Toronto’s Pape Village a vibrant and tight-knit community known for its rich Greek heritage and local charm, is undergoing a seismic shift. Pape Village Demolition. Over 20 beloved businesses along Pape Avenue have been shuttered, and demolition crews are now tearing down a block and a half to make way for the Ontario Line’s future Cosburn Station. This ambitious transit project, spearheaded by Metrolinx, promises to connect Don Mills to Exhibition Place, but at what cost? From drone images capturing the stark reality of exposed interiors to the displacement of iconic local spots like George’s BBQ Chicken & Ribs, Phyllo Cafe, and Pape Fruit Market, the transformation has sparked both hope and heartache. Here’s everything you need to know about this pivotal moment in Toronto’s urban evolution.
The Ontario Line and Cosburn Station: A Game-Changer for Transit
The Ontario Line is a 15.6-kilometer rapid transit line designed to alleviate congestion on Toronto’s existing subway system, particularly Line 1 (Yonge-University) and Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth). With 15 new stations, including an interchange at Pape Station and a new stop at Cosburn Avenue, the line aims to serve over 227,500 residents within a 10-minute walk of a station by 2041. Metrolinx projects that Cosburn Station alone will serve approximately 10,300 residents and 2,600 commuters during peak hours, reducing crowding on Line 2 by 21% and offering faster trips downtown (e.g., a 12-minute commute from Pape and Danforth to Queen and University, down from 25 minutes).
The station, located on the northwest corner of Pape and Cosburn avenues, is part of a broader Transit-Oriented Community (TOC) plan by Infrastructure Ontario. This initiative includes two high-rise buildings (28 and 29 storeys) that will bring 623 residential units, with 35–40% designed for families, though affordable housing commitments remain unclear. The design prioritizes minimal disruption to buried utilities, such as the recently upgraded watermain, and aims to reduce traffic impacts during construction.
The Cost of Progress: Expropriation and Demolition
To make way for Cosburn Station, Metrolinx expropriated 20 properties along a 200-meter strip on the west side of Pape Avenue, between Gamble and Gowan avenues. The affected businesses, many of which were community staples for decades, include:
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George’s BBQ Chicken & Ribs: A local favorite known for its hearty meals.
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Phyllo Cafe: A modern take on Greek cuisine, offering bilingual menus and dishes like the “Poseidon Cheese Boat.”
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Pape Fruit Market: A go-to spot for fresh produce, now relocated further south.
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Other notable closures: Coin Laundry Cleaners, C Market European Deli, Subway, Pharmasave Pape Medical, and Cleopatra Five Star Hair Design, among others.
These businesses were ordered to close by September 1, 2024, leaving the once-lively strip eerily vacant. Demolition began in March 2025 and is expected to continue through the summer, with crews peeling back roofs and dismantling interiors. Local photographer Kotsy’s drone images poignantly capture the human toll: a white-painted railing atop a staircase, a remnant of the lives and livelihoods uprooted for progress.
The expropriation process has been contentious. While Metrolinx offers compensation based on “fair market value” determined by external appraisers, many business owners argue it’s insufficient to cover relocation costs or the loss of loyal clientele. Cleopatra El-Desouky, owner of Cleopatra Five Star Hair Design, posted a scathing note in her shop’s window, claiming Metrolinx “screwed all small businesses” by providing inadequate support for restarting elsewhere. Similarly, George Charalambous of Greek World, located near the construction zone, fears his business may not survive the disruptions, describing the situation as “worse than COVID”.
Community Impact: A Neighborhood in Transition
Pape Village, often considered Toronto’s “other Greektown,” has long been a hub for Greek-speaking residents and businesses, from Stany’s Bakery to El Greco’s lively patio. The loss of over 20 establishments has left the community reeling. Residents like Sarah Gedcke, who chose Pape Village for its quiet charm, express distress over the noise and disruption, particularly for those with sensory issues. The boarded-up storefronts and dark green construction fencing have created a “derelict” atmosphere, with local business owners like Caroline Song of 1000 Variety/1000 Vape reporting a 50% drop in sales since construction ramped up in November 2024.
The demolition process, expected to last four to five months, involves utility disconnections, abatement of sensitive materials, and structural teardowns, followed by excavation for the station itself. Short-term lane closures and traffic disruptions are already causing headaches, and concerns about safety have escalated after a February 2025 incident where a pedestrian was critically injured by a dump truck at Pape and Mortimer avenues. Councillor Paula Fletcher called for a safety review, noting the truck was not following the designated haul route.
Mixed Sentiments: Hope vs. Heartache – Pape Village Demolition
The community’s response is a mix of resignation and cautious optimism. While the loss of beloved businesses stings, some residents see the long-term benefits of improved transit. A Zoomy’s Juicery employee noted that the KFC closure at 891 Pape Avenue, another casualty of the Ontario Line, could pave the way for a revitalized community once construction is complete. Metrolinx emphasizes its engagement efforts, including monthly meetings with the Pape Village BIA, door-to-door canvassing, and a Construction Liaison Committee formed in October 2024 to address concerns.
However, the short-term pain is undeniable. The Pape Avenue block party in September 2024, hosted by the local BIA, felt bittersweet, with posters taped to boarded-up storefronts. For many, the question remains: is the promise of future connectivity worth the upheaval? As Susannah Bunce, an associate professor at the University of Toronto, notes, large projects like the Ontario Line can be “destabilizing” for communities, removing cherished places and relationships in a “sudden and visceral way”.
What’s Next for Pape Village?
As demolition progresses, the site will transition to excavation, with construction of Cosburn Station expected to continue for years. The broader Ontario Line project, including the Pape Tunnel and Underground Stations, involves twin tunnels under Pape Avenue from Gerrard Street to the Don Valley bridge, with completion dates still uncertain. Metrolinx’s efforts to minimize disruption—such as coordinating with the City of Toronto and TTC—aim to balance construction demands with community needs.
For now, Pape Village is a neighborhood in limbo, caught between its storied past and an uncertain future. The drone images of exposed interiors serve as a stark reminder of the human stories behind each shuttered storefront. Yet, the promise of a connected, transit-friendly Toronto looms large, offering hope that Cosburn Station will one day breathe new life into this cherished community.
Stay Informed and Engaged
The transformation of Pape Village is a story of progress and loss, one that resonates with anyone who values the soul of Toronto’s neighborhoods. Want to stay updated on the Ontario Line’s impact? Follow local news outlets like BlogTO and The Toronto Observer, or check Metrolinx’s official updates at www.metrolinx.com. Share your thoughts in the comments below—how do you feel about the trade-offs for transit expansion? Let’s keep the conversation going as Pape Village navigates this monumental change.
Sources: BlogTO, The Toronto Observer, CP24, The Star, Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario.