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

THORNHILL — 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 game changer for Thornhill as we welcome faster and more accessible transit to our community,” said Laura Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thornhill. “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.”

“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.