Milestones that matter: celebrating progress across IO projects
Across Ontario, major public infrastructure projects are reaching important milestones. These events mark construction progress while highlighting the collaboration, commitment, and community impact behind every IO project. Over the past year, several IO projects have been recognized through beam signings, groundbreakings, and more.
“It’s a tremendous honour to be part of the celebration of a remarkable project,” said Jody Becker, Chief Capital Officer. “This is an important opportunity to highlight the role IO plays in delivering complex projects and building stronger communities in collaboration with our partners.”
Project Highlights
- Eglinton Crosstown LRT: construction to connection
- South Niagara Hospital: beam signing celebration
- Finch West LRT: opening
- Trillium Health Partners: final beam raising
The opening of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT (TTC Line 5) marked a long-awaited and significant milestone for Toronto