The City of Toronto plans to spend about $150 million to extend a popular railroad path for pedestrians and cyclists in the West End, but some city councilors question the excessive cost of the project.

In 2016, the cost of the two-kilometer extension, which was to be built by the provincial transit company Metrolinx on behalf of the city, was estimated at just $23 million.

But now the city wants to spend $125.7 million on the expansion because these costs were not included in the original estimate. The federal government is contributing another $23 million.

“The bill that Metrolinx is sending the city is unreasonable,” said Councillor Josh Matlow, who represents Toronto-St. Pauls. “It doesn’t make sense.”

CBC Toronto contacted Metrolinx about the higher price but was instructed to direct questions to the city.

The current West Toronto Railpath runs 2.1 kilometres north-south from the Junction neighbourhood to Dundas Street West at Sterling Road.

The extension will connect the existing paved path south of Dundas Street W. at Sterling Road to Abell and Sudbury streets. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2025 and last three years, the city said.

“I just think we need to give taxpayers here in Toronto more for their money,” said City Councillor Brad Bradford, who represents Beaches-East York.

City: New estimate takes into account higher construction costs

In an email Wednesday, the city said the updated $150 million estimate includes a number of construction-related costs that were not included in the original $23 million amount.

The original estimate did not include costs for land acquisition, relocation of major utilities and noise barriers, and engineering and testing services.

The city also said that increases in material costs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic factors were not taken into account.

In addition, the updated estimate takes into account that four bridges will be built during the construction work.

Geoff Jones, who walks the route every day, says the cost is ultimately due to the benefit of a West End “main artery” free of car traffic.

“In my opinion, it’s money well spent if people have a recreational trail in their backyard that connects them from Dupont to Queen Street,” Jones said.

Zuzana Betkova, who is also running on the bike path, said she is in favor of expanding the bike paths and pedestrian zones. But she wants to know why the cost estimate for the expansion is so high.

“Is anyone checking?” she said.

Matlow said Metrolinx has not been transparent about the escalating costs.

“For that money you could build a two-kilometer-long high-speed rail line anywhere in the world, not just a footpath,” he said.

City Council: Safe paths for pedestrians and cyclists required

City Councilwoman Alejandra Bravo, who represents Davenport, said Metrolinx will not build the trail itself. Contractors will submit competitive bids for work on the project, which will affect the final price.

“I think the current price does not reflect the outcome of the actual bidding process,” Bravo said. “I want to make sure that amount goes down.”

She said the city was unable to negotiate the cost because the plan was approved over a decade ago.

In an email, the city said the council had given the transit agency authority to negotiate and enter into agreements with Metrolinx for the construction of the trail in 2017.

A detailed breakdown of the costs will be available after the construction contract has been awarded, the city said.

Bravo said the project creates a path that connects pedestrians and cyclists to a safe network that takes them downtown or to Etobicoke.

The extension will allow commuters to depart from Dupont Street in the north and reach Bloor GO Station in the middle and the planned King-Liberty GO Station in the south.

“Given the number of pedestrians, cyclists, injuries and deaths we have seen recently, it is the city’s responsibility to act and ensure we create safe connections,” Bravo said.

Bravo and state Rep. Julie Dzerowicz jointly announced the federal funding on Aug. 1. Dzerowicz said the trail is a lifeline for the city.

“We desperately need more trails like the West Toronto Railpath where we can walk and bike,” said Dzerowicz.

She expressed concern that there could be backlash against similar trail funding projects in the future.

Bradford said he hopes Mayor Olivia Chow will host a meeting with Metrolinx, contractors and consultants to get answers about why the project costs so much.

“It’s one thing to ask taxpayers to pay more money, but they expect value in return when it comes to capital, infrastructure improvements and services,” he said.

“And it certainly isn’t. That’s an outrage.”

Chow’s office did not respond to a request for comment Friday afternoon.