Parking to be reduced at Mimico GO as the popular Etobicoke station prepares for big improvements

/ metrolinx

While 70 parking spaces will no longer be available starting in January 2021, there are a lot of big things coming for Mimico GO Station. Find out more about the future of transit at Mimico GO.

Nestled at the south end of Royal York Road, Mimico GO Station has long been a commuter hub for the people of Etobicoke.

As the COVID-19 pandemic forces many GO customers from their offices and into their living rooms, what was once a packed parking lot is now a quieter car park.

Now, starting Jan. 1, 2021, 70 parking spaces on the northern section of the parking lot will no longer be available. The land where these parking spaces are located is leased by Metrolinx and the lease is not able to be being renewed.

Mimico GO has served the people of Etobicoke since the 1960's and will benefit from major improvements in the future
Mimico GO has served the people of Etobicoke since the 1960’s and will benefit from major improvements in the future

Metrolinx says the current lease is on a development site and the developer is interested in moving forward with their plans to construct on the site in the near future.

Despite the reduction in park spots, there are still 64 non-reserved spots available at Mimico GO – in addition to the more than 70 reserved spots.

Metrolinx officials say they understand parking can normally be a challenge at Mimico and suggest looking at alternate ways of getting there. From getting dropped off and ride-sharing to cycling and nearby TTC bus service, there’s quite a few ways to get to the station.

In fact, a BikeShare Toronto dock was recently installed at Mimico GO Station which makes biking to the GO even easier.

GO Transit is also offering a new Mimico Station Travel Guide to help customers determine which options works best for them.

Future Improvements

While having fewer parking spaces is not welcome news to everyone, Metrolinx is in the process of designing a new Mimico GO Station to make it more accessible and convenient for Etobicoke transit riders.

All of the improvements are to ensure Mimico GO Station customers can properly benefit from the all-day, two-way GO train service on the Lakeshore West line coming over the next several years. 

Metrolinx says when all the work is finished, Mimico GO Station will feature:

  • Two new tunnels with elevator access to the platforms
  • New heated shelters, canopies and snow melting systems on the platforms
  • Two new Kiss & Rides at the north and south side of the station
  • Bicycle/pedestrian paths and new bicycle shelters
  • New access to the station from the south side

Transit Oriented Communities

Metrolinx is currently in negotiations with Vandyk Group of Companies, a real estate developer who owns land next to Mimico GO Station, to create a mixed use Transit Oriented Community (TOC) for Mimico GO.

An artist’s rendering of what the future Mimico GO Station could look like once the improvements are complete. (Metrolinx photo)

As part of their mixed use development, Vandyk would construct and integrate a new main station building, covered parking to replace current surface parking spots, and a cycling and pedestrian path in front of the station. Metrolinx will deliver the other station improvements, making the station fully accessible and barrier-free.

Keep up with the latest construction updates by checking out the dedicated Mimico GO construction webpage.

*Editor’s Note: The story was updated on October 22 to better reflect the parking situation at Mimico GO Station*

Story by Scott Money, Metrolinx media relations senior advisor