The Ontario government officially launched on Sunday the construction of a new subway line that will cross Toronto. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Toronto Mayor John Tory and various provincial and federal officials were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony, which took place around 1 p.m.
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“It’s an exciting project. The groundbreaking is an exciting step forward and it is positive proof [que le projet verra véritablement le jour]said John Tory during the first shovelful.
Estimated at approximately $11 billion in economic benefits, the Ontario line should have 15 stops spread over 16 kilometers and will be connected to more than 40 existing transition points, including metro and tram lines. The line, which will be partly underground, partly elevated and which will borrow on certain segments the commuter train network, will extend from Exhibition Place to the Ontario Science Center, thus crossing the city center.
“The Ontario Line is the largest subway expansion in Canadian history. It will extend the current Toronto subway network by 50%,” said Doug Ford.
The new section is scheduled to open in 2030, according to Greater Toronto’s transit manager, Metrolinx.
According to the organization’s evaluations, the new line will make it possible to serve 227,500 more people who will find themselves living next to public transit. This could represent approximately 28,000 fewer vehicles on the roads.
“Public transport plays a pivotal role in achieving our climate goals and reducing congestion on our roads. The Ontario Line will be a major addition to existing transit options in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and will improve users’ ability to get to their destinations easily and on time,” the minister said in a statement. of Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc.
“It will help people across the region. It will help them to get to work, to go to school, to see their family, to avoid traffic jams. It will help the environment,” added Mayor Tory.
Doug Ford’s government has adopted an ambitious development program for its public transit network. In addition to the Ontario line, expansions of the Scarborough and Yonge North subway lines have also been announced, not to mention the extension of the Eglinton Crosstown light rail line.
“We are building public transport infrastructure, not only for today, but also for the next 50 to 100 years. This is incredible news for the individuals and families who rely on public transportation every day,” Ford said, adding that this is also an opportunity for the province to create jobs and help its economy.
The federal government had already indicated, in May 2021, that it would pay some $12 billion to finance 40% of the bill for all these projects.