Construction has started on a new elevated section of the Ontario Line, along with four new subway stations in Toronto. The Government of Ontario says the project will create about 4,700 jobs each year during construction and bring nearly 230,000 more people within walking distance of public transit. Premier Doug Ford called the line a major investment to reduce traffic and help workers during economic uncertainty.
The raised track will run for three kilometres and connect new stations in Don Valley, Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park, plus Cosburn Station. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the project is part of a $70-billion transit expansion plan. Once finished, the 15.6-kilometre line will stretch across Toronto with 15 stations and more than 40 connections to other transit routes.
Mayor Olivia Chow said the new line will shorten commutes and reduce road congestion. The Government of Canada is contributing more than $4 billion to the project. When complete, the Ontario Line is expected to cut travel times, ease crowding on the Toronto Transit Commission, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
