Councillors balk at $150M trail extension

‘Heads are going to explode’ over cost of two-kilometre addition to path

- BEN SPURR

Toronto councillors of different political stripes are urging the city to rethink a plan to spend almost $150 million to extend a multi-use trail by two kilometres.

Earlier this month the municipality announced it was moving ahead with a long-awaited proposal to double the length of the popular West Toronto Railpath, which runs along the Kitchener GO rail corridor in Davenport.

The project is spearheaded by the city but will be jointly funded, by a $125.7-million contribution from Toronto and $23 million from the federal government through its active transportation fund.

The city describes the $148.7-million project as an “essential part” of its cycling network plan that will connect residents to nearby parks and amenities, and improve safety. To many residents that last goal has recently taken on greater urgency — Toronto has already recorded five cyclist deaths in 2024, the highest single-year tally in recent years.

The extension’s supporters also say the price is justified given the project’s complexity: pushing the trail south to Abell and Sudbury streets from its current end point at Dundas Street West will require building four new pedestrian/cycling bridges, among other work.

Coun. Brad Bradford (Ward 19, Beaches—East York) said it’s important to expand cycling and walking infrastructure, “but you can’t be doing that at any cost.”