Obsolescence to opportunity: transforming abandoned infrastructure in Scarborough

Abstract

Line 3 was the light rail transit line that had once served the community of Scarborough, Ontario. The obsolescence of Line 3 arose from authoritative negligence placing unnecessary strain on a struggling community that is largely composed of recent immigrants. The narrative unfolds from the line’s ambitious inception in the 1980s as a high-tech transportation experiment to its recent closure in 2023. However, we can learn from history, as obsolescence also presents an opportunity for impactful change. This thesis proposes adaptive reuse strategies as a more culturally and environmentally sustainable practice for the Line’s disused transit stations and track infrastructure. These initiatives aim to promote address food insecurity, provide educational opportunities, and promote cultural exchange, fostering community resilience and cohesion. It seeks to create vibrant, inclusive spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents of Scarborough, both in the present and the years to come.