Editorial Archive

Office of the Chief Executive

Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension

Dear Colleagues,

You will see and hear news reports today about the forecast final cost of the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE). The TTC Board will discuss the issue at its meeting next Thursday (Jan. 21).

Read the report online: Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension – Schedule and Budget Reset

The good news is that the project remains on course for a December 2017 opening and is now 80 per cent complete. The new stations are well-advanced, track is virtually all laid and we have commenced systems installation in advance of the testing, commissioning and trial operations phases that will take place next year.

Last March, I advised the Board that the project would face claims from contractors, largely dating back to delays in project start up in 2007/8. I also committed to briefing the Board on the likely exposure of those claims once this was known, and I am now able to do that.

Claims are part of all major construction projects and TYSSE is no different. I have advised the Board that an allowance should be made of up to $400 million in respect of these claims.

At the end of the next year, the TYSSE will open, and we will be able to showcase a subway that is the envy of North America.

Thank you all for your continuing hard work and commitment to building a transit system that makes Toronto proud.

Andy Byford
Chief Executive Officer
January 15, 2016

CEO Video: News about the TYSSE