Pre-work continues on the Hamilton B-Line LRT, but there is still no timeline for the start and length of construction, the anticipated opening date estimates, or even when the Civil and Utilities Work package will be issued.
In the latest Metrolinx quarterly Board of Directors update, the Province of Ontario’s agency stated it spent $22 million during July, August, and September on the Hamilton LRT project. This brings the total expended on the project to $201 million thus far.
This total includes capital “enabling works,” such as the relocation of private utility poles from King Street East to Vineland Avenue.
The report states: “The Civil and Utilities Works package remains in active procurement with four prequalified teams developing responses to the request for proposals through the quarter. Once proposals are thoroughly evaluated, Metrolinx will enter a development phase with the successful proponent to progress designs and schedule.”
As reported on November 15, the provincial and federal governments have yet to finalise the funding agreement necessary to release the $1.7 billion in federal funding for the $3.4 billion project. The Province is responsible for any cost overruns.
The City of Hamilton is not contributing to the capital cost, an agreement that is unique in Canada. Other municipalities have been required to contribute to the capital costs of building new rapid transit lines.
The City and the Province continue to negotiate a RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed) document that outlines various groups’ high-level roles and responsibilities during the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) period. “This document will help inform Metrolinx’s procurement strategy in successfully delivering the project from an O&M perspective and will incorporate lessons learned from the Eglinton Crosstown LRT,” as first noted in a September 2024 report signed by Metrolinx’s Chief Operating Officer, Rapid Transit, Steve Levene.
The Metrolinx Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for November 27, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and will be livestreamed.
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: November 23, 2025
Last updated: November 23, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version