5 upgrades coming to Toronto in 2016

Thanks to the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, 2015 brought a myriad of Toronto mega projects to fruition. From the much-maligned Union Pearson Express to the celebrated Canary District and revitalized Queens Quay, we witnessed numerous changes unfold over the past 12 months.

While many exciting projects, such as the Under Gardiner park, will arrive in 2017, there's still lots to look forward to in the new year.

Here are 5 upgrades coming to Toronto in 2016.

Presto will be excepted everywhere on the TTC
Like many transit systems worldwide, the TTC is moving away from token, tickets and passes to implement Presto across its entire fleet of streetcars, subways and buses by the end of 2016. New fare gates should arrive at most subway stations in February. And best of all, you can reload your Presto card online.

Toronto will sort out issues with taxis, ride sharing, Uber and UberX
One of the biggest issues that plagued Toronto this past year was the UberX versus taxi industry debate. On September 30, city council voted to consider regulating the ride-sharing service with a report due back in spring 2016. After the recent taxi protests, it seems like that report can't come soon enough.

Bloor will get bike lanes
It's no longer just a pipe dream; Bloor Street will be getting dedicated bike lanes in 2016 as part of a one year pilot project. Early in December, the city held its first public meeting where area residents could give feedback on three design options. Council will vote on a plan in the new year and the bike lanes should be ready to go for this summer.

Shopping options will expand
Not everyone is pleased that Toronto's first Saks Fifth Avenue is moving into the iconic Hudson's Bay store. However, this project is slated to include a 21,000 Pusateri's-run food hall and a three-storey Oliver & Bonacini restaurant. Yorkdale Shopping Centre is also getting a major 298,000 square-foot expansion that'll see a Nordstrom and Uniqlo move into the North York-area mall.

The Globe and Mail will get a new lease on life
Canada's national newspaper announced it would be moving across the city more than two year's ago. But now, the paper's new home is nearly complete. This development is noteworthy because, according to the Globe, it's the biggest such development east of Yonge Street, signalling significant growth for the area around King Street East.

What Toronto projects are you excited to see come to fruition in 2016? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Mr. Dan Mofo in the blogTO Flickr pool.

by Amy Grief via blogTO