Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have awarded a $1.4 billion design-build-finance contract to North End Connectors for the advance tunnelling package of the Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE). This strategic procurement milestone launches the underground construction phase of Toronto’s Line 1 expansion northward, utilizing a Public-Private Partnership (P3) model.
Yonge North Subway Extension – Project Overview
The Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE) will extend approximately 8 kilometres of Line 1 (Yonge–University), running from Finch Station into the City of Richmond Hill across the regional municipalities of Vaughan, Markham, and Richmond Hill.
The project includes an underground section of around 6.3 km of twin tunnels, transitioning to a surface alignment beyond Langstaff Road. The YNSE contract scope covers:
Design and construction of twin tunnels from Finch Station to south of Langstaff Road
Launch and extraction shafts, station headwalls, and emergency exit structures
Procurement, deployment, and installation of tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) and precast concrete lining segments
Ground support works, including utility relocations and tunnelling logistics
Project Significance and Regional Impact
The Yonge North extension addresses critical transit shortages by linking north Toronto to York Region, expected to reduce commuter travel times by up to 22 minutes and serve over 90,000 daily trips. The project forms part of Ontario’s broader $70 billion transit push, including other major expansions like the Ontario Line and the Scarborough Subway Extension.
Construction is projected to support approximately 4,300 direct jobs during peak tunnelling, with contractors expected to engage local workforce programs and uphold community engagement commitments (mpre details on the project on the video below – courtesy of newsca)
P3 Delivery Model – Design-Build-Finance Structure
Delivered under IO’s P3 (Public-Private Partnership) framework, the $1.4 billion agreement marks the project’s first major contract. The project has been awarded to North End Connectors, who will be responsible to design, build and finance the project.Â
The team includes:Â
- Applicant Leads: Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., FCC Canada Ltd., Ghella Canada Ltd. (SPV level)
- Construction / Design-Build Joint Venture: Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., FCC Canada Ltd., Ghella Canada Ltd.Â
- Main Designers: EXP Services Inc., TYPSA Inc.
- Financial Advisor: National Bank Financial, Aecon Concessions, FCC Canada Ltd., Ghella Investments & Partnerships SpA.
Commercial and financial close are anticipated shortly, with IO and the consortium currently finalising agreements.
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