Isn’t it remarkable how a sprawling transit hub can evolve from an airfield? That’s exactly the story of Wilson Yard. Wilson Yard is not just any transit facility. It’s the Toronto Transit Commission’s largest subway yard and bus garage.
Originally this land was part of Downsview Airport. The airport was established in 1936. During World War II the airport became a military base known as Canadian Forces Base Downsview.
The TTC acquired the site in the 1970s. The federal government sold surplus land. Before Wilson Yard was available the TTC considered temporary storage for subway cars in 1974.
Wilson Yard officially opened in 1977. Its construction completed in 1976. The 60-acre yard houses both a bus barn and subway car maintenance facilities.
A significant upgrade occurred in 1996. When Downsview Station opened a northern entry track was added. This improved train access to the station north of the yard.
By 2010 a tunnel was built for a future yard expansion. This expansion linked the yard to the mainline south of Downsview Station. The project was completed in 2018. This new link provided an entry or exit for trains servicing the Toronto–York Spadina Subway Extension.
Since May 2018 trains leaving service at Wilson Yard travel southbound from Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. Previously trains went northbound from Wilson Station. This change prevents trains from crossing the southbound track after the evening rush hour.
Further changes to Wilson Yard accommodated the Toronto Rocket trains. These modifications supported the Toronto–York Spadina Subway Extension and increased demand on Line 1.
The work included expanding the carhouse. A new hostler platform was added to support the north-end entry or exit track. A new north-end runaround track connected eight new storage tracks in the west yard. A new power substation was built. A new training building with a simulator for TR trains was also added.
The new hostler platform and north-end entry or exit track opened in September 2018. This reduced traffic delays by 44% in the early morning. This improvement helps work cars returning from their night shift and service trains departing.
Automatic train control was implemented within Wilson Yard in 2019. This enhances safety and reduces delays.
Wilson Yard features a carhouse with nine interior tracks and exterior storage tracks. It also includes a power sub-station. Connections to the mainline exist at both the north and south ends of the yard.
Wilson Yard accommodates roughly half of the TTC’s train and work car fleet. It regularly houses most of the Toronto Rocket subway trains. It even stores some disused equipment.
The bus division at Wilson Yard includes a large garage spanning 21000 square meters. It features 11 twelve-metre hoists and 3 eighteen-metre hoists. There are also two wash racks and two diesel fuelling stations. Four inspection pit stations and a Eurovac system are present. A bus-only bridge over Transit Road connects the bus facility to platforms at Wilson Station.
Wilson Yard has transformed from an airfield to a vital hub. It ensures the smooth operation of Toronto’s transit system. Its continuous upgrades and expansions demonstrate its significance.