AP/Canadian Press, Kevin Frayer A trains arrives at a Toronto subway station.

Toronto is planning to rejuvenate its main public square at the same time the city adds to its well-regarded subway system.

Construction of the long-anticipated 8.7-km-long, six-station extension of Toronto’s Spadina subway line to York University could be underway by late next year. Prime Minister Stephen Harper pledged on March 6 that the Canadian government will provide approximately $595 million towards the $1.7-billion project.

Environmental assessments for the subway have been completed and only some property acquisition remains, says Toronto Transit Commission Chairman Adam Giambrone. The line would be the first new subway since Toronto’s 6.4-km, five-station Sheppard subway opened in 2002, he says.

The extension would link the northwest part of the city and go into the neighboring York Region.

Last year the Ontario government set aside $575 million for the project based on a proposed equally split federal/provincial/municipal funding agreement. But there had been no commitment from the Canadian government until Harper’ announcement.

The subway is just one component of a $818-million public transit and highway infrastructure program that the federal government will fund in partnership with Ontario and five area municipalities, with the goal of reducing gridlock and improving the environment, says Harper. Other projects include the construction of a $147-million Mississauga rapid bus transit corridor.

The city of Toronto, home to 2.6 million people, has also reached an important milestone by selecting a design team for its premier public space.

On March 8th, the city chose a joint venture of local architectural firms Plant Architect Inc. and Shore Irwin Tilbe as victors in a design competition to rejuvenate Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square, where city hall is located. The winner was announced March 8.

Numerous environmental features are included in the design. Other features include new pavilions, a new permanent stage, a relocated Peace Garden, a seasonal water system and a redesigned entry to the Toronto’s underground pedestrian system, says Chris Pommer, partner in Plant Architect Inc.

Launched last October, the two-stage competition is part of a major initiative to revitalize the square, which city officials claim has fallen well short of the potential envisioned by Finnish architect Viljo Revell, winner of the international competition to design city hall and the square in the late 1950s. While the city has committed $14 million toward the estimated $34-million cost, it must obtain funding from senior government and the private sector before actual construction can start, says Mayor David Miller.