Regional News
September 08, 2008 11:08 AM
David Fleischer, Staff Writer
The Spadina subway extension can finally get on track.
Just ahead of their election call, the federal government confirmed Friday its $622-million portion of the project’s funding.
“The Government of Canada is helping to provide the students, commuters, and families of the Greater Toronto Area with transportation options, getting people out of their cars and onto public transit,” Transport Minister Jim Flaherty said.
Funding for the project was split into thirds between the municipal, provincial and federal governments.
After York Region and Toronto confirmed their share, the province came on side in 2006.
The 8.7 km extension takes the line from its current terminus at Downsview Station, up through York University to the Vaughan Corporate Centre, at Jane St. and Hwy. 7.
It will be the first time the TTC operates a subway outside the borders of Toronto.
Preliminary construction, involving moving a sewer line, began this spring. Construction of the actual subway is not expected for two to three years.
The proposed Yonge subway extension has a similar funding breakdown, with the province agreeing to pay the municipal portion, so only the federal one-third is outstanding.
The Spadina subway is expected to run by 2015 and a Yonge line could follow within two years.