York Region is welcoming progress made on the Yonge North Subway Extension that will bring transit services farther north into Richmond Hill.
The province announced April 27 it is now seeking qualifications for advanced tunnel work on the multi-billion-dollar project — an important milestone in getting “shovels in the ground.”
“I commend the province in taking another positive step forward,” York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson said in a news release, adding that “advancing large infrastructure projects to support growing communities is not possible without the commitment and co-operation of all levels of government and the community.”
The request for qualification provides companies the chance to get involved in the bidding process for the massive project, which will bring the subway to Richmond Hill, Markham and Vaughan. The successful proponent will be designing tunnels and supplying tunnel-boring machines.
“We’re demonstrating real progress to make this project a reality,” Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney said in a news release.
York Region is funding $1.12 billion of the $5.6 billion subway extension, with residents paying a one per cent tax to help. The project is expected to generate 94,000 more daily public transportation trips, with thousands of jobs added and the province estimating $3.6 billion in economic benefits.
“Advancing important projects like this is critical to ensure we can meet the needs of current residents while continuing to prepare for future population and job growth,” Emmerson said.
The region estimates its population will grow from about 1.2 million people to more than 2 million by 2051.
More information on the extension is available on the Metrolinx project website.
