So weird, the barriers were configured differently one day to the next. I was going through YOW at the approx same time (~7:20pm) but on Sunday and the VT line was open to walk down but directed to the same security check entry doors as every other line through a small opening in the railing at those doors.

I grabbed that image link from this page on the YOW website: link

YYZ T1, I found nice since I was travelling domestic anyways (still not certain if I can go through security at D gates with an E gates boarding pass). Sounds like we both have a "wife was not impressed" story from YVR trying to use VT. (Mine cheered up when we cleared instantly instead of waiting 45 mins for 4 people...) But yes, the trick seems to be finding the specific security checkpoint that offers the full VT service. E gates at YYZ is just VT-Front of Line.

There's info on the CATSA website and a FlyerTalk thread in the Trusted Travellers Forum