What if I told you that this station isn’t just a place to catch a train? The Leslie Sub-Station Tower has stories embedded in its very structure. It is a testament to Toronto’s growth. The Leslie Sub-Station Tower is more than just concrete and steel. It’s a reflection of community, art, and a vision for the future.
Leslie station opened on November 24, 2002. This marked a new chapter for the Sheppard subway line. Designed by Moriyama & Teshima Architects, the station’s construction faced challenging soil conditions. Its proximity to the river and existing infrastructure added to the complexity. The station even won an Award of Excellence from Canadian Consulting Engineer for its technical achievements.
Take a closer look at the station’s art. Ampersand is a unique piece by Canadian artist Micah Lexier. It features 17,000 ceramic tiles. Each tile displays an ampersand between the words “Sheppard” and “Leslie”. These tiles showcase 3,400 different handwritings collected from the community in 1997. Lexier’s artwork acknowledges the duality of being an individual and part of a larger community. You can find this piece on the concourse, platform levels, and even the bus terminal. Some find the tiling lamentable. They say that at a distance, the tiles resemble temporary wall panelling. Others appreciate the scope, effort, and intent behind the artwork.
Did you know there are misspelled tiles within Ampersand? It’s true. You can spend 15 to 30 minutes searching for them. It gives insight into the humanity of Lexier’s work.
Leslie station has three levels. The bus platforms are on the upper level at Old Leslie Street. You’ll find an accessible entrance there. The concourse and collector are at the intermediate level. The main accessible entrance is on the south side of Sheppard Avenue East. A secondary entrance is at the corner of Leslie Street. This leads directly to the subway platform.
For commuters, the station offers 102 parking spaces.
Just east of Leslie station, the subway line emerges from its tunnel. It crosses the Don River East Branch on an enclosed bridge. Then, it dives back into the tunnel towards Bessarion Station.
Leslie station connects you to several landmarks. These include the East Don River and the Betty Sutherland Trail. You can also reach North York General Hospital and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
The station serves several TTC routes. Route 51 Leslie runs northbound to Steeles Avenue East and southbound to Eglinton Station. Route 185 Sheppard Central goes westbound to Sheppard–Yonge Station and eastbound to Don Mills Station. Route 385 Sheppard East provides Blue Night service. It runs westbound to Sheppard–Yonge Station and eastbound to Meadowvale Road.
A bus terminal is integrated with Leslie station. It’s located one level above the concourse. Although spacious, it primarily serves the 51 Leslie route. The 85 Sheppard East route can only be boarded on the street.
Leslie station is located near Oriole Station on GO Transit’s Richmond Hill line. Proposals have been made to relocate the GO Station. This would create a direct connection with the subway.
Nearby, a new community is taking shape. The Residences at Central Park by Amexon Development Corporation. Designed by Core Architects, the project features condominium towers and office space. It all surrounds a central urban park. This park offers year-round programming. It will be a nature-centered community with access to the East Don Parkland.
As you stand here, consider the layers of history and art. This is Leslie Sub-Station Tower. It is a vital hub connecting people and places in Toronto.