Millions spent on art at 6 new TTC subway stations

Toronto.citynews.ca
Dec. 19, 2017

What’s the price tag for beauty? It’s a question being raised after the budget was revealed for art installed at six new subway stations on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension.

From the colourful glass at Finch West to the disco ball at Downsview Park, the art has been getting accolades. But although many riders admire the works, some expressed sticker shock after learning each station’s artwork cost $500,000.

“It’s important to remember that the TTC public policy and city’s public policy requires either new or renovated facilities to use one per cent of capital budget for public art.” TTC spokesman Brad Ross said. “So in fact these projects are well below that one per cent recommendation.”

The six new stations Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, Highway 407, Pioneer Village, York University, Finch West, Downsview Park and Sheppard West opened last weekend.