Ontario Taking Next Steps to Build Yonge North Subway Extension
August 6, 2025
Province awards major contract for tunnel design and construction of Line 1 subway extension into York Region
MARKHAM — The Ontario government has awarded a contract to design and build the twin tunnels for the Yonge North Subway Extension, marking a significant milestone in the province’s plan to protect Ontario in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty by investing in transit to reduce gridlock, support economic growth and keep workers on the job.
“The Yonge North Subway Extension is a critical part of our $70 billion investment to build public transit in communities across Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “As we get shovels in the ground on this critical project, we’re helping keep thousands of workers on the job and we’re building the infrastructure that will boost Ontario’s economy and help thousands of York Region commuters get where they need to go faster and more conveniently.”
The contract has been awarded to North End Connectors, who will design and construct the extension’s tunnels. The contract also includes early works construction of support headwalls for future stations and emergency exit buildings. Once complete, the Yonge North Subway Extension will accommodate over 90,000 daily trips.
“Today, we’re taking a major step forward as we build the Yonge North Subway Extension, revolutionizing travel across the region and extending subway access to Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill for the first time,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “In the face of economic uncertainty and U.S. tariffs that continue to target workers and businesses across the province, we are protecting Ontario’s economy by building the next generation of subway service that will connect Ontarians to thousands of good paying jobs and housing for years to come.”
Following completion of the design, major tunnelling will begin along with a separate procurement to build the extension’s stations, rail and systems. With recent upgrades at Finch Station now complete to make it easier to connect the existing Line 1 service to the future subway extension, other preparatory work such as utility relocations are now underway.
“I am excited that the Yonge North Subway Extension is closer to bringing mass transit from Finch Station to Richmond Hill,” said the Honourable Ali Ehsassi, Member of Parliament for Willowdale. “This project is part of one of the largest investments the federal government has made in public transit in the Greater Toronto Area. Once complete, it will be a vital link to greater opportunities, supporting a more affordable and connected York Region.”
The Yonge North Subway Extension will put 26,000 more people within a 10-minute walk of transit and will reduce daily travel times by up to 22 minutes on a trip from Markham to downtown Toronto, getting commuters where they need to go faster.
“On behalf of York Regional Council and the Regional Municipality of York, we extend our continued appreciation to the Ontario government for their steadfast progress advancing the Yonge North Subway Extension,” said Eric Jolliffe, Chairman and CEO of the Regional Municipality of York. “The recent contract award marks another significant milestone to protect Ontario by building the largest transit expansion in Canadian history, fighting gridlock, creating jobs and driving economic growth. Increasing transit remains a top priority of Regional Council and as our communities grow, sustained investment from senior levels of government is essential to support housing, jobs and a high quality of life for future generations.”
Ontario’s bold $70-billion transit plan for the Greater Toronto Area — which includes the all-new Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Yonge North Subway Extension and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension — is the largest transit investment in North America.
Quick Facts
- The Yonge North Subway Extension will cut the distance travelled by personal vehicles by 7,700 kilometres during rush hour and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 4,800 tonnes each year.
- Building the Yonge North Subway Extension will stimulate the local economy, generating over $3.6 billion worth of total economic benefits and supporting approximately 4,300 jobs during each year of construction.
- The Government of Canada is contributing $2.2 billion in funding for the Yonge North Subway Extension.
Quotes
“The Yonge North Subway Extension will be a game changer for residents in Toronto, Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill, reducing gridlock and making it faster and easier for everyone to travel across the GTA. As part of our capital plan of more than $200 billion to protect and build Ontario, we are also seizing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build two transit-oriented communities at the future Bridge and High Tech subway stations. These will create approximately 40,000 new housing units, including affordable units, as well as retail and commercial space to support over 21,000 new jobs.”
– Kinga Surma
Minister of Infrastructure
“With this contract award, we are setting the stage for major construction on the Yonge North Subway Extension. This project will extend TTC Line 1 subway service further north into York Region and create connections to the GO and Viva transit networks. That means faster, more convenient travel — and less traffic on busy roadways all over the region. I’m encouraged by the collaboration across all levels of government that’s helped build momentum behind this project and I’m excited for what it means for the future of transit in York Region and Toronto.”
