On November 3, 2017, Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx (together, Contracting Authority) reached financial close with EllisDon Infrastructure CGS RER Inc. (Project Co) to design, build and finance the Cooksville Station Redevelopment Project, in support of the province’s Regional Express Rail (RER) program.
(Announced in 2014 by the Province of Ontario, RER will transform the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area over the next decade. Metrolinx will transform the GO rail network into an RER system that will bring 15-minute, two-way, all-day, electrified GO service to region-wide communities.)
The value of the contract is approximately $128.5 million. EllisDon Design-Build Inc. will act as the Construction Contractor.
The scope of work consists of a new station building with a large public plaza, new six-storey parking structure with pedestrian connection to rail platform and redevelopment of existing parking areas, upgrades to existing rail platform, bus loop with a minimum of eight bus bays for GO and MiWay bus service and John Street Extension.
Community and green benefits of the project include reduced traffic congestion, greenhouse gases and fuel consumption, and improved quality of life for commuters by reducing daily travel time.
The Contracting Authority legal team was led in-house by Marty Venalainen, Senior Legal Counsel with Infrastructure Ontario, Paul Jachymek, Senior Legal Counsel with Metrolinx, Hayley Ha, Legal Counsel with Metrolinx, and supported by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP with a team that included Judy Wilson, Marianne Smith, Kate McGilvray, Jason MacIntyre, Theresa Chan, Stephanie Console, Michael Cork and Christopher Wong.
The Project Co legal team was led in-house by Andrés Durán, Vice President, Legal Services, P3 and International Projects, Jessica Ho-Wo-Cheong, Legal Counsel, P3 and International Projects, and supported by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP with a team that included Christopher Bennett, Marta Rochkin, Daniel Tatone and Jasmyn Lee.
Financing for the project is being provided by The Bank of Nova Scotia. The Bank of Nova Scotia was represented by McMillan LLP with a team that included Tim Murphy, Don Waters, Julie Han, Alex Ricchetti and Guneev Bhinder.