On August 6, 2025, Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx awarded North End Connectors a fixed-price C$1.4 billion contract to design, build, and finance the advance tunnelling phase of the Yonge North Subway Extension under a design-build-finance public–private partnership (P3) model. This contract marks a significant step forward in expanding transit service northward from Finch Station along TTC Line 1.

The advance tunnelling project covers approximately 6.3 km of twin bored tunnels from Finch Station to just south of Langstaff Road in Markham, where the line transitions to a surface-level alignment.

• Design and construction of launch and extraction shafts, twin tunnels, headwalls for future stations and emergency exit buildings, and excavation support
• Procurement and installation of tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) and precast concrete tunnel liners

Project Team - The North End Connectors consortium brings together leading firms across consultancy, construction, and finance:

• Applicant Leads & Construction: Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas Canada Ltd. (FCC Canada), and Ghella Canada Ltd.
• Design: EXP Services Inc. and TYPSA Inc.
• Financial Advisors: National Bank Financial, Aecon Concessions, FCC Canada Ltd., and Ghella Investments & Partnerships SpA
• Aecon, which holds a 33.3% stake in the consortium, confirmed that its C$477 million share will be added to its Construction backlog in Q3 2025
• Procurement & Schedule - The contract was awarded following an open, competitive procurement process overseen by an independent fairness advisor, with the successful bid offering the best value to Ontarians

Preparatory work is already underway, including utility relocations and upgrades at Finch Station. Major tunnelling construction will commence once the design phase is complete

The construction of these tunnels is a key early stage in the approximately 8 km Yonge North Subway Extension, expected to improve transit access for communities in Vaughan, Markham, and Richmond Hill. Metrolinx projects that this extension could shave up to 22 minutes off commutes to downtown Toronto and help integrate TTC Line 1 with GO and regional transit networks via a new Bridge Station. For further information please visit the tunnelbuilder archive and  also https://www.metrolinx.com/en . 33/25.