Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have awarded a contract to Plenary Infrastructure ERMF to design, build, finance and maintain the East Rail Maintenance Facility (ERMF) project. 

Plenary Infrastructure ERMF is a consortium that includes:

• Developer: Plenary Group (Canada) Ltd., Bird Capital Limited Partnership, Kiewit Canada Development Corp.
• Construction: Bird Design Build Construction Inc., Peter Kiewit Infrastructure Co.
• Design: Stantec Consulting, Arup Canada Inc.
• Facilities Management: Honeywell Limited, Toronto Terminals Railway
• Financing provided by: TD Bank, Bank of Montreal and TD Securities

The team beat out competition from East Rail Development Group, composed by SNC Lavalin, Dragados Canada Inc., URS Canada, National Bank, Geo. A. Kelson Company Ltd. and Guild Electric Ltd., and Integrated Rail Partners, composed by  Aecon Construction Group Inc., Balfour Beatty Group Canada Inc., Pomerleau Inc., Black & McDonald Ltd, Investec, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Sowinski & Sullivan Architects, Strasman Architects and Lea Consultants.

The ERMF is approximately 500,000 square feet and being built to support GO Transit's service expansion, including the introduction of Regional Express Rail service under the Government of Ontario's Moving Ontario Forward plan.

The facility includes:

• tracks and storage for thirteen 12-car passenger trains
• built-in capacity to store an additional nine passenger trains for future use
• stations to repair, maintain, fuel, wash and power GO trains
• staff and visitor parking
• sustainable design and construction features, with the goal of achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification

The contract value for the ERMF is approximately CAD$859.2 million, which reflects the substantial completion payment and monthly service payments before inflation adjustments. Plenary Infrastructure ERMF will receive payment once construction is complete, followed by monthly payments for maintenance and lifecycle repair work over a 30-year period; this will ensure the facility is kept in excellent condition over the contract term.

The project is funded by the Province of Ontario via Metrolinx, with the federal government, through PPP Canada, contributing up to 25 per cent of eligible costs.

Design and construction work will commence in spring 2015 and substantial completion is anticipated for the end of 2017.

Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation

"It is great to see progress on this project. The new maintenance and storage facility supports GO Transit's expansion plans, including our commitment to implement Regional Express Rail. This is proof of our government's commitment to making the daily commute and quality of life better for Ontario families."

Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

"This important investment in the East Rail Maintenance Facility will provide a high-quality transit hub for Ontarians, ensuring that our transit system can remain safe and reliable. I look forward to construction starting on this significant project, and to realizing the strong economic benefits for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area."