The West Toronto Railpath extension is much more than a simple urban pathway project, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says in explaining why the latest cost for the controversial build is pegged at $149 million.
Chow’s city council colleagues Brad Bradford, Josh Matlow and Vincent Crianti used strong language to denounce the high price tag of the two-kilometre project earlier this month after media statements from the City and the federal government revealed the cost. Matlow said the budget is “outrageous” while Crisanti said he was “angered.”
The pathway extension to Parkdale and Queen West was originally estimated to cost $23 million when first proposed in 2016.
Chow, answering questions Aug. 29 at an unrelated project unveiling, said the earlier iterations of the project compared to its current scope are “comparing apples and oranges.”
The cost of a paved path is minimal, Chow said, but the project as now envisaged includes the construction of four bridges, land purchases and environmental remediation. The City is co-ordinating the project with Metrolinx’s Kitchener GO Line expansion, which required the realignment and upgrades to the existing section of the Railpath. Extensive utilities relocation are also required.
Metrolinx is now taking a lead on project management.
“So, the path itself is actually not that expensive, it (the cost) is all those three other things,” said Chow.
Ongoing review in place
The councillors have called for the project to be reviewed. Chow said there is a process in place to ensure that will be done.
“Staff is always reviewing whether we get value for money,” Chow said adding, “Some of those funds are buying some of the properties. Remediation is taking place already.”
The extended railpath will become part of the City of Toronto Cycling Network Plan and pedestrian network and will connect citizens to the Bloor GO Station and the upcoming King-Liberty Station.
A City statement said the “construction complexity of the West Toronto Railpath corridor is unique to this project.”
Another element of project is the installation of new retaining walls. Engineering and insurance fees are costly, and materials costs have also escalated, the statement noted, as the project has moved through the City’s capital budgets over the years.
The project cost has not yet been finalized. The City statement said, “Completion of the detailed design and cost estimate of this construction project is a collaborative effort between the City of Toronto and Metrolinx. Both parties continue to work together to find cost savings and efficiencies.”
Critics have criticized the participation of Metrolinx as project administrator, given the provincial agency’s stewardship of other projects that have gone over budget and been delivered late. Matlow asked on X, “Is Metrolinx the problem?”
Chow, noting the presence of Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries Sam Oosterhoff at the Aug. 29 event, suggested he be questioned about the provincial agency’s ability to control costs.
“Metrolinx is Metrolinx,” said Chow.
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