bloomington go station

This Ontario train station just won a design award but people think it kind of sucks

A GO Transit station in Ontario is the proud recipient of an international architecture award, but people are firing back, claiming that the train station and its massive parking garage are unworthy of this honour.

Bloomington GO Station was the winner of an International 2023 Architecture MasterPrize Award, the 2021-built station recognized for its minimal ecological impact — despite hosting a massive three-level parking garage accommodating space for 1,000 cars.

"The design of the Bloomington GO Station mobility hub responds to its siting within a provincially protected wetland by integrating the station and bus loops in the interior of a bifurcated parking structure," reads the awards page.

The page goes on to claim that "This bold design allows for a minimal ecological footprint while maximizing access to the expanded regional rail and bus service," and calls the station "a sculptural, landmark building."

However, people were quick to call out a massive parking garage garnering recognition for its "minimal ecological impact."

"This parking garage seamlessly integrates with its surrounding highways," jokes one commenter on X.

A few people have taken to calling this behemoth "The Garage Mahal!"

A recent visitor to the station says, "When I took a train to this award-winning parking garage, it took me over an hour to walk to the nearest bus stop so I could return home."

Globe and Mail architecture critic Alex Bozikovic simply replied to GO' announcement with a cry-laughing emoji as commentary on the award.

"An award-winning parking garage," reads another response, adding, "Yup, every bit as underwhelming when I say it aloud."

Lead photo by

Metrolinx


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Toronto has one of the highest unemployment rates among major cities in Canada

The average hourly wage for Canadian employees is now almost $35

This Ontario city is trying to lure residents from Toronto with its cheap cost of living

This ultra-poisonous Ontario plant looks delicious but can easily kill you

Here's why there's an abandoned space-age bunker below a Toronto highway

People in Toronto wondering about mysterious black boxes spotted around the city

Video shows arsonist casually pouring gas on car and torching it in Richmond Hill

Toronto water taxi options for when you want to get to the Island and back