Ford Government Introduces Legislation to Speed Up Major Transit Projects

Canada's largest city is no stranger to major infrastructure and development projects that often come with their own delays.

These projects, which include the all-new Ontario Line, the Yonge North Subway Extension, the three-stop Scarborough Subway Extension, and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, have been in the works for what feels like... well, forever. And many still have a long way to go.

The above examples are reasons the Ford government is using to propose new legislation that would give the province the ability to deliver its four priority projects on-time and on-budget.

"In order to keep up with the tremendous growth in the region, we have to build modern, efficient rapid transit," said Minister of Transportation, Caroline Mulroney, in a statement. "It will not only generate years of employment, it will allow us to better connect a world-class city and develop transit-oriented communities."

READ: Completion Date for Eglinton Crosstown LRT Pushed Back

The government claims that the Building Transit Faster Act would provide the province with the tools it needs to expedite the planning, design, and construction process that has delayed major projects in the past.

If passed, the legislation would remove roadblocks and give the Province the ability needed to deliver projects faster by:

Relocating utilities more efficiently while treating businesses fairly, and ensuring costs are not passed on to consumers;

Ensuring the assembly of land required to construct stations, conduct tunnelling and prepare sites, while treating property owners fairly;

Ensuring timely access to municipal services and rights-of-way;

Allowing Ontario to inspect and remove physical barriers with appropriate notification to property owners;

Ensuring nearby developments or construction projects are coordinated so they do not delay the four priority subway projects.

"Not only will this proposed legislation get people riding the trains earlier, but it will ensure that the province is best positioned to attract new business and keep our best and brightest here in Ontario," said Kinga Surma, Associate Minister of Transportation (GTA) in a statement.

This news comes just a day after Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster announced the completion date for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project has been delayed yet again. The project was slated to be completed in September 2021 and now Verster says it’s expected that the LRT will open well into 2022.

Verster said a number of challenges have arisen since the start of the project, including starting nine months late and a defect found under the TTC station box at Eglinton-Yonge subway station that needs to be fixed before the project can be completed.

Toronto

Ford Government Introduces Legislation to Speed Up Major Transit Projects

The Ford government is proposing a Building Transit Faster Act that would give the province the ability to deliver priority projects on-time.

Trending

You may also like

Ontario has consistently ranked in the bottom half of provinces in terms of homebuilding per capita over the last six years — the data for 2024 being an indicator that things are only getting worse.

The potential lawsuit is coming from Mappro Realty, the owner of an adjacent property, over the staging area being used for construction of The One.

​The District Northwest project by Thind Properties is set for 13438 105A Avenue in Surrey and consists of two high-rise towers.

For those looking to lay down roots in Sherwood Park, a true best-of-both-worlds destination, now may be just the right time — as the community welcomes Hearthstone.

According to CMHC, housing starts across Canada shifted up from 223,391 units in September to 240,761 units this October, though the six-month trend remains "flat."

Chacon Developments is currently facing two receiverships and two of its other properties have been made available via power of sale.

Nestled amongst lush foliage, 32 Arjay Crescent, with its grand exterior and sophisticated interior designs, offers one of the most stunning homes in the neighbourhood.

Revised development plans from Pinnacle International ask for increased heights across the board, bringing the proposed storey-count up to 54, 44, and 15 storeys.

The Canada Lands Company and the MST Nations acquired the Jericho, Heather, and Marine Drive Lands in Fall 2014.

Though the Bank of Canada has delivered four interest rate cuts since June, including a healthy 50-bps cut in October, the growth in sales is being attributed to a jump in listings.

The program is called the Purpose-built Rental Homes Incentives Stream and, at a high level, it pairs qualifying projects with certain perks, including development charge deferrals and property tax reductions.

For those with a taste for life’s finest things, but who prefer a touch of edge, this three-bed, three-bath estate in Prince Edward County is a true sanctuary.

The building landscape has its challenges, but we’re still seeing ambitious developers, like Camrost Felcorp, lay their claim.

Camrost Felcorp's Upper East Village offers alluring homes for today’s down-sizers.

​The property, 98 James Street South in Hamilton, was placed under receivership in August and is shovel-ready, with development charges locked in at historical rates.

If you have a rental cottage in Muskoka, you’ll soon need a licence to legally operate it.

2024 © STOREYS Publishing Inc. | All Rights Reserved

The District Northwest project by Thind Properties is set for 13438 105A Avenue in Surrey and consists of two high-rise towers.

The property, 98 James Street South in Hamilton, was placed under receivership in August and is shovel-ready, with development charges locked in at historical rates.