Finch West LRT November 2023 Update

Back in October, I did a site check along the entire Finch West LRT corridor from Finch West (at Keele) to Humber College stations. At the time, I noted the multi-use paths under Highway 400 from Arrow to Oakdale and along Highway 27 were substantially completed, though a lot of work remained for the remaining cycle tracks. Since Metrolinx was doing final paving this month and it’s starting to get too cold to ride the scooter to work, I did a final site check for 2023 from Finch West to Jane and Finch stations on my way home this afternoon.

Checking Out The Finch West LRT

Last week, I did a site check along the Eglinton Crosstown LRT route between Cedarvale and Eglinton stations. That project may be subject to endless delays & lots of negative criticism, but the Finch West LRT quietly chugs along. Yesterday, I got off Finch West station on my way home and checked out a short stretch between Finch West and Jane and Finch stations. Let’s see how that project is shaping up.

North York's Cycling Black Hole

When looking at Toronto’s cycling map, there appears to be a large black hole in North York bounded by the Don trail system, the Finch hydro corridor, the Humber River Trail, and the Beltline Trail (or Eglinton). It is a reality I face whenever I bike to work near Dufferin and Lawrence via the West Toronto Railpath and Caledonia. Bike lanes do exist on Marlee – which I used often when heading to certain downtown destinations after work – but they don’t connect to anything north of the Beltline. It is a shame, given the large amount of employment lands along Caledonia and near Downsview Park. Last month, I checked out the proposed York University and Downsview connections while doing some municipal election volunteering with Progress Toronto to better understand how to fill this hole.

Toronto's cycling map - note the large gap in North York