Richard P. Peralta Business
Brampton Officials Still Waiting for Clarity on Delayed Hurontario LRT and Other Key Metrolinx Projects

Brampton leaders say they remain without definitive timelines for the long-delayed Hazel McCallion Light Rail Transit (LRT) project and its proposed downtown extension, raising growing concerns about transparency, planning challenges, and potential impacts on future transit development across the city.

Delays Continue to Cloud the Hazel McCallion LRT Project

For years, the Hazel McCallion LRT line—designed to connect Mississauga’s Port Credit GO station to the Brampton Gateway Terminal—has been viewed as one of the region’s most pivotal transit investments. Yet, despite expectations for its completion and launch in fall 2024, the project remains significantly behind schedule, with officials citing ongoing commercial negotiations and operational uncertainties.

Original Timelines No Longer Valid

When the project was first approved, the initial phase was envisioned to bring a reliable north-south transit spine connecting Mississauga and Brampton. However, as construction hurdles, contractual complexities, and logistical changes accumulated, the finish line has continuously moved. Now, Brampton councillors say they have no updated estimates from Metrolinx about when the line will be completed.

At a Nov. 12 general committee meeting, Wards 3 and 4 Councillor Martin Medeiros pressed city staff for clarity, noting that visible construction progress near Steeles Avenue had led many residents to assume the project was finally regaining momentum. But staff confirmed they have not received any new completion projections from Metrolinx.

What Progress Has Been Reported

Metrolinx’s most recent public update, provided in August, outlined partial progress:

  • Work completed at 33 of the 55 intersections along the route

  • Construction finished on 8 of the planned 19 stations

While these milestones indicate ongoing activity, they do not provide a full picture of how close—or far—the project is from completion.

Metrolinx Cites Ongoing Commercial Discussions

City officials explained that Metrolinx is still engaged in extensive negotiations with Mobilinx, the consortium responsible for building the LRT. According to Doug Rieger, Brampton’s Director of Transit Development, these discussions involve “re-baselining” the project schedule—a process that recalibrates timelines and expectations after delays or budget shifts.

Limited Information Available to Municipal Leaders

Rieger confirmed that Brampton staff have had internal discussions with Metrolinx and provincial officials, but no firm timelines have been shared. This uncertainty complicates planning efforts and creates challenges for coordinating related projects, including future transit expansions.

“The short answer is no,” Rieger said when asked whether Metrolinx had shared any new timelines. “We know they’re nearing the end of commercial discussions, but nothing official has been provided to us.”

Questions Surround Downtown Brampton Tunnelled LRT Extension

In addition to delays on the first phase of the Hazel McCallion Line, Brampton is awaiting clarity on the provincially funded downtown LRT extension—an eagerly anticipated project that would finally bring rapid transit into the city’s core.

A Major Project With Few Public Details

In January, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the province would move ahead with funding the long-requested downtown extension, including a tunnel segment running beneath Brampton’s urban core. The project is designed to connect the existing LRT to the Brampton Innovation GO District station, enhancing regional connectivity and stimulating economic and residential development.

However, similar to the main line’s delays, Metrolinx has not publicly released construction timelines, staging plans, or anticipated start dates for the underground section. City staff say early indications suggest the province is preparing to advance the project, but no details have been confirmed.

Anticipation for Updates in Early 2026

Rieger indicated that Brampton has been requesting formal updates for nearly two years, and he hopes Metrolinx will present comprehensive information to council during the first quarter of next year. This update is expected to cover:

  • Progress on current LRT construction

  • Forecasted operational dates

  • Updated plans for the tunnelled extension

  • Status of other major regional transit investments

Queen Street Bus Rapid Transit Project Still in Limbo

Another major transportation initiative—the Queen Street–Highway 7 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor—remains stuck in the pre-construction phase, with few details available about when work might begin.

A Key Corridor Waiting for Momentum

The Queen Street BRT project has been widely viewed as essential for improving east-west mobility between Brampton, Vaughan, and York Region. Yet, despite planning studies, business cases, and preliminary design work, the project has effectively been on hold for the past year.

City officials say that while Metrolinx is nearing completion of the planning and design phase—including an Initial Business Case and Benefits Case Analysis—no forward movement on construction has been announced.

Metrolinx Response Offers Limited Clarity

In a written statement, Metrolinx acknowledged the ongoing progress on planning work for the Queen Street BRT. However, much like its position on the Hazel McCallion LRT, the agency did not commit to any projected timeline for construction or completion.

Brampton Officials Stress the Need for Transparency

The continued absence of clear timelines has left both elected officials and senior staff frustrated. Without reliable scheduling information, Brampton cannot adequately plan for development, coordinate transportation upgrades, or set expectations with residents and businesses.

Local Leadership Wants More Communication

For a rapidly growing city like Brampton—projected to surpass one million residents within the next decade—transit expansion is not just a convenience; it is essential infrastructure. City officials emphasize that better transparency from Metrolinx is crucial for ensuring long-term planning alignment.

“We’ve been asking for almost two years,” Rieger said, stressing the need for meaningful project updates. “We’re hoping Metrolinx will come in Q1 to provide those timelines.”

Metrolinx: More Information Will Come Closer to Completion

In its statement, Metrolinx highlighted that testing and commissioning must begin before an opening date can be reasonably estimated. According to the agency, only once construction is nearly finished will an approximate launch timeline for the Hazel McCallion Line become available.

The agency reiterated its commitment to working with municipal partners, ensuring project updates are shared as they become available.

A Region Waiting for Answers

As residents wait for a reliable north-south rapid transit connection, and as downtown Brampton anticipates long-overdue rail service, the pressure continues to build on Metrolinx to provide clarity.