Work at the station has been underway for 11 years at a final projected cost of $824 million. On July 27, Toronto Mayor John Tory reopened the Bay Concourse, which marked the end of construction at the country’s busiest multimodal passenger hub.

The federal government has announced combined funding of more than $31 million to support the construction of more than 120 rapid housing units in London, Hamilton and Kingston.

The funding will teach underprivileged youth skills in the plumbing, steam fitting, electrical, elevator mechanic and refrigeration trades through programs delivered by the non-profit organization.

The money aims to transform the disused 140-year-old Chief William Commanda Bridge into a cycling, walking and winter skiing route across the Ottawa River.

COVID-19 has laid bare many uncomfortable truths regarding society’s overall preparedness for low-probability but high-impact events, especially global ones.