2 Toronto councillors call for public inquiry into Eglinton Crosstown construction delays | CBC News

Two Toronto city councillors are calling for a public inquiry into the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, saying the probe will help the province avoid repeating errors on the much-delayed line.

Coun. Josh Matlow said that’s why he and Coun. Mike Colle, who both represent wards impacted by the delayed project, want the province to hold the inquiry. The line was to open in 2020, but a series of technical problems have repeatedly delayed the line’s opening. Last week, Premier Doug Ford conceded that the light-rail train may not be operational until the new year. 

“We are asking for a public inquiry, both for transparency and accountability for the mistakes of the past,” Matlow said. “But we also want to ensure that Metrolinx and the province don’t repeat those mistakes, as we want to see even more transit completed on time and on budget.”

Work on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT began in 2011 with an estimated price tag of $9.1 billion to build and maintain the 19-kilometre line. In 2022, documents obtained by CBC Toronto showed the project costs had jumped to at least $12.8 billion.

Matlow’s motion, which Colle is supporting, comes to city council this week and calls for the inquiry, but it also asks Ontario’s transportation minister to attend a meeting of Mayor Olivia Chow’s executive committee to answer questions. Matlow concedes that he can’t think of a similar precedent where a cabinet minister spoke at a city committee, but the situation warrants the request.

“We, as local representatives, have a responsibility to take a stand for Torontonians and demand accountability and transparency,” Matlow said.

Local residents deserve answers for delays: Colle

Colle said the project has caused local businesses to close, as well as traffic chaos as the quiet midtown neighbourhoods were flooded with vehicles trying to bypass construction. Even with those impacts, the city has still struggled to understand why the line has yet to be completed, he said.

“What’s most frustrating of all is that it’s a public project, publicly funded, (from a) public agency … and there is total secrecy about it,” he said.

“We can’t find out what went wrong, what the problems are, when it might be finished.”

This isn’t the first time the councillors have asked city council to back their bid for a public inquiry. In 2022, then mayor John Tory pushed back against their request. 

Instead, council backed an amended resolution which called for a third-party probe after the project is completed.

In retrospect, that was a waste of time, Colle said, sharpening his call to councillors who didn’t support the request for full public inquiry the first time. 

“What I can say is, ‘I told you so’ in 2022,” he said. “Please open up your eyes and realize that you cannot be an apologist for Metrolinx any longer.”

Last week, Mayor Chow expressed her frustration at news of another potential delay on the LRT. 

“It’s disappointing, it’s frustrating, it’s heartbreaking,” she said. “Please just get it done.”

WATCH | Inside construction on the new LRT station: 

A look at construction inside the new Eglinton Crosstown station

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT has been under construction for more than a decade. In an update Friday, Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster said the team still can’t confirm an opening date — but gave reporters a look inside the station at Yonge Street. and Eglinton Avenue West.

The union representing the TTC’s 12,000 workers released a statement this week backing Matlow and Colle’s call for a public inquiry. 

“Here is an opportunity for public service to take centre stage again,” the statement from Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 said. “An opportunity for public trust to be regained. Anything less, would be unscrupulous.”

WATCH | From 2017 — A closer look at Eglinton LRT construction: 

Take a look inside the Eglinton Crosstown LRT

Construction crews pour the foundation of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT’s nine kilometre twin tunnel.

In July, Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster said the agency will announce an opening date when it is three months away. 

“What I can tell you is that we are making relentless progress,” he said.

Metrolinx spokesperson Andrea Ernesaks said the agency continues to make “significant progress” on the project. A range of tests and inspections have been underway in recent months, including a four-day 28-train test in July, which was intended to mimic the line’s service pattern. 

“A second important series of operational emergency tests with operations, maintenance and emergency services personnel was also completed successfully in early September,” Ernesaks said in a statement. 

“We need to have confidence that key milestones are being met, and once we have an opening date, we will share that with the public,” she said.