Southeast corner of Front St & York St 1917 vs 2018
The current Union Station is the 4th version of Union Station. The previous stations were located west between York & Simcoe Streets.
The Great Toronto Fire of 1904 razed the buildings located between York & Bay Streets. The resulting vacant lot allowed for the relocation of Union Station. In 1905 it was decided but construction only began in 1915 due to conflict between the railways and city.
Delays occurred due to a shortage of workers, materials and financing caused by World War I. By 1920 the headhouse and both office wings were complete. Disagreements between railway and city over approach tracks added seven years.
Completion was unfortunately timed with the Great Depression in 1930. Union Station was underused until World War II when wartime traffic surged through the station.
It is designated as a National Historic Site, owned by the City of Toronto.
City of Toronto Archives, Series 393; John Boyd Sr photographs, Item 14352
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