Conservative MPP Donna Skelly draws line in the road on LRT commitment

There’s another move to get clarification around the costs of Hamilton’s light rail transit (LRT) project.

Stoney Creek Councillor Brad Clark says he will be presenting a motion at city hall asking Ontario’s transportation minister to spell out in writing who is responsible for any construction costs that go beyond the province’s $1 billion commitment.

Flamborough Glanbrook Conservative MPP Donna Skelly may have answered that question on CHML during an interview with Bill Kelly on Wednesday morning.

“Having just returned from 10 days of pre-budget consultations,” Skelly said, “I can assure you that it is a billion and only a billion.”

WATCH: Focus Ontario – Congested Lanes and Crowded Trains

23:06 Focus Ontario – Congested Lanes & Crowded Trains

Skelly says there was only a “vague understanding” of how the extra kilometres would be paid for when the eastern end of the LRT project was extended from the Queenston Traffic Circle to Eastgate Square in April 2017 to garner support from reluctant politicians. As a result, she believes the potential for cost overruns is a big concern.

City councillors may be able to get their answers from Ontario’s Transportation Minister face to face, rather than having to wait for a written response.

Skelly says she’s been in discussions with the minister, Jeff Yurek, as they look at dates to bring him to Hamilton to meet with council.

Metrolinx, the province’s transportation agency, issued a Request for Proposals to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Hamilton LRT project last April. The contract is scheduled to be awarded later this year.

The west-east line will run 14 kilometres from McMaster University to Eastgate Square, primarily along Main Street and Queenston Road.