Arup and architect Grimshaw encountered a similar situation at the Vaughan Metropolitan Center, which is intended to serve as a major hub for transit-oriented development. Vaughan required some design changes based on extensive feedback from the region's stakeholders, notes Greville. "A future bus rapid-transit line will connect into the station from Highway 7 and have its own signature canopy at that stop, which marries well will the roof design for the station," he says.

In its $200-million contract, Carillion and its subcontractors dealt with an extremely high water table by building a bentonite cut-off wall, soldier piles, tie-backs and lagging, in addition to secant piles with walers and struts, says Graham Christie, Carillion construction vice president. The bentonite slurry "bathtub" is one meter thick and 20 ft deep, with the water table just one meter below the bottom slab, adds Dragomir Jevremovic, Spadina Link JV construction site manager. Since the site crosses over six-lane Highway 7, crews built a temporary bridge right over the cut-and-cover box, adds Jevremovic.

Before Vaughan becomes the northernmost stop on the new line, it will be the site of the final breakthrough for Yorkie and Torkie. Whether they emerge from their dual drives in a tie remains to be seen.