Michael Lindsey, the interim-CEO of Ontario’s transit planning agency, addressed the Toronto Region Board of Trade and discussed the challenges being faced during ongoing construction projects in Toronto. He emphasized the need for better communication with residents about the work being done, and the importance of working around the clock to minimize disruptions caused by the construction. Lindsey also mentioned that Metrolinx is moving away from fixed-price contracts to avoid delays similar to those experienced with the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project.
Lindsey highlighted the importance of collaboration between multiple levels of government to speed up permitting processes and coordinate service interruptions and road closures. He stressed the need to work quickly on projects like the Ontario Line to limit the disruption to the public. Lindsey also acknowledged the problems that arose from using a public-private partnership model for the Eglinton LRT project, which led to confrontational relationships between builders and project owners. Metrolinx is now transitioning to alliance contracts to promote collaboration and shared responsibility.
The alliance contracts aim to prevent legal battles between parties involved in construction projects and encourage open communication and collaboration. Examples of alliance contracts include portions of the Union Station renovation and the Hamilton LRT project. Lindsey emphasized the importance of humility in acknowledging that there is always room for improvement and different ways of approaching transit projects. He also mentioned the need to attract international bidders who are willing to work with Canadian companies on construction projects while being mindful of geopolitical challenges and tariffs.
Lindsey expressed the need for a balanced approach to future contract tendering to ensure that the agency can attract the right partners while also considering the risks involved. He mentioned that the impact of U.S. tariffs on the supply chain is a challenge similar to what the agency faced during the pandemic, which caused delays to ongoing projects. Lindsey highlighted the importance of sharing the risk in a way that is manageable and defensible, particularly when it comes to explaining the decisions to taxpayers. Overall, Lindsey’s speech emphasized the need for effective communication, collaboration, and humility in approaching transit construction projects in Toronto.
