8 mayoral hopefuls weigh in on how they'd handle the Eglinton Crosstown debacle

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT project delays are unacceptable — that's one thing mayoral candidates can agree on, but eight of the most prominent names in the race have different ideas about how they would move the project along.

The consortium of companies building the troubled Eglinton Crosstown project, Crosslinx, says it plan to sue Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario, alleging the provincial transit agency has failed to retain an operator for the unfinished transit line.

Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster has said the provincial Crown corporation will "defend this latest legal challenge." But many worry the move will delay an already years-late project.

Although the line is a provincial project, some candidates running for the city's top political post want to assure residents similar issues won't plague other transit projects.

CBC Toronto asked eight mayoral candidates what they would do about the transit debacle if elected and why Torontonians should put their faith in them. Here's what they had to say.

Josh Matlow called the public-private partnership between the provincial crown corporation and Crosslinx a "complete boondoggle". 

If elected, he says, he would ensure an independent inquiry into the Crosstown project.

"We have private contractors mismanaging transit expansion projects in the middle of our city that legally, because they're working for the provincial agency, have more power than city hall... That's not functional. It's not acceptable and I'm going to be demanding that changes as mayor."

Matlow says he would ensure projects are done publicly to ensure direct control for the city.

Mitzie Hunter said Metrolinx must push back against the consortium.

"We need to stand up to those who have let us down," she said. 

Hunter said she is particularly concerned about the impact the delays have had for small businesses in Little Jamaica, some of whom were forced to close their doors for good because of construction delays.

"As mayor, I will ensure that there is competency in the oversight of major large-scale projects like the transit projects that are underway and hold those responsible, absolutely accountable for the delivery of on time, on budget projects," she said.

Anthony Furey said he'd commence legal action against Metrolinx "for their contractual breaches and persistent failures over the Eglinton Crosstown LRT."