A rumble echoes. It’s the sound of history moving. Right here at the VIA Toronto Maintenance Centre.
This isn’t just a railway yard. It’s a living testament to Canada’s railway heritage. For decades VIA Rail has maintained its fleet here. This site began as part of the sprawling Mimico Yard. The Grand Trunk Railway built Mimico Yard in 1906. It was primarily a freight yard. The yard even had a roundhouse. A 34-stall roundhouse to be exact. Imagine the steam and the clatter. The massive roundhouse was demolished by 1969. Today a turntable remains. A silent reminder of the past.
But the story doesn’t end there. Canadian National took over Mimico Yard in 1923. VIA Rail inherited the legacy of both Canadian National and Canadian Pacific in 1976. Originally VIA used other locations for maintenance. They used the CNR Spadina Roundhouse and the CPR John Street Roundhouse. Both were located west of Union Station. But in 1985 VIA Rail moved to its current location. The southern half of the former Mimico Yard became the heart of VIA Rail’s maintenance operations.
The VIA Toronto Maintenance Centre is more than just a place for repairs. It’s where trains are born again. It’s where meticulous work keeps the nation moving. The centre’s facilities are not only used for maintaining the current fleet. They are also preparing for future needs. The centre even includes a locomotive simulator. This is used to train staff. It’s a vital component of VIA Rail’s operations.
The Islington Avenue flyover bridge bisects the yard. This massive structure adds to the centre’s industrial character. The main entrance is on Drummond Street. There is also a secondary entrance on New Toronto Street. The centre has a railway turntable. This allows for the efficient turning of locomotives and train cars. A large wye turnaround was constructed from an industrial spur. This was originally used by the Campbell Soup Company plant.
The VIA Toronto Maintenance Centre continues to evolve. It’s a blend of the old and new. It’s a dynamic hub. It’s at the heart of passenger rail travel in Toronto. It stands as a symbol of Canada’s ongoing commitment to efficient and reliable rail service. A rumble echoes again. The rhythmic pulse of the railways. The heart of the VIA Toronto Maintenance Centre beats on.