John Tory says he is “furious” over $400 million budget overrun on Spadina subway expansion

WATCH: Toronto Mayor John Tory expressed anger on the overbudget Spadina subway expansion, blaming the previous administration. Dave Trafford reports.

TORONTO- Mayor John Tory blames the Rob Ford administration for the Spadina subway expansion going millions of dollars beyond its budget.

“The matter of huge repeated cost overruns and timing delays has been a long standing concern of mine,” said Tory. “I believe it stems from an entrenched culture of non-accountability at City Hall.”

Tory made the announcement during a press conference on Friday alongside Councillor Josh Colle, the recently appointed transit ommissioner.

“This is not because people want to go out and waste money or finish projects way behind schedule. I believe this is because there just hasn’t been the leadership, starting at the top, where people are told that it matters that you meet your budget and it matters that you meet your timetable on taxpayer-financed projects, just like it does in real life,” Tory said.

The Spadina subway line expansion is believed to have gone another $400 million beyond the original budget.
The price tag in 2006 was pegged at $1.5 billion, but was later raised to $2.6 billion.

The 8.6-kilometre extension was also supposed to open later this year, but the subway trains may not even hit the tracks until 2017.

The cost of the extension is split three ways between the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

Tory said he first learned about the possibility of an overrun as mayor-elect, but has not seen a report to indicate exactly how much money has been spent.

He said he and his administration will work quickly to “stop the bleeding,” adding the issue of overspending is far reaching at City Hall.

“Today we’re talking about the York-Spadina subway. But the fact is, over the years we have lurched from one fiasco to another, costing taxpayers millions of dollars, tens of millions of dollars, and just as important delaying the day we get desperately needed transit into service to move people.”

Colle said the fact that this project has been an issue has been well known within council chambers.

“I think everyone knows it’s been a project that has had problems since its conception. It’s one where we’re learning about the extent of those problems,” said Colle.

Tory said learning about the multiple projects that have failed to stay on budget means he’ll be forced to implement more oversight on costly projects.

“Once the budget is approved, I’ll be turning my attention more completely to the way this place really works on a day to day basis. Billions are involved—and the very credibility of City Hall,” said Tory.

He said maintaining that credibility will mean recognizing accomplishments and punishing shortfalls.

“Accountability includes people losing their jobs and people being recognized in a positive way who bring projects in on time and on budget.”

A report from the TTC revealing the exact amount they have spent on the over-budget subway extension is expected on Mar. 21.