Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government has convened an expert panel to consider potential changes to the Yonge North and Scarborough subway extension projects, including the possibility of building portions of the lines above ground and reducing the number of planned stations, the Star has learned.
Although the panel has yet to make its recommendations, its mandate appears to open the door to building new rail lines above ground in Toronto’s suburbs. That would mark a drastic departure for Premier Doug Ford, who during his time as a Toronto city councillor joined with his brother, then mayor Rob Ford, to oppose surface rail lines, claiming suburban riders “deserve” underground subways...