here: toronto.ca

The Union Station Revitalization Project – Status Report and Contract Amendments are available online.

Find more interesting stories at TOTimes.ca and MTLTimes.ca

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