Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have awarded a C$1.4bn ($1bn) contract to North End Connectors for the Yonge North Subway Extension's tunnelling project.
The project will involve the construction of twin 6.3km tunnels extending from Finch Station on TTC Line 1 to a point south of Langstaff Road in Markham, where the extension will transition to a surface-level section.
The contract follows a design-build-finance model under IO’s public-private-partnership (P3) framework.
The North End Connectors consortium comprises Aecon Infrastructure Management, Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas Canada, and Ghella Canada for both the applicant leads and construction roles.
EXP Services and TYPSA manage the design responsibilities while National Bank Financial, Aecon Concessions, Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas Canada, and Ghella Investments & Partnerships provide financial advisory services.
The procurement process for the tunnelling project was reportedly open, fair, and competitive, with oversight by an independent advisor. North End Connectors' proposal was selected for seemingly offering the best value to Ontarians.
Metrolinx president and CEO Michael Lindsay said: "With this contract award, we are setting the stage for major construction on the Yonge North Subway Extension.
"This project will extend TTC Line 1 subway service further north into York Region and create connections to the GO and Viva transit networks. That means faster, more convenient travel - and less traffic on busy roadways all over the region."
The scope of the project includes approximately 6.3km of tunnelling within an 8km extension.
Key tasks involve designing and constructing launch and extraction shafts, twin tunnels, headwalls for emergency exit buildings and stations, and excavation support for emergency exit buildings.
Additionally, the procurement and installation of tunnel boring machines and precast concrete tunnel liners are included.
Construction is anticipated to start in the fourth quarter of 2026, following the completion of the design development phase, with an expected completion in 2030.
