Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility

Stepping onto the grounds of the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility, one might not expect to find a story of community resilience. But the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility, or EMSF, whispers tales of just that. The EMSF, a vital part of Toronto’s transit future, stands on land once occupied by the Kodak plant. This plant was a major employer, a cornerstone of the Mount Dennis neighborhood. When Kodak closed its doors in 2006, it left behind not just empty buildings, but also a community grappling with economic uncertainty. The plans for the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility initially stirred mixed reactions. Residents, still reeling from Kodak’s departure, were wary. They demanded public consultation, wanting their voices heard in shaping the future of their neighborhood. One key concern revolved around the proposed natural-gas-fired power plant. Intended to provide backup power for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, the plant sparked fears of pollution. The community pushed back, advocating for greener solutions. Metrolinx listened. In 2017, they announced a shift to an “innovative system” of batteries for backup power, a victory for community advocacy. The Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility itself showcases a blend of old and new. Metrolinx incorporated some of the former Kodak buildings into the design, a nod to the site’s industrial past. The facility is designed to house and maintain the Flexity Freedom LRT vehicles. It boasts features like a train wash, a cleaning bay, an automated vehicle inspection system, and a maintenance building for major repairs. Beyond the technical aspects, the EMSF is also designed with environmental consciousness in mind. Two artificial ponds, a green roof, and green tracks aim to integrate the facility with the surrounding Black Creek valley parkland. The first Flexity Freedom vehicle arrived at the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility in January 2019, marking a significant milestone. The facility opened its doors to the public during the Doors Open Toronto event, inviting the community to witness the future of transit taking shape. The Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility isn’t just a place for trains. It’s a testament to community engagement. It represents a transition from an industrial past to a future powered by sustainable transit, a future shaped by the voices of the Mount Dennis neighborhood.