York University Subway Station is located in the heart of the York University Campus, and provides service to more than 40,000 commuters per day. The station was part of the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE), which included six stations along a new 8.6 km subway alignment. Besides serving as a subway station, the new facility also serves the buses that circulate within York University. The scope of the project was multidisciplinary, and included civil works, electrical, mechanical, landscaping, structural, and building construction elements.

In terms of facility construction and structural works, EllisDon constructed the new subway station using a variety of materials including concrete and steel. Part of the concrete ceiling along the length of the station is casted in a waffle shape pattern, and supported at nine locations by a pair of 4 m long steel V-columns encased in concrete, and weighing more than 100,000 kgs. Further, all the glazing on the structure is bird-friendly fritted glass in painted steel curtain wall framing.

The station also required extensive mechanical and electrical works, including new lighting, plumbing, and HVAC systems, and two sanitary sump pumping stations at platform level. EllisDon coordinated all required mechanical and electrical work with the TTC in order to plan conduits and raceways, and pull cables throughout the station.

In terms of civil works, after completing the structural foundations, utilities were relocated and the new station was connected to the site services. Additionally, EllisDon constructed a lightwell in the station entrance which forms part of a drainage structure that feeds into the City’s storm system. EllisDon also installed permeable concrete pavers to construct a drainage system under the station that diverts storm water below ground as opposed to creating surface runoff.

Additionally, the project also featured landscaping works across the station and other auxiliary buildings. The station itself featured green roof landscaping and other adjacent landscaped areas to improve surface runoff. Similarly, the emergency exit buildings and secure bicycle storage facilities also had green roofs. In all areas , the landscaping constructed was primarily hardy and low maintenance for durability within the local environment.

Lastly, the station’s location between two existing buildings and adjacent to roads with TTC bus routes, Presented logistical and construction challenges. For example, due to the proximity of existing buildings on campus, the York University Station required the most monitoring instruments of all TYSSE stations. In addition, EllisDon was considerate of the importance of minimizing the project's impact on vehicular, transit, and pedestrian traffic, and worked closely with the TTC and York University to coordinate trucks and deliveries to
minimize delays to bus service.