– Michael Lindsay
President and CEO of Metrolinx
“The Yonge North Subway Extension is getting Toronto moving by making it easier for people from across the GTA to get downtown and improving access for Torontonians visiting York Region. By getting more drivers off the road and on to the subway, we will reduce congestion and help people move through the city. We are building a public transit network befitting our world class city.”
– Olivia Chow
Mayor of Toronto
“The Yonge North Subway Extension is making a big leap forward by going underground. Nothing says the subway is happening more than the tunnel being constructed. The awarding of the tunnelling contract marks a crucial milestone and will begin the construction on the most significant portion of this project. This is great news for York Region’s top transportation priority.”
– Frank Scarpitti
Mayor of Markham
“I am thrilled that we are marking this important milestone for the Yonge North Subway Extension. We are working hard to fight traffic gridlock in Vaughan and this extension will help us do just that. Once completed, it will support our commitment to keeping Vaughan moving and building a seamless and flexible transportation network. I want to thank the Government of Ontario, specifically Premier Doug Ford and Minister Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, for their continued investment in this vital city-building project.”
– Steven Del Duca
Mayor of Vaughan
“Today marks a transformative milestone for Richmond Hill, York Region and the GTA with the awarding of the contract to build the Yonge North Subway Extension. This long-awaited investment will finally connect our city to Toronto’s subway network, bringing faster, more reliable transit and opening new opportunities for our residents, businesses and future generations. Richmond Hill has advocated for this project for decades and I’m proud to see our vision moving forward. We look forward to working closely with the Province, Metrolinx, the consortium and our regional partners to ensure this project delivers the world-class transit our growing community deserves.”
– David West
Mayor of Richmond Hill
“Infrastructure Ontario is proud to be a part of making the Yonge North Subway Extension a reality with the contract award for the Advance Tunnel portion of this crucial transit project. This subway extension, connecting Toronto and York Region and travelling through the cities of Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham and Toronto, will support a connected GTA with fast and efficient transit.”
– Angela Clayton
President and Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Ontario
“The Yonge North Subway Extension is a major step forward for York Region. It will bring fast, reliable transit to communities that have been waiting for it, while helping to reduce traffic and better connect people to jobs, schools and housing. Our government is proud to invest in the infrastructure that keeps this region growing and drives a stronger economy for the future.”
– Paul Calandra
MPP for Markham—Stouffville
“This extension is a win for families and workers in York Region. It will mean shorter commutes, less time stuck in traffic and better access to jobs and services. Along with our government’s enhancements to GO Transit service and the development of Highway 413, this project is part of a comprehensive, long-term plan to modernize transportation infrastructure. We’re building the backbone for a stronger, more connected York Region — one that supports economic growth and quality of life for generations to come.”
– Stephen Lecce
MPP for King—Vaughan
“The Yonge North Subway Extension is a game-changer for our communities in York Region and North York. It will connect more families, students and workers to faster, more convenient transit and reduce traffic gridlock on our roads. I’m proud to support a project that brings real progress, opportunity and sustainability to Markham and beyond.”
– Logan Kanapathi
MPP for Markham—Thornhill
“The Yonge North Subway extension is a great benefit to the community in York Region alongside nearby neighborhoods and reflects on Ontario’s commitment and support to strengthening the access to public transportation. This extension is more than just a project, it allows the opportunity to expand and improve the current transit while also easing congestion across the region.”
– Billy Pang
MPP for Markham—Unionville
“Our government is delivering on a historic investment to connect more people to jobs and opportunity through the Yonge North Subway Extension. This project is about building a stronger, more connected region for generations to come. Extending the subway into York Region will reduce gridlock, attract new businesses and support growing communities. We’re getting it done for the people who rely on better, faster and more reliable transit every day.”
– Michael Parsa
MPP for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill
“The Yonge North Subway Extension is a game changer for Thornhill as we welcome faster and more accessible transit to our community. This extension will take cars off the road, reducing commute times and enhancing daily life for families, seniors and workers who depend on safe, reliable transit. This investment will help build a more efficient and connected community right here in Thornhill.”
– Laura Smith
MPP for Thornhill
“The Yonge North Subway Extension is a significant step toward a more accessible, convenient and connected future for Richmond Hill. High Tech Station will provide thousands of residents with reliable, affordable access to the downtown core. I am proud of our government’s continued investment in public transit to support our growing community and improve quality of life for many years to come.”
– Daisy Wai
MPP for Richmond Hill
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