Pape

A close friend of mine used to live in a cozy basement apartment on nearby Eaton Avenue, so I used to roam through Pape all the time, on my way over to her place to watch movies and hang out. Then she moved out of town. I miss her.

Pape station’s matte white ‘artificial stone’ tiling

The station feels quite different now, from those idyllic days. Over a four-year period from 2009-2013, the station and its patrons endured a lengthy process of disruptive upgrades and renovations, that along with similar upheaval at Victoria Park, kicked off what became known as the Station Modernization and Easier Access programs. The final result is not too shabby—a considerable improvement in fact.

Hurled into the future: Pape’s sleek bus platform

People hate bus platforms. It’s where you wait interminably for the next bus to arrive. But I’m impressed with the effort to enhance Pape’s bus area. It’s sleek and spacious, even comfortable. I sometimes take the 72 Pape en route to my home climbing gym, and while I still detest waiting for the bus, at least there’s plenty of room and great lighting.

Stylized images by Allan Harding Mackay decorate Pape

Source/Derivations is the concept name of the art found throughout the station. The work by Allan Harding Mackay consists of images from the neighbourhood and station’s past, embodied in tilework, reflective coloured panels, and translucent glass panes.

The images express “a visual narrative [...] that delights the eye and metaphorically provides a journey of exploration for the viewer.” Which to my ear sounds like artistic bafflegab. Do I like the art? Eh, it’s ok.

A retained Pape station element that has always charmed me:
the tiny doors at the base of the stairs

Other aspects of the modernization project included:

• An automated 2nd exit
• Elevators (making the station completely accessible)
• A bicycle parking area
• Futuristic ultra-bright lighting, blue trim, and piping

Pape station opened in 1966, and transit dreamers believe it may one day become a transfer node for a Downtown Relief Line and/or LRT route. If you haven’t used the station recently, check out the gallery; you might be surprised by what you see. Yes, I know the colours are no longer consistent with the rest of the Bloor-Danforth line; I’m resigned to just enjoy what’s there.

Photo Gallery

Tour the station, and view captioned historical images from its past:
(hint: turn on the captions)

Transfer:

Pape station transfer

More about Pape

TTC Station info | Map | Wikipedia: Pape

My next stop: St. Patrick
Previous station: Bathurst

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