The B.C. government announced that the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension will now cost nearly $6 billion, a $2 billion increase from the original estimate, and will take longer to complete.

Source: CBC News, Vancouver Sun

Citing global market challenges and significant inflation, Transportation Minister Rob Fleming explained that rising construction costs have driven the price up from $4.1 billion to $5.996 billion.

Fleming emphasized that cost pressures are not unique to British Columbia, with similar trends observed in major infrastructure projects across North America and globally. He assured that the price is unlikely to rise further following the signing of contracts and stated that the project still compares favorably to similar initiatives, like Calgary’s Green Line, which has seen costs escalate to about $500 million per kilometre, while the Surrey-Langley extension will cost approximately $375 million per kilometre.

Initially approved in 2022 and slated for completion in 2028, the project’s new “anticipated in-service date” is now late 2029.

Criticism quickly followed the announcement, with Surrey South MLA and BC Conservative Party member Elenore Sturko calling the cost increase a “betrayal of the public’s trust” and accusing the BC NDP of financial mismanagement. Sturko and BC Conservative Leader John Rustad are demanding a full audit of the SkyTrain project.

Despite the backlash, Fleming defended the project, highlighting its long-term benefits, including the creation of about 20,000 jobs and 100,000 homes within 800 meters of the eight new stations. The 16-kilometre extension will expand the Expo Line from King George Station in Surrey to 203 Street in Langley, adding eight stations and three transit exchanges.

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Tags: Surrey-Langley SkyTrain, Surrey-Langley SkyTrain Extension