PM Justin Trudeau comes through for York Region with Yonge North Subway Extension Funding

Statement from Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau comes through for York Region with Yonge North Subway Extension Funding

Today Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna announced on behalf of the Federal Government that it will be funding its share of Ontario’s priority transit projects which includes the Yonge North Subway Extension. This historic agreement solidifies the Federal Government’s contribution to the project, moving the Yonge North Subway Extension one step closer to construction. The Yonge North Subway Extension now has cost-sharing agreements from the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario and Regional Municipality of York.

I would like to thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for honouring his commitment to fund this important rapid transit project for the people of Markham and York Region. I extend my appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna for their support of much-needed transit investments that will spur on economic recovery, reduce commute times and create a more sustainable transportation system.

During the past few years, when I had one-on-one meetings with the Prime Minister, I always conveyed the importance of this project to Markham, York Region and the GTA. When the Prime Minister signed the Yonge North Subway Extension shovel in Markham in 2019, he understood the critical importance of the Federal Government’s funding in order for this project to proceed. I also want to acknowledge all York Region MPs for their ongoing efforts to secure funding.

I would like to personally thank Premier Doug Ford, Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney and Associate Minister of Transportation Kinga Surma for their unwavering commitment to the Yonge North Subway Extension and their hard work in reaching a deal with the Government of Canada. I will continue to push for stations at Clark and Royal Orchard to be built as part of this subway extension to Markham and York Region. I have always said that this project should not take a back seat to any transit project in the GTA and that construction had to start in this term of office. With today’s announcement, I am confident we will soon see shovels in the ground.

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"The merits of the Yonge North Subway Extension are well documented and the Federal Government’s commitment to funding its share of the project is welcome news for existing and future transit riders of York Region and the GTA," said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "The Yonge North Subway Extension to Markham, York Region’s number one transit infrastructure priority, will spur economic recovery, provide greater access to other rapid transit lines, serve urban growth centres and support a sustainable future. With today’s announcement, I am confident we will soon see shovels in the ground.”