Councillors question $150M cost of 2-km trail extension
CBC
The City of Toronto is poised to spend roughly $150 million to extend a popular railway trail for pedestrians and cyclists in the west end, but some councillors are questioning the project's inflated price tag.
In 2016, the two-kilometre extension, to be built by provincial transit agency Metrolinx on the city's behalf, was estimated to cost only $23 million.
But now the city is planning to spend $125.7 million on the extension because of costs they say weren't factored into the initial estimate. The federal government is kicking in an additional $23 million.
"The bill that Metrolinx is sending to the city is unreasonable," said Coun. Josh Matlow, who represents Toronto—St. Pauls. "It makes no sense."
CBC Toronto reached out to Metrolinx about the higher price tag but was told to direct questions to the city.
The current West Toronto Railpath runs 2.1 kilometres north-south, from the Junction neighbourhood to Dundas Street West at Sterling Road.
The extension will connect the existing paved trail south from Dundas Street W. at Sterling Road to Abell and Sudbury streets. Construction is expected to begin mid-2025 and will take three years to complete, the city said.
"I just think we need to deliver better value for money for taxpayers here in Toronto," said Coun. Brad Bradford, who represents Beaches—East York.
In an email on Wednesday, the city said the updated $150 million estimate contains a number of construction-related costs that were not included in the initial $23-million amount.
The original estimate did not include costs related to property acquisition, major utility relocations and noise walls, as well as engineering and assurance services.
It also did not consider increases in material cost due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic factors, the city said.
As well, the updated estimate factors in that four bridges will be built over the course of construction.
Geoff Jones, who runs on the trail everyday, says the cost is ultimately for the good of a "major artery" for the West End that has no car traffic.
"To me, it's money well spent for people to have a recreational trail in their backyard that connects them from Dupont to Queen Street," Jones said.
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