Downsview to undergo a name change to accommodate the new station on the Toronto-York Spadina extension. (Flickr/ BillyCabic)
By: Victoria Sheba
As of May 7, 2017, the Downsview subway station on the west side of Line 1 will be known as Sheppard West.
This is the first time a TTC station will be undergoing a name change. The change comes into effect after the opening of the new Toronto-York Spadina extension this year.
Stuart Green, the TTC’s senior communications specialist, said the decision was made in 2012 after public consultation, to avoid confusion between the current Downsview station and the new Downsview Park station.
“Sheppard West was going to be named the new station. But since the new station is in Downsview Park, it made more sense and it is a better geographic identifier,” said Green.
Phillip McQuade, a frequent TTC rider is fine with the name change but wonders if it will still cause confusion for riders.
“Even though it will help the transition go smoother, its seems like a lot of money for a name change,” said McQuade. “At least we are upgrading our system so I guess I can’t complain.”
The new name will cost TTC $800,00, according to Brad Ross, communications director for TTC in an interview with Metro Toronto.
Since $800,00 is a lot of money, Stuart Green broke down the cost for Humber News.
Green said the majority of the money is for updates to the announcement system.
“The material cost of making, printing and installing updated signs and maps inside stations and aboard TTC cars is $150,000. By the time the Line 1 extension opens at the end of the year, all maps, signs and next station announcements should be complete,” he said.
The new station will be located one stop north of the current Downsview station and will be called Downsview Park.
The TTC will slowly help commuters adjust to the new name as Downsview will keep it’s name for the rest of 2017.
By the end of 2021 another station will undergo a name change. Eglinton West will become Cedarvale station in time for the completion of the Eglinton Crosstown.