Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario’s Liberal caucus is calling for a public inquiry into delays and cost overruns surrounding the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, saying accountability is needed before the line enters service.
Construction on the project began in 2011 under the former Liberal government. The Progressive Conservatives formed government in 2018 and have overseen the later stages of the build.
At a news conference Thursday, Liberal MPP Adil Shamji said the province should not present the line’s eventual opening as a success without addressing its history of setbacks.
“In order for residents to have confidence in the line, there needs to be accountability,” Shamji said, noting millions of dollars have been spent in efforts to keep the project on track.
The Liberals say an inquiry is needed to examine what they describe as mismanagement of the project, which was originally scheduled to open in 2020 and still does not have a confirmed in-service date.
Premier Doug Ford said in December the line could open in 2026 or “very soon after,” but no official timeline has been announced by the province, Metrolinx or the Toronto Transit Commission.
The caucus is also calling for compensation for businesses affected by years of construction, the creation of a rapid-response task force to address operational issues at launch, and assurances that problems experienced during the Finch West LRT opening will not be repeated. They also want guarantees that the Ontario Line will not face similar delays.
Liberal transportation critic Andrea Hazell said concerns remain about system performance, particularly during winter conditions, pointing to ongoing service issues on the Finch West LRT since it opened in December.
Hazell said a public inquiry would help clarify how public funds have been spent and why delays have persisted.
Final testing on the Eglinton Crosstown was completed in December, but the province has not said when the line will begin service.
