TORONTO - GO Transit has awarded a $196-million contract for Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) to refurbish parts of the landmark Union Station in downtown Toronto.

Most of the work is at the Union Station train shed, which covers 13 tracks and 23 passenger platforms.

Although Union Station is a major regional transportation hub, it has fallen into disrepair over the years due to wrangling between different stakeholders.

In addition to GO Transit's provincial commuter rail service, Union Station serves the federal government's Via passenger trains and the city's subway system.

Aecon will install a new steel roof and glass atrium above the station's railside platforms as a major part of the contract.