College Subway Station

College Subway Station - Interior

The College Subway Station is on the Yonge-University Spadina Line of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). It was opened March 1954 to the public and is situated at the corner(s) of College/Carlton and Yonge Streets.  Along both sides of the tracks, you'll notice wall murals of the Toronto Maple Leafs going Northbound and The Montreal Canadiens (long time rivals) on the Southbound side.  Some of the pictures are really quite funny to look at, and we had a good laugh! You'll notice exiting the platform a sign to "Maple Leaf Gardens still exists.   Although the "Gardens" have been dormant since 2001, marking a 67 year tradition, there has been several years of negotiations and arbitrations which has resulted in the decision whereas by 2011, the building will serve as a Loblaws superstore as well as an athletic facility to be shared with nearby Ryerson University students.  

The Ticket!

In its day the Gardens had season ticket holders for loyal Toronto Maple Leaf fans and as I recalled ascending an escalator ride to the nosebleed section, it was still a thrill to be there!  During Harold Ballards rein between 1972 and 1988, his son promoted the Gardens as an Entertainment venue and I still remember seeing Rush March 8, 1988! Other great acts were Elvis (1972), Abba, Van Halen, Aerosmith, the Who and the Stones.  


On street level from the College Subway, you will find College Park, which is an historical building that now houses residences of the elite, government offices, and a main concourse with permanent tenants as Winners, Metro and Deboers Furniture.  College Park was built in 6 months at a cost of 1.5 million dollars, owned by Timothy Eaton in 1928.  Due to its historical value, the building is now protected under the Ontario Heritage Act (see my Rosedale link).  Just being at College and Yonge you can't help but get caught up in the excitement of the busy pubs, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues along the Yonge strip!

College Park

This is how we compromise heritage with progress.