Ontario Liberals demand public inquiry into Eglinton Crosstown LRT construction delays
CBC
Ontario’s Liberal Caucus is demanding a public inquiry into the delays plaguing the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project — which remains in limbo with no opening date in sight nearly 16 years after construction began.
In December, Premier Doug Ford told reporters the transit line could open in 2026 or “very soon after.” An official announcement for the LRT line’s opening has not yet been made.
When the Eglinton Crosstown finally opens, Ford is sure to claim it as a victory for his government, said provincial Liberal legislator Adil Shamji at a news conference Thursday.
But he said, in order for residents to have confidence in the line, the province, TTC and Metrolinx need to make the following promises:
“[Ford] cannot be allowed to call this colossal catastrophe a triumph," said Shamji, adding millions of dollars have been spent to keep the project on track.
“Three years ago, it was claimed that this project was 97 per cent complete and yet here we are still checking our watches.”
CBC News has reached out to the province and Metrolinx for comment.
The TTC said in an emailed statement that it would “continue to work toward the opening of Line 5” with Metrolinx.
Shamji and Andrea Hazell, Ontario Liberal critic for transportation, said they’re concerned the line’s opening will echo the "bungled” launch of the Finch West LRT, which has faced countless service shutdowns and mechanical issues since opening on Dec. 7.
Hazell hopes an inquiry will bring some answers to residents on what is going on and where public funds have been spent.
“We’re left in the dark, there’s no information,” she said. “ This is one of the most embarrassing tracks for this government.”
Toronto city councillor Josh Matlow launched a petition in October also calling for a public inquiry into the delays and cost overruns of the Eglinton Crosstown.
While residents and politicians are hoping the line will open soon, Hazell and Shamji said they want several concerns to be addressed, including the implementation of signal priority and operations in winter conditions.
If addressing those issues meant the Eglinton Crosstown had to be further delayed, Shamji said it would be clear evidence of mismanagement on the project.
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