As the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) continues to experience rapid growth, the need for seamless, high-capacity transit connections between Toronto and its neighboring cities has never been greater. While subway service has already expanded beyond Toronto with the extension to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and the upcoming Yonge North Subway Extension to Richmond Hill Centre, another visionary proposal gaining traction is the TTC Subway Extension to Mississauga. This concept would extend Toronto’s subway network westward to bridge the gap between Kipling Station and the upcoming Hurontario LRT.
While not currently discussed at any level of government, this proposed extension aims to create a direct link between the TTC and Mississauga’s rapidly expanding transit network, supporting commuters, businesses, and regional development. Advocates argue that such a project could significantly enhance intercity transit and improve accessibility across the western GTA.
Proposed Route: Bridging Kipling and Square One
The most logical extension for the TTC subway to Mississauga is a westward expansion of Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth Subway) from Kipling Station to Square One. This would provide a direct, high-capacity transit link to Mississauga’s downtown core and integrate with the upcoming Hurontario LRT.
Key station considerations include:
- Dundas Street – A major transit corridor with connections to Mississauga Transit.
- Square One – Mississauga’s central transit hub, serving GO Transit, MiWay, and the Hurontario LRT.
Further westward expansions toward Erin Mills, Milton, or Brampton may be explored as part of long-term regional transit planning.
Why This Expansion Matters
1. Addressing Congestion & Commuter Demand
With thousands of Mississauga residents commuting to Toronto daily, a subway connection would dramatically reduce travel times and alleviate congestion on GO Transit, MiWay, and highway routes. A direct subway link would provide a reliable, all-weather transit alternative for daily commuters.
2. Supporting Economic Growth & Development
Mississauga is a major business hub, home to corporate headquarters, Pearson Airport, and major employment districts. A subway connection would strengthen economic ties between Toronto and Mississauga, encouraging new commercial developments and transit-oriented growth.
3. Creating a True Regional Transit Network
Currently, Mississauga residents rely heavily on GO Transit and local bus service to access Toronto’s subway system. Extending Line 2 to directly connect with the Hurontario LRT at Square One would bridge a critical transit gap, ensuring a seamless journey for riders and integrating Mississauga’s transit future with the TTC.
Challenges & Feasibility Considerations
Despite its numerous advantages, extending the TTC subway to Mississauga faces several challenges, including:
- Government Support & Funding – The project is currently not under discussion by Metrolinx or the Ontario government, meaning it would require significant political backing and investment.
- Engineering and Infrastructure Constraints – Tunneling and construction costs could be significant, requiring detailed feasibility studies.
- Ridership Projections – Ensuring sufficient demand to justify subway expansion versus alternative transit investments, such as enhanced GO Train service.
Public and Expert Opinions on the Extension
Transit advocates and urban planners overwhelmingly support expanding high-capacity transit options westward, arguing that the current reliance on GO Transit and MiWay buses is insufficient to meet growing demand.
However, skeptics argue that expanding the GO network and investing in dedicated bus lanes might provide more cost-effective solutions to improve regional connectivity in the short term.
The Road Ahead: A Vision for the Future
While the TTC Subway Extension to Mississauga is currently a visionary proposal, growing public support and municipal advocacy could push the project into serious consideration.
Key next steps include:
- Feasibility Studies & Business Case Development – To assess potential routes, costs, and projected ridership.
- Political Advocacy & Public Engagement – Encouraging government interest and securing funding commitments.
- Regional Transit Coordination – Ensuring integration with existing and planned transit infrastructure.
Conclusion
A TTC subway extension to Mississauga would be a transformative investment in the GTA’s transit future, fostering better regional connections, economic growth, and improved commuter experiences. By bridging the gap between Kipling Station and the Hurontario LRT, the project would finally provide a direct, high-capacity transit link between Toronto and Mississauga. While it remains an unofficial vision at this stage, continued discussion and advocacy could bring this concept closer to reality.
Next Stop is GTA Weekly’s weekly Sunday spotlight on the future of transit across Toronto and beyond — because every great city deserves a great way to get there. Stay with us every Sunday as we imagine what’s next. #NextStop #GTAWeekly
The expansion of the subway to Mississauga should have been implemented decades ago. Our urban planners are horrible at what they do….
The expansion of the Bloor-Danforth line into Mississagua was first proposed in a TTC Study from, I believe, 1983 or 4. I’ve forgotten the study name, but it also included subways on Eglinton and Sheppard, and an extension of the Yonge line northward. The only component of that plan which came to fruition was the Sheppard line eastward from Yonge.
The excavation of the Eglinton line began under the only Ontario NDP provincial government – but – when they lost the next election to the PCs, not only was the Eglinton line construction but for some peculiar reason, Premier Harris decided (stupidly, in my opinion) to fill in the already partially-excavated tunnel.
All the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.! UNFORTUNATELY…
100%
Hazel didn’t want the subway. It was proposed a long time ago.
Hazel was honestly dumb for not doing it. It wouldn’t have costed Mississauga taxpayers anything. Ridiculous
You know what. The city is playing the flagrant fool and from the moment they been expanding the subway infrastructure, I’m telling you, TTC finna c late for it’s own funeral…. It’s one thing that they thinking about it?¿?¿?¿? There’s nothing to think about other then to do it and not open up in the year 3000
In one of her last public speeches, Hazel candidly admitted that her opposition to subways was wrong. She did not anticipate that the road network would get clogged up.
It takes me 2 to 3.5 hours one-way just to get from Mississauga to Toronto everyday. When they have to say “Concept” in the image, you know this project will not be complete in the next 50 years.
Kipling to Sq1 (along Bloor)is long overdue. Do it on yesterday basis. GO is for far flung extended suburbs. GO is not suitable for Mississauga unless your workplace is walking distance from Union station.
dont stop at Missisauga go to Milton
Never going to happen. The existing visual and logistical nightmares that we lovingly call the LRT and the transit hubs along Westgate parkway is the plan they committed to. Suddenly planning a huge upheaval with digging a tunnel through major streets and homes with potential sinkholes and caveins. It’s good to have dreams, but I doubt you can guarantee enough ridership to justify the disruption. Yes, we need to do something, but an LRT along the Queensway and/or Eglinton is the way to go.
… The subway could run above ground as well. There are convertible type such as in Amsterdam that are subways that change to LRTs when they get to the suburbs, using the same tracks.
We need the Yonge North extension to go much further north than the 407 and we need the Shephard extension long before a connection to Mississauga.
It takes the Go one hour from lisgar to union, and TTC 45 mins from Kipling to union. Time is money. Not sure it’s a good idea. Unless you work along the route.