The City of Toronto is finally getting closer to kicking off construction on a two-kilometre addition to a popular multi-use trail, but even those who have been eagerly looking forward to the project have some questions about its newly revealed price tag.

It was announced earlier this month that funding for the West Toronto Railpath extension had finally been secured, meaning that the City and Metrolinx can move ahead with the stretch that will lengthen the byway from its current endpoint at Dundas Street West and Sterling Road to Abell Street and Sudbury Street.

But, given the size of the new segment, residents are confused at best and up in arms at worst over the fact that it is due to cost just under a staggering $150 million.

I'd love to see the extension happen, and calling it a "2km walking trail" likely underestimates and diminishes the project's complexity.

But this project CAN'T be led by #Metrostinx. The only things they know how to build are cost-overrun devices. #TOpoli #ONpoli https://t.co/PMUQxwoSyF

— Lloyd Davis (@ldaviseditor) August 13, 2024

City Councillors were the first to express outrage over the figure, calling it "unreasonable" (per Ward 12 Toronto—St. Paul's representative Josh Matlow) and saying that "spending $150 million on a 2 km path will make people's heads explode" (in the words of Ward 19 Beaches—East York representative Brad Bradford).

Constituents seem to wholeheartedly agree, chiming in on social media over the last few days to question why the cost is so high and criticize Metrolinx for its alleged notorious overspending.

"From the team that brought you the overpriced and delay plagued Eglinton Crosstown comes the overpriced and delay plagued West Toronto Railway extension," one person joked.

Another wrote, "maybe it is time for an inquiry into Metrolinx, they seem to be unable to do anything on time and on budget."

Last documents on the cities website are from 2020...not sure why they can't give us a more up to date plan and breakdown....

— George Bell (@georgebell) August 13, 2024

The number is especially ridiculous given that in the early days of planning, the extension was expected to cost only $23 million, though that estimate was eight years ago now. 

And with Toronto taxpayers on the hook for the majority of the cost  — $125.7 million, while Ottawa provides the other $23 million — people definitely have the right to ask their questions and make their comments.

It’s an outrageous amount of money. It should cost 10% of that.

— John Cruickshank (@JACruickshank) August 13, 2024

When questioned on the topic, the City told the Star that much of the cost comes from the extension's multiple bridges, along with things like inflated material costs. But, staff couldn't provide a more specific breakdown.

The extended railpath will feature seating, native plant life, modern lighting, art installations and more detailed in a design finalized in 2020. It will also eventually connect with other trails and green spaces in the area, such as Lower Garrison Creek Park and Sorauren Park.

Construction will start sometime in 2025.