Union Station was built from about 1916 to 1932 and is owned in part by the Toronto Terminal Railways, Canadian Pacific Railways, Canadian National Railways, and the City of Toronto. Rounthwaite, Dick & Hadley first got involved with historic Union Station when we were commissioned to design a new $15,000,000 terminus for GO Transit in 1975. This major renovation addition included the creation of a new Terminal with a shopping concourse as well as existing track upgrades. The facility is linked to both the existing VIA Rail passenger train terminal and the existing Toronto Transit Commission subway. Over the years the passenger loads for commuter service increased while passenger loads for the national carrier decreased, and consequently we were involved with numerous terminal, track and train shed upgrades from 1974 through today. Because of our involvement with GO Transit, at one time or another we have acted as consultants to VIA Rail, Toronto Terminal Railways, and the Toronto Transit Commission (subway). A recent project among dozens of others at Union Station included the demolition of an existing service area and the creation of a new customer service counter and related offices in the heritage structure. The project was adjacent to heavily trafficked areas of the station; public safety was of prime concern. Final costs were 25% below budget and the work was completed on schedule. All work at Union Station was planned and scheduled to avoid obstructions to passenger flow and to maintain public safety.
