Three businesses appointed on Canada’s biggest infrastructure project

The largest infrastructure programme in Canadian history has appointed Mace, Comtech and SYSTRA as a delivery partner.

The three businesses, working as the MCS consortium, have announced the contract to carry out work on the Metrolinx’s GO Expansion program.

The consortium will join forces with Metrolinx as delivery partners to manage a complex programme that includes new stations, electrification of existing lines, installing new rail lines, upgrading existing stations, signalling, and more.

The idea behind the 10-year GO Expansion is to greaten the capabilities of the GO Transit rail service. Metrolinx will provide increased connections between communities, with a long-term vision of providing two-way, all-day services – every 15 minutes or less – on core segments of its rail network.

GO Expansion will support the regional economy through job creation and improved connectivity, unlocking investment and urban development in the province of Ontario. The combination of cleaner, electric trains and more people using metro-style transit will also, MCS says, significantly improve air quality in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Together, the three firms that make up the MCS consortium will draw on their individual strengths for the benefit of the program. As part of this, Mace will leverage British expertise from the mobilization of large integrated teams on the HS2 programme at Euston Station in London as well as Birmingham New Street Station, and from its successful role as a delivery partner for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Metrolinx will benefit from Comtech’s experience delivering multiple mandates within Metrolinx’s capital projects portfolio and expertise in programme delivery and information system management, along with French engineering firm SYSTRA’s extensive international track record in rail construction, operations, and maintenance.

Jason Millett, CEO of consultancy, Mace, said: “We are delighted to be awarded the PDP contract with our partners SYSTRA and Comtech. This is a truly transformative program of huge global significance to Mace Consult, as we continue to grow our infrastructure offering in North America in line with our 2026 business strategy.

“By combining Mace’s extensive delivery partner expertise with SYSTRA’s local and international rail technical expertise, and Comtech’s in-depth local project and program management knowledge, we are creating a winning formula for delivering on Metrolinx’s vision. We look forward to supporting the delivery and being part of a journey that will leave a world-class legacy in Canada.”

Andrew Philip, executive vice president, transportation & infrastructure, Comtech Group, said: “We are excited to be extending Comtech’s long-standing commitment to Metrolinx delivering this program alongside our partners Mace and SYSTRA. Our team’s combined expertise in integrated program delivery, project controls, and rail technology will support Metrolinx as they embrace this new partner delivery model.”

Dave Spagnolo, CEO of SYSTRA Canada, said: “We are delighted to be part of this Metrolinx project with our partners Mace and Comtech. As an international engineering firm with extensive experience in transportation systems and a strong presence in Canada, we are proud to be part of the team that will deliver this ambitious project for Metrolinx. Together, we will combine expertise, innovation and a focus on user needs to provide the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area with the most sustainable infrastructure possible.”

Stephanie Davies, executive vice president GO Expansion, capital projects group, Metrolinx, said: “Metrolinx is continuing to unlock regional growth through investment in the GO Expansion program. We look forward to working with MCS as our program delivery partner to oversee and coordinate all station and corridor work, integrating multiple GO Expansion projects for more seamless management and delivery of infrastructure upgrades and new construction. The complex work being delivered throughout our network will be tied together to create greater value for current and future riders and deliver on our promise of a more connected, more sustainable GTHA.”

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