Enhancing connectivity and accessibility on a key rail line

Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension

Facing a growing demand for mobility and connectivity around the greater Toronto area, the City of Toronto set out to create a critical link to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway system, extending from Sheppard West station to TTC’s first municipal crossing of boundaries to the Regional Municipality of York. Our team was there to help.

The immense size and scope of the project involved intricate planning by the project team consisting of over 200 members. As head of the project controls team, one of four major divisions, we managed the project’s costs, schedules, contract administration, document control, risk analysis, reporting, and more.

Early work involved dealing with property owners and land purchases, while design parameters were maintained to accommodate stakeholder demands. During the construction phase, we monitored contractor performance, maintained safety standards, and confirmed adherence to the changing project schedule. The team approach considered stakeholder interests while challenges were dealt with proactively. Close-out work and support for the project continued after the project’s public opening in 2017 for additional contract administration, document control, reporting, and litigation requests from the TTC.

Now complete, this project adds six new stations to the Line 1 Yonge-University subway. All the stations feature extensive facilities (including elevators, escalators, and tactile markings) that comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The improved subway service provided has enhanced access to jobs, education, and other opportunities for many residents of Toronto and the York region—ultimately increasing mobility and boosting economic activity in the city.