(AGENPARL) – gio 27 aprile 2023 [Ontario Logo]
NEWS RELEASE
Ontario Advancing Contract for Yonge North Subway Extension
Province connecting people to jobs and fighting gridlock in the Greater Toronto Area
April 27, 2023
YORK REGION – The Ontario government is one step closer to getting shovels in the ground on the Yonge North Subway Extension. Today, the province issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Advance Tunnel Contract, marking a significant milestone in its plan to reduce gridlock, connect people to jobs and make travel between York Region and Toronto faster and easier.
“The Yonge North Subway Extension is a critical project for York Region that will provide much-needed access to reliable public transit and connect more people to major employment centres in Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “Together with our partners in Ottawa, York Region and the City of Toronto, we’re demonstrating real progress to make this project a reality and delivering on our plan to build a strong Ontario.”
The Advance Tunnel Contract includes designing the tunnels and building the launch and extraction shafts that will be used for the tunnel boring machines. It also includes the design and construction of headwalls for stations and emergency exit buildings. To deliver the new subway as quickly as possible, tunnelling will begin first, followed by a separate contract to build the stations, rail and systems.
“Partnerships are key to delivering major projects like the Yonge North Subway Extension,” said the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Our Government will continue to work collaboratively with the Government of Ontario to get transit built in the GTA and across the province.”
Early work on the Yonge North Subway Extension is currently underway at Finch Station, where workers are making upgrades to accommodate the future subway service. Once complete, the approximately eight-kilometre extension will accommodate over 90,000 daily trips, connect more people to jobs, and bring faster transit to more communities across York Region and Toronto.
“The Yonge North Subway Extension remains the top transportation priority for York Regional Council and we are pleased to be working in partnership with the Province of Ontario to take additional steps to move this project forward,” said Wayne Emmerson, York Region Chairman and CEO. “A project of this magnitude has far-reaching benefits for local jobs, the economy, environment and travellers. York Region welcomes the Ontario government’s commitment to get shovels into the ground on this critical project and support the growth of our communities today and in the future.”
Quick Facts
– The Yonge North Subway Extension will put 26,000 more people within a 10-minute walk of transit and is expected to reduce daily travel times for commuters by up to 22 minutes.
– By providing an affordable and convenient transit alternative, the Yonge North Subway Extension will cut the distance travelled by personal vehicles by 7,700 kilometres during rush hour and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 4,800 tonnes each year.
– Ontario is investing $70.5 billion over the next decade to transform public transit in the province, which includes the largest subway expansion in Canadian history – the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, and the Yonge North Subway Extension.
– The Yonge North Subway Extension is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and generate over $3.6 billion worth of total economic benefits to help stimulate the economy.
Quotes
“Our government is expanding the subway system by 50 per cent. This is part of our plan to deliver vibrant, complete mixed-use communities around transit stations for the people of York Region. Our government will continue to make record investments in fast, reliable transit for decades to come.”
– The Honourable Kinga Surma
Ontario Minister of Infrastructure
“Our government recognizes how important it is to build transit that will connect communities and open up new travel options for people across the Greater Toronto Area. By building critical transit like the Yonge North Subway Extension, we are ensuring that the growth of the region is sustainable and providing future generations with the means to move freely and access more choices and more opportunities.”
– The Honourable Stan Cho
Ontario Associate Minister of Transportation
“This project will deliver reliable and affordable public transit to residents of Richmond Hill and York Region. Working with the Government of Ontario, we will continue to deliver for residents of the GTA.”
– Majid Jowhari
Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill
“Reliable public transit is key to building inclusive communities. The Yonge North Subway Extension will enable York Region to keep welcoming more residents while creating good middle-class jobs.”
– Tony Van Bynen
Member of Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora
“I am pleased to see our government’s continued commitment to the Yonge North Subway Extension, which will greatly benefit the residents of Richmond Hill and surrounding areas. The issuance of the RFQ for the subway tunnelling work is a significant step towards realizing this important project, which will provide much-needed relief to commuters and improve connectivity between York Region and Toronto.”
– Daisy Wai
Member of Provincial Parliament for Richmond Hill
“Today, we’re laying the groundwork for a more connected and prosperous future for the people of Markham – Thornhill and beyond. With the launch of the Request for Qualification for the Yonge North Subway Extension, we’re signalling to the world that Ontario is open for business and that we’re committed to investing in bold, transformative infrastructure projects that will create jobs, spur economic growth, and improve the lives of all Ontarians.”
– Logan Kanapathi