Yonge North line extension closer: York transit proponents

Yorkreigon.com
July 11, 2017
By Tim Kelly

It takes a lot of pushing, arm-twisting and effort, but some day, some way, a subway extension up Yonge Street north to Richmond Hill Centre from Finch Station just might get built.

According to Thornhill councillors Alan Shefman of Vaughan and Valerie Burke of Markham, that day is a little bit closer today.

The pair, who form lobby group York North Subway Group with longtime colleague Godwin Chan of Ward 6 (Richmond Hill), say with $55 million from the province and $36.3 million committed from the feds for design and engineering studies for the transit extension, along with a partnership from Metrolinx, the TTC, the City of Toronto and York Region, movement on the extension is real.

"The Yonge Street North Extension is tied to the City of Toronto Relief line project," Shefman said. He added it will take about 18 to 24 months to complete the design and engineering studies. "Our goal must be to secure the next funding within a year," he said.

Burke indicated "we just want to continue the process," after the environmental assessment had been approved.

"It's really good news that we're finally working together," she said of the news that York Region is involved with Metrolinx the City of Toronto and TTC.