Construction work at Toronto’s Union Station won’t be complete by the end of this month as planned.

The $823-million project, which has been going on for a decade, was last scheduled for completion in September. It looks as though that deadline is about to be pushed back to the end of the year.

A City of Toronto staff report that will be presented to the General Government and Licensing Committee on September 14 provides an update on the project and its budget. The document suggests that, while the project remains within budget, earlier contractor performance issues and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic—including lost productivity due to physical distancing measures and smaller construction crews—have caused delays in opening additional retail space and completing renovations to the Bay Concourse.

“The project remains within the current approved budget of $824.0 million,” says the report. “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the project schedule as the project is now scheduled to be substantially complete by the end of 2020. Staff are working with the city's consultant, contractor, its bonding company, and other stakeholders to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The construction team is also requesting four contract amendments that are worth a combined $7.4 million, and which the report says will help to ensure the project is completed as intended. The contract amendments do not increase the approved project budget.

The revitalization team is working with stakeholders, including Metrolinx and retail developer Osmington, to expedite ongoing construction and complete the project this year, the report says. Once complete, the Bay Concourse will be handed over to Metrolinx and retail space handed over to Osmington to complete retail tenant work prior to public opening.

The project, now in its tenth year, is one of the most complicated projects in Canada, with the station continuing to operate as the country’s busiest transportation hub throughout construction. Built in 1927, there are also significant complexities around infrastructure and historical significance that must be worked through.

When fully complete, Union Station will have more than 160,000 square feet of retail space. Twenty percent of the total retail space is now fully leased and operational. The retail component has driven financial benefits for the City, allowed for art and cultural partnerships, and been well received by travellers and residents.