Spadina Subway Station

The Spadina Subway Station is on the Yonge-University-Spadina Line and Bloor-Danforth Lines of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The station is located near Bloor and Spadina Avenues. The Bloor Avenue (at Spadina) entrance has been open to the public since 1966, and the Spadina entrance (at Kendal) has been opened since 1978.

Much like the St. Clair Avenue West subway station, Spadina has a streetcar (#510) which runs through an underground tunnel that channels mid line on Spadina Avenue and brings passengers right onto a platform into the station.

On the street level, Spadina exits into what is known in Toronto as “the Annex”. As well as long term residents (average income of over $65,000) the Annex is home to many frat houses for university students as well as homes to the university faculty.

This busy corner comprises of The University of Toronto Schools, the Trinity-St. Paul United Church and the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre. Toronto is highly recognized for its multi-racial multi-cultural and all multi-religious character. This is what makes us so unique. Every segment of the city offers an abundance of food choices, musical venues, art and entertainment for everyone. It’s like visiting a little part of the world in every piece of the city.

We went to look for an memory card for my camera since I take so many photographs; I needed a card that would allow me to take more pictures. Not surprisingly, the Spadina/College area has long been a favourite to find bargains on all your computer needs. The street is basically known as the “Computer Strip” as there are over 20 stores virtually side-by-side from Spadina and College, all competing for your business, all offering discounts, computers, cameras, peripherals and technical support. If you need some time, take all the time you need. Open 7 days a week.   

By the way, I got a 2GB card for $9 and had a buffet dinner for $10. A hop, skip and a jump and I’m back at Spadina subway with a full stomach and a full camera!

Kennedy Subway Station

The Kennedy Subway Station is on the Bloor / Danforth and Scarborough RT Lines of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). On the street level it is situated on the South east Corner of Kennedy and Eglinton Avenues that opened in 1980. Kennedy station has come a long way since its humble beginnings as the last stop on the Eastbound tracks back in the 80's.

My fiance and I lived just a block away in 1985 in this building and I remember walking from the station home every night at 6:00.  Today Kennedy Station is a 4-level facility operating RT rails on the top level, buses on the ground level, GO Transit and parking lots are below that and the subway platform on the bottom.  Historically, there have been a string of violent crimes that occurred in and around the Kennedy station. In 2003, a 19-year-old was shot several times while waiting for a bus at the Kennedy subway station. Friday April 13, 2007 Nick Brown, 21 succumbed to his death from stab wounds while traveling on the last train out of Kennedy station. Suspect was arrested and charged a week later. Five days later, a 16 year old boy was stabbed twice over music he was listening to. Three men were charged with attempted murder. December 15, 2008, a 16 year old girl stabbed by another girl during an altercation and was rushed to Sunnybrooke. She survived her injuries.  A successful anti-crime campaign initiated by The Toronto Transit Authority, City Council and Law & Police Enforcement has made vigilant efforts to increase public awareness and safety. These have all contributed to the success of the anti-crime campaign that has left the area virtually safe today. The purpose of discussing crime was to demonstrate that even a problem area can be solved through perseverance and dedication to public safety because as of 2010, the City has approved a $100M facelift to expand the station to include the newest Light rail transit cars and by by 2015 Kennedy will be the largest and most complex station in the entire system of the TTC. Now thats quite an achievement that we all can be proud of!