York Region 'applauds' announcement of Yonge North subway extension

$5.6B extension will include up to 6 stations, end at Richmond Hill Centre

Toronto.com
April 11, 2019
Lisa Queen

York Region leaders are praising Premier Doug Ford’s announcement April 10 of the Yonge North subway extension as part of Ontario's transit plan.

The extension will run-up Young Street from the current Finch Avenue terminal in Toronto to Hwy. 7 in Richmond Hill.

The $5.6-billion extension will run 7.4 kilometres and include up to six stations at Cummer Avenue/Drewry Avenue, Steeles Avenue, Clark Avenue, Royal Orchard Boulevard, Langstaff/Longbridge Road and Richmond Hill Centre.

It will also include 2,000 commuter parking spaces near Yonge Street and Hwy. 407.

The line serving fast-growing York Region, where the population is projected to increase by more than 600,000 to 1.8 million by 2041, is expected to eliminate or shorten 2,500 bus trips along Yonge Street in the region.

The terminal station at the Richmond Hill/Langstaff Gateway Urban Growth Centre at Hwy. 7 will be near the border of where Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Markham meet.

Here are some reactions to the announcement:

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti

I applaud Premier Doug Ford for following through on his commitment to fund the Yonge North subway extension. I called on him to sign a shovel during last year’s provincial campaign and the premier has delivered on his promise to connect the 905 and 416.

As chair of the York Region Rapid Transit Corporation, I have spent my tenure advocating for long-term funding and advancing the Yonge North subway extension, the most justified rapid transit project in the GTA.

We agree with province’s plan to reduce congestion on Line 1 by better utilizing and promoting the existing Richmond Hill and Stouffville GO corridors, for example, and evaluating the retrofit of Bloor-Yonge Station. The Yonge North subway extension is an evidence-based project with a vision for connecting the region and opening up enormous economic opportunities. The extension will meet the current and future needs of our growing communities.
York Region chair Wayne Emmerson

Today’s announcement of a significant investment from the province jump-starts the construction of the Yonge North subway extension -- regional council’s No. 1 transportation priority.

Subways unlock new travel choices for all commuters. With 52,000 businesses already within York Region, this transit investment will help drive national, provincial and regional prosperity.

Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow

This project supports vital transportation networks that connect cities and it will help continue our economic growth. We appreciate this investment.

Richmond Hill Councillor Godwin Chan

Having strongly advocated strongly for the Yonge Subway extension since 2008, I am absolutely thrilled to hear the “missing link” will go ahead to create the “Union Station of the North” at Richmond Hill Centre in the GTA. Fantastic news for York Region. Thanks to everyone who has worked hard to make this happen, including our Yonge North group with fellow councillors representing the Yonge corridor.

Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

The Yonge North subway extension is very important to those who live, work and commute in Vaughan.

This investment shows the importance the province places on a connected network across the GTA.

Transit advocate and Keep York Moving co-founder Fred Winegust

I’ve had a chance to look at it and this is my own personal opinion right now. Very happy to see the Yonge subway extension finally getting funded and the recognition that it will open. We’re happy the congestion issue on Line 1 will be solved by the Ontario Line well before the Yonge subway will be opened. What we are hoping to hear more about is the implications of the decision on fare integration and service rationalization.

Transit advocate and Keep York Moving co-founder Peter Miasek

I’m happy the Yonge subway is in there (with other subway projects approved by Ford).

The thing that worries me is the money side. We’re left with many billions for municipalities (to contribute to subway projects). I just don’t know if they have that kind of money. I think we’re struggling for dollars, here.