Vaughan, Ontario: Earlier today, the next stage of subway construction for the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE) was announced in Vaughan marking the first time the subway has crossed into the borders of the city. The Hon. Lisa Raitt Minister of Labour, on behalf of The Hon. Denis Lebel Minister of Economic Development, made this historic announcement this morning at the future site of the Highway 407 station and celebrated the linking of the new station to the Steeles West Station site.

“Our Conservative Government is investing in Vaughan’s economy and infrastructure to reduce gridlock, support economic growth and improve the quality of life of our families,” said Minister Julian Fantino. “The start of construction on the subway, supported by a significant investment by Prime Minister Harper, demonstrates the importance of getting shovels in the ground to make this dream a reality for our community.”

In keeping with the four priorities outlined by Prime Minister Harper earlier this year, this important initiative is part of the Harper Government’s focus on what matters most to Canadians – jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.  This project will promote economic growth, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping take cars off the road and reduce travel times for commuters. The Harper Government is contributing up to $697 million for this subway extension into Vaughan. The funding is part of Flow, a federal government initiative for the GTA that is designed to reduce congestion, cut commute times, help clear the air and drive economic growth in the region.

The TYSSE project is an 8.6km long extension of the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Yonge-University-Spadina subway line from its present terminus at Downsview Station to the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre at Highway 7. It will include six new subway stations including one at York University.