A major transit project in Ontario is facing significant delays, and the opposition is demanding answers. The Eglinton Crosstown LRT, initially slated to open in 2020, remains unfinished nearly 16 years after construction began. This has sparked a call for a public inquiry to investigate the mismanagement and delays.
The project's timeline is a rollercoaster. Construction started in 2011, but it's now 2026, and there's still no opening date in sight. Premier Doug Ford has hinted at a possible opening in 2026 or shortly after, but an official announcement is yet to be made.
Liberal legislator Adil Shamji believes Ford will claim this project as a victory for his government once it's complete. However, Shamji argues that for residents to have confidence in the line, several promises must be made: a public inquiry into the delays, compensation for affected businesses, a rapid response taskforce, and guarantees to prevent similar issues with future transit projects.
"[Ford] cannot be allowed to call this colossal catastrophe a triumph," Shamji stated, emphasizing the millions spent to keep the project afloat. Despite claims of being 97% complete three years ago, the project remains unfinished, leaving residents wondering when it will be operational.
The provincial government, represented by spokesperson Dakota Brasier, defends its actions, stating that the current government has brought both the Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRT to "substantial completion" after years of neglect and delays by the previous Liberal government. Both parties have had extended periods of power during the construction, with the Liberals in charge when it began in 2011 and the PCs elected in 2018.
Brasier highlights the government's $70 billion investment in the largest transit expansion in Canadian history, which the Liberals have opposed. The TTC and Metrolinx are committed to opening Line 5, but concerns remain about the potential for a repeat of the "bungled" Finch West LRT launch, which has faced numerous service shutdowns and mechanical issues since its opening in December 2025.
Andrea Hazell, the Ontario Liberal critic for transportation, hopes an inquiry will provide answers to residents about the project's progress and the spending of public funds. "We're left in the dark," she said, calling it an embarrassing situation for the government.
Toronto city councillor Josh Matlow has also called for a public inquiry, citing the project's delays and cost overruns. The major issue with the Finch West LRT is the technology used to manage ice and snow, which is the same system that caused problems in Ottawa years ago.
The Liberals are open to transparency during a public inquiry, but Shamji believes the blame will fall on Ford and his government for the project's delays. The Eglinton Crosstown LRT was initially set for a 2020 opening, but technical problems and cost overruns have repeatedly pushed back the completion date. Final testing for the transit line was completed in December, but the opening date remains uncertain.
This transit project's delays and the call for a public inquiry highlight the complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects and the need for accountability and transparency.
