Ossington

I used to come to Ossington to watch movies at the Paradise Cinema, the same way I’d head to Royal York for the Kingsway. But Ossington was way closer. I’d always decide to go at the last minute, and then I’d forget to use the Delaware exit, so I’d wind up hustling the extra couple of blocks west, and missing the first few minutes of the show. Tell me, is the beginning of Reservoir Dogs any good?

As for the station, it has a shabby, run-down feel that matches the gritty (but developing) stretch of Bloorcourt Village it inhabits. Hipster alert!

Ossington platform view
Missing posters, ceiling leaks, crumbling walls

Recently, the station began renovations to permit barrier-free access to the subway platform [see update].

If there’s anything that I’ve noticed on my transit peregrinations, it’s that the system remains quite hostile for wheelchair users. Most TTC subway stations were designed and built in an era where accessibility was at best not a concern, at worst actively opposed.

Stairwell well showing water damage
Taking the stairs at Ossington

The Commission has been carrying out a multi-decade long plan to mitigate this deficiency, but incrementally retrofitting everything is costly, torturous, and challenging. In an environment where basic station upkeep occasionally falls behind at non-priority stations, I’m not confident about the funding assurance to complete these elevator projects in a timely fashion. Keep your fingers crossed.

Ossington main entrance sign
Even the front sign at Ossington is half-burned out


Ossington station opened on February 25, 1966. Since then the station has gone rather downhill, but as part of the elevator installation the station will be getting patched up, and will even have some art installed.
 
Historical tidbit: Ossington was named after the ancestral Nottingham home of the Denison family, early land-owners around the south end of the avenue.
 
Here’s to better and brighter days, Ossington! 
 
Update: In September of 2016, the TTC removed construction hoarding to reveal... elevators. And an accessible curb ramp at the entrance. It only took 50 years. We love to complain about the rate of progress, but let’s celebrate the small wins, shall we?


Ossington station entrance, September 2016
Finally—an accessible curb ramp from the sidewalk. And a new station sign (ugh).

In October 2016, Scott Eunson’s Ossington Particles art installation was grafted onto the walls of the station.

The 'particles' of Ossington Particles lead the viewer on through the station...
Ossington Particles: a much-needed touch of jocularity and motion


Check out my additional photos of the work in the gallery!

Photo Gallery

Tour the station, and view captioned historical images from its past:

Ossington photo gallery

Transfer:
Ossington station transfer

More about Ossington

TTC Station info | Map | Wikipedia: Ossington

My next stop: Lansdowne
Previous station: Royal York

Alphabetical Station Selector