Ontario announces $1.2-billion to build Finch West LRT

WATCH: Minister of Transporation Steven Del Duca announces province is moving forward on Finch West LRT

TORONTO – Ontario has announced it will invest $1.2-billion to build Toronto’s long anticipated Finch West light rail transit line.

The 11-kilometre track and 18 surface stops will begin construction in 2016 and slated for completion sometime in 2021.

“This new LRT will help manage congestion, offer more convenient travel options and provide the foundation to support a prosperous city for the residents of Toronto,” Minister of Transportation Stevel Del Duca said in a media release.

The rapid transit project will run along Finch Ave. on the Toronto-York Spadina subway extension at Keele St. to Humber College in Toronto’s northwest corner.

The estimated ridership is expected to be 2,250 passengers per hour in the peak direction by 2031.

VIDEO: Tory please new Finch LRT will connect people to jobs

“After today’s investment, this project is moving ahead and what’s clear is that Toronto has a provincial partner to get transit built in this city,” Mayor Tory said during the announcement at Humber College Monday morning.

The province said the $1.2-billion investment is part of the $8.4 billion committed by Ontario to expand transit in Toronto.

However, what is unclear is the future of the Sheppard East LRT and the Downtown Relief Line which the province promises will still be built.

“Sheppard East LRT remains in province’s plan. The plan is to have the procurement after we complete the Finch West LRT,” said Del Duca.

“There is still considerable work that needs to occur with respect to the Downtown Relief Line, but as you would have seen in last week’s budget, it also still remains in our plan. That work will continue between Metrolinx, the City of Toronto and the TTC. We’ll continue to have those conversation.”