Union Station is set for a $640-million makeover (Image: Ihourahane)

One of the main reasons we like Porter Air and the Toronto Island Airport—aside from, of course, its proximity to downtown—is the passenger lounge. Waiting for takeoff is far more palatable with a free espresso in hand, even when flights are delayed. Apparently, VIA Rail has finally taken note, building a new swanky lounge of its own as part of a larger—and much-needed—overhaul of Union Station.

Quoth the Toronto Star:

The [overhaul], that is costing about $640 million, is so complex — literally groundbreaking — that experts say it’s probably unprecedented in Canada, where it is seldom used on structures as large as the station and virtually never when they’re still in operation…

A major component of the work involves building a new lower level below the GO concourses. The “big dig”, as it’s known, means dropping the lower concourse about four metres in the areas from Bay to York streets and then from Front St. south to the Air Canada Centre to accommodate a 14,000-square-metre shopping mall.

Although the new Panorama Lounge for VIA’s first class passengers is but one example of the many exciting changes afoot, our first thought is that the folks in the marketing department should really, really stop calling the project the “big dig.” That name already has a history, and it ain’t all good. That said, this effort to make rail travel a bit more appealing is a fascinating undertaking, especially given that most of the station’s current look screams “failed ’70s redecorating scheme, only without the redeeming shag carpets.” There will also be perks for GO and TTC commuters: for one, relieving some of the crowding at the Union subway stop—without interrupting the flow of traffic. Cue shuddering sobs from commuters on Roncesvalles and St. Clair.

• Big dig a big deal hidden from commuters [Toronto Star]
• Union Station growing downwards [Globe and Mail]
• Union Station refit underway [Toronto Sun]
• ‘Dig Down’ looks to expand Union Station below ground [National Post]

Above it all: The view from Panorama Lounge

The view from the Panorama Lounge—located on 51st floor of the Manulife Centre—is always impressive. But this week, its white-tented terraces promises a particularly spectacular vantage point for the Festival of Fire. The annual fireworks series culminates over the next few days with its Canada Day edition and the grand finale on July 4. To tempt ground-dwellers skyward, Panorama has launched a new menu and cocktail list. We went to suss out its pyrotechnic potential.
In addition to an unobstructed view of the lake, Panorama’s terraces offer cozy loveseats and a new collection of colourful (read: sweet) cocktails. The “Sunburst Raspberry” looks better than it tastes; better options include the pear liquer-spiked “Utopia Euphoria” and the “Pom Pom”—pomegranate liqueur blended with sweet peach purée (all cocktails, $12). Chef Scott Doust regularly updates the menu to keep pace with local produce, and the phyllo-wrapped goat cheese salad topped with toasted pine nuts, red pepper and champagne vinaigrette ($15) is a fresh option, as is the club sandwich ($15), with avocado on toasted boule. Our pick for the most satisfying snack are the mini crab cakes served with corn and black bean salsa ($13). The crunch-to-crab ratio is divine.

Those who like to look down on the world will also delight in the lounge’s newly renovated private party room, known as North Panorama. The secluded spot seats 50 for bottle service. But swanky black leather sofas, mirrors and sparkly chandelier are no match for the skyline at sunset. When the fireworks begin, the swoon factor goes up a notch, accompanied by a chorus of oohing and ahing that gets a little louder with each Pom Pom.