Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario tap Mosaic Transit Group to build Finch West light rail

Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) have chosen Mosaic Transit Group as the preferred bidder to design, build, finance and maintain the CA$1.2 billion Finch West light-rail project.

The agencies expect to reach financial closure and award the contract this spring, with design and construction to begin shortly after, according to an IO press release.

Members of the Mosaic team include Aecon Construction Group Inc., Dragados Canada Inc., Dufferin Construction Co. and Arup Canada Inc.

The project calls for building 6.8 miles of light rail between Humber College in Toronto and the Toronto Transit Commission's Finch West subway station on the recently opened Toronto-York Spadina extension. In addition, the project includes 16 surface stops, a below-grade terminal stop, an underground interchange station and a maintenance and storage facility.

The project is being built using IO's alternative financing and procurement model, which transfers risks associated with design, construction, financing and maintenance to the private sector.

"Finch West is one of the busiest bus routes in the City of Toronto and I am delighted that we will be moving forward to start construction on this much-needed rapid transit line," said Ontario Minister of Transportation Kathryn McGarry.

The Canadian and Ontario governments are providing funding for the project.