Why Davenport can be your next option for commuting downtown

Ward 9 – Davenport is becoming an attractive option for those looking for an alternative to living outside of downtown while maintaining convenient access to the city centre.

The Bloor GO Train Station at Bloor and Dundas already serves the area, providing a direct route to the city centre. Additionally, there are plans for two new train stations in the area, which will further improve accessibility.

Here are some reasons why Davenport could be your next option for commuting downtown:

Planning to build homes for 23,000 new residents

The area is experiencing a significant surge in residential development projects. With a total of 23,100 new residential units planned, Davenport has a total of 109 projects – 53 in pre-construction, 24 under construction, and 32 that have been recently completed, according to Urban Toronto.

This increased housing supply provides various options for potential residents, including condos and rentals. More than half of the new units are studios and one-bedrooms, which can potentially reduce the demand on existing stock.

Eight minutes from Bloor GO Train to Union Station

Riding the GO train to Union Station from Davenport takes only about eight minutes with no intermediary stops. You might spend more time walking to the station than riding the train.

You can choose between the Kitchener line, which runs every 30 minutes and costs $3.70, and the UP Express train, which serves the airport, runs every 15 minutes and costs $4.35. The Kitchener line often has available seats during rush hours.

You board these trains from different platforms so it’s preferable to have your choice in mind before you get to the station. If you can organize in advance and commit to a time, the Kitchener train is your best option. There are also apps that let you know what the next train is.

Improved commute with GO Transit

Switching from a TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) commute to a GO train commute offers several advantages. GO trains typically have fewer stops, resulting in a faster and more comfortable commute. They are also known for their reliability and amenities like free Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Unlike crowded TTC subways and buses during rush hours, GO trains tend to have more seating and space, making for a more comfortable and pleasant commute.

If you are environmentally conscious, GO trains are also energy-efficient and produce less emissions per passenger mile.

TTC alternative

You can also use the TTC for your commute. While it takes around 45 minutes to get from Bloor and Dundas to Union Station with multiple stations and two subway lines, this option is available if you need to make stops along the way.

St Claire-Old Weston GO Station

Metrolinx and the city of Toronto plan to build a GO Station at St. Claire Avenue and Old Weston, which would be the second station on the Kitchener Line from Union Station, after Bloor Station.

The city has conducted public consultation over the past few months and the project is heading into its final stages of approval.

Barrie Line GO Expansion

The GO Expansion project aims to transform the Barrie Line from a rush-hour service to a more frequent, two-way, all-day rapid transit experience. To accommodate increased services, a second set of tracks is being added to the Barrie GO line up to the Aurora GO station. This enables multiple GO trains to use the line throughout the day.

A major aspect of the project was eliminating level crossings where train tracks cross roads. A new guideway has been built, allowing GO trains to travel above traffic and railway tracks, reducing congestion and improving pedestrian and bike connections.

A greenway has also been added to the area underneath the raised guideway, which will be accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.

The project plans to use electric trains on the Barrie Line to offer faster and more frequent service, with trains going in both directions as often as every 15 minutes. Electrifying rail corridors is a multi-year project.

Bloor-Lansdowne Station

The revamped Barrie Line anticipates its first station out of Union Station to be on Bloor near Lansdowne Street. No applications have been made so far, so the project and timeline are still uncertain. These improvements are also part of the GO Expansion program.

Suburban vibes north of the tracks

Crossing north of the tracks on Keele Avenue in Toronto provides a clear transition from the urban core of the city to a more suburban environment. The area is characterized by a quieter atmosphere, lower population density, diverse retail options, and a housing stock that leans more towards single-family homes and low-rise buildings, creating a distinct suburban vibe.

Unlike the bustling urban core and neighbourhoods to the south, the northern side of the tracks typically offers more big-box stores and open-air shopping centres. This change in the retail landscape provides a wide range of goods and services in a more spacious and car-friendly setting.

Easy access by car

Davenport is close to major highways like the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway, which provide direct routes to downtown Toronto for those who commute by car. Driving from the downtown core to Keele and Bloor can take just 15 minutes if there’s no traffic.

West Toronto Railpath

The West Toronto Railpath is an urban trail and linear park built on a former railway corridor that runs by the Bloor GO Train Station. It connects the Junction Triangle, Wallace Emerson, and Roncesvalles, allowing residents to travel on foot or by bicycle to different parts of the city.

The Railpath consists of a combination of paved and gravel pathways, making it accessible to walkers, joggers, cyclists, and other non-motorized forms of transportation. It offers a scenic and green alternative for commuting and recreation in the city.

The Railpath follows the trade route used by Indigenous people, extending from the Davenport Trail to Lake Iroquois, following Roncesvalles and the natural contours of the land. Later, this route was used for a railway built in 1871.

West Toronto Railpath Extension

The West Toronto Railpath extension will run southward from Dundas Street West to Abell Street, expanding the existing multi-use trail.