The Union Station Enhancement Project (USEP) is part of the GO Expansion program, which aims to transform the transportation network in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area over the next decade. The project will contribute to increasing Ontario’s capacity and help Metrolinx advance its pursuit to redefining the GO Transit rail network into a system that delivers two-way, all-day service every 15 minutes. The system-wide infrastructure upgrades will include additional tracks, expanded stations, electrification of the rail network, new locomotives, and train control systems that render increased service frequency.
The scope of work for the enhancement project includes:
- Construction of new platforms with canopies and vertical access elements, such as stairs and elevators
- Construction of two new tracks designed to allow for higher train speeds with associated signal works
- Construction of a new concourse area below the new platforms that will connect the York, Bay and Via Concourse, Union Square, Scotiabank Galleria, and both York and Bay Streets
- Development of stormwater management system and other building systems
Canada’s first major alliance procurement project
USEP is the first major project in Canada to be procured using the alliance contracting model—an alternative procurement and delivery method recognized for delivering successful initiatives in Australia in the past 20 years. The term ‘alliance’ captures the spirit of the model built on the fundamentals of a no-blame culture, a waiver of litigation, and a commercial structure that caps the financial exposure. It ensures the interests of all stakeholders are aligned and encourages synergy and integration. As the risk is collectively shared and all participants take away a unanimous outcome between “Win-Win” or “Lose-Lose,” the model encourages robust collaboration. If a problem occurs, it is everybody’s problem, and all must work together to solve it.
The Property & Buildings and Transportation & Infrastructure business lines at WSP in Canada jointly led this successful pursuit as part of ONTrack Alliance by leveraging WSP’s global alliance procurement experience in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Alliance partners
ONTrack Alliance was selected as the successful proponent to advance the design of the project by the Owners, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario, based on the criteria listed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ), which included details on the team composition, experience in collaborative project delivery, health and safety, and past project examples.
The ONTrack Alliance team includes:
- Constructors: Kiewit & Alberici Joint Venture.
- Designers: WSP Canada Inc.
- Signalling Work: Mass. Electric Construction Canada Co.
ONTrack Alliance will soon enter a poly-party agreement with Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario to deliver world-class enhancements that will increase the Union Station’s capacity by 2025.
WSP’s role in the alliance
As a Prime Team Member and Lead Designer, WSP will lead the design team, and oversee all design work, including all structural, civil, utility, drainage, mechanical and electrical, traffic and environmental designs. WSP will also represent ONTrack Alliance in the Alliance Leadership Team, the Alliance Management Team, and the Alliance Project Team. Representation from all project members (Owner and Non-Owner participants) will enable the alliance to achieve shared goals and ensure risks and responsibilities are shared and managed collectively, and ultimately drive the project to success.
