Mississauga residents are finally gaining clarity on the fate of the Hazel McCallion LRT line, a project plagued by years of setbacks. The commuter rail service, spanning from Port Credit to Steeles Avenue, kicked off major construction in early 2020, only to be derailed by legal disputes, the pandemic, and track quality concerns.
At a recent Mississauga Board of Trade gathering, Premier Doug Ford renewed the province’s commitment to expanding the line by introducing a downtown loop, a move that comes with a hefty price tag. Ford revealed that the initial line cost approximately $4.6 billion, with the loop extension adding an extra $1.6 billion.
Mayor Carolyn Parrish expressed her enthusiasm for the long-anticipated downtown loop, highlighting its potential to provide thousands of City Centre residents with affordable and convenient transit options. Transit expert David Cooper emphasized that implementing changes like the loop during ongoing construction is more feasible than if the line were already operational.
Despite the promise of full provincial funding for the $1.6 billion loop, concerns linger among Mississauga officials regarding communication and transparency. City Councillor Dipika Damerla voiced support for the downtown extension but criticized the lack of accessibility from Metrolinx staff to address resident concerns, pointing out the absence of town hall meetings in her ward over the past four years.
Metrolinx responded to Damerla’s call for engagement by declining to attend her proposed town hall, citing upcoming council presentations. The agency, however, pledged to host open houses or town halls to update the community on project progress post-council update.
While the future of the delayed LRT line remains uncertain, Mississauga residents are hopeful for a resolution to the long-standing project delays.