The Waterfront East LRT project in Toronto is poised to cost approximately $3 billion, with each level of government—federal, provincial, and municipal—contributing $1 billion. This ambitious transit initiative aims to connect Union Station to the Port Lands and is expected to serve more than 150,000 daily riders.

Construction will be led by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), which has been preparing for this project for years, awaiting necessary funding. The line will stretch 4 kilometres and will include a dedicated surface right-of-way along Queens Quay East, Cherry Street, and Commissioners Street.

According to Olivia Chow, “This is the critical missing piece needed to unlock the eastern waterfront.” The project is not just about transit; it is projected to create more than 100,000 jobs and generate over $13.2 billion in economic value for Canada.

Additionally, the line is expected to facilitate 50,000 daily trips once operational and will allow for the construction of 75,000 additional homes in the area, addressing the pressing housing needs in Toronto.

Mark Carney emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “While we build major infrastructure, we’re also accelerating local infrastructure projects that frankly have stalled too long.” This reflects a broader commitment to enhancing urban transit and infrastructure.

However, Prabmeet Sarkaria clarified that while the TTC will oversee the construction, the province will not cover any cost overruns related to the project. This raises questions about budget management as the project progresses.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for construction and completion. Observers are keenly watching how this project will unfold and its impact on Toronto’s transit landscape.

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Ontario has officially released its 2025 Sunshine List, revealing the highest salaries among public sector employees. Leading the list is Kenneth Hartwick, who earned just over $1.9 million last year. Following closely is Nicolle Butcher, with a salary of almost $1.6 million.

Premier Doug Ford’s salary has also seen an increase, rising to $269,567 from $208,974 the previous year. Meanwhile, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow reported earnings of $240,349, up from $225,093 in 2024.

The Sunshine List continues to grow, with the number of public sector employees making over $100,000 increasing to 404,922 this year. Notably, Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah topped the list for police salaries, earning $604,449, the highest for any police chief in the province.

Since its inception in 1996 under the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, the Sunshine List has aimed to provide transparency regarding public sector salaries. The salary threshold for inclusion has remained unchanged since then, despite significant inflation. In fact, the buying power of $100,000 in 2025 is equivalent to about $53,104 in 1996.

The Ontario government will take over control of Billy Bishop Airport, a significant development for the Toronto region. This decision comes as part of a broader plan to extend the airport’s runway, enabling jets to operate from the downtown facility.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the City of Toronto would be compensated for the airport’s value and lost revenue, which currently amounts to approximately $5 million annually. Ford emphasized the airport’s importance, calling it “a crown jewel” during his keynote address at the Toronto Region Board of Trade annual dinner.

Currently, the airport is governed by a tripartite agreement involving the City of Toronto, the Toronto Port Authority, and the federal government. The federal deadline for the runway extension is set for July 2027, a timeline that raises questions about the transition of control.

However, the plan to bring jets to the airport has faced opposition from local leaders, including Olivia Chow, who has voiced concerns about the potential noise impact on the surrounding community. Chow stated, “There needs to be discussion so that the use of waterfront is balanced,” highlighting the need for careful consideration of the airport’s expansion.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding when the province will assume control of the airport and the exact amount of the initial payout to the City of Toronto. Additionally, the specific plans for the runway extension and the types of jets that will be permitted are still unclear.

The future of Billy Bishop Airport has been a subject of much debate, particularly since Ford began referencing internal polling about expanding the runway. As discussions continue, observers are keen to see how the situation will evolve and what compromises may be reached between the provincial government and local stakeholders.

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