August 6, 2025 Province grants major contract for the tunnel design and construction of Line 1 subway extension into York Region MARKHAM – The Ontario government has awarded a contract for designing and building the twin tunnels for the Yonge North Subway Extension, representing a significant step in the province’s strategy to shield Ontario from tariffs and economic challenges by investing in transit, easing congestion, promoting economic growth, and keeping workers employed. “The Yonge North Subway Extension is an essential part of our $70 billion investment to enhance public transit across Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “As we begin construction on this vital project, we’re ensuring thousands of workers remain employed while creating infrastructure that will stimulate Ontario’s economy and help many commuters in York Region travel more quickly and conveniently.” The contract has been given to North End Connectors, who will take on the design and construction of the extension’s tunnels. This agreement also covers early works like constructing support headwalls for future stations and emergency exit buildings. When completed, the Yonge North Subway Extension will facilitate over 90,000 trips daily. “Today marks a significant advancement as we develop the Yonge North Subway Extension, transforming travel throughout the region while expanding subway access to Vaughan, Markham, and Richmond Hill for the first time,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “In light of economic uncertainties and U. S. tariffs that are still impacting workers and businesses across Ontario, we’re safeguarding our economy by establishing next-generation subway services that connect Ontarians with thousands of good-paying jobs and housing opportunities for years ahead.” Once design work wraps up, major tunneling will commence alongside a separate process to construct the extension’s stations, rail systems. With recent upgrades at Finch Station now finished to ease connections from existing Line 1 service to the upcoming subway extension, additional preparatory activities like utility relocations are currently taking place. “I’m thrilled that the Yonge North Subway Extension is moving closer to providing mass transit from Finch Station to Richmond Hill,” said Honourable Ali Ehsassi, Member of Parliament for Willowdale. “This initiative is part of one of the largest investments made by the federal government in public transit within the Greater Toronto Area. Once completed, it’ll be a crucial link leading to greater opportunities while supporting a more affordable and connected York Region.” The Yonge North Subway Extension will bring an additional 26,000 people within a 10-minute walk of transit services while cutting down daily travel times by as much as 22 minutes on trips from Markham to downtown Toronto-helping commuters reach their destinations faster. <p“On behalf of York Regional Council and Regional Municipality of York," Eric Jolliffe stated," we extend our continued appreciation to the Ontario government for their unwavering progress on advancing this project.” He added: “The recent contract award represents another important milestone toward protecting Ontario through building Canada’s largest-ever transit expansion initiative-tackling congestion issues while generating jobs and encouraging economic growth. Expanding transit continues being a top priority for Regional Council; thus ongoing investments from higher levels of government are crucial in supporting housing needs along with job creation ensuring quality living standards for future generations.” Ontario’s ambitious $70-billion plan focusing on Greater Toronto Area includes projects like new lines such as Ontario Line alongside Scarborough Subway Expansion along with both extensions mentioned above making it one historic investment unprecedented anywhere else across Northern America when considering public transportation systems.
Quick Facts
The Yonge North Subway Extension will reduce personal vehicle distances traveled during peak hours by about 7,700 kilometers while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions yearly by more than 4,800 tonnes. Constructing this subway extension is expected to invigorate local economies bringing total benefits exceeding $3.6 billion along with approximately supporting around 4,300 jobs annually throughout its duration. Funding contributions amounting up-to $2.24 billion have been pledged towards facilitating this project’s success from Government authorities at federal levels.Source link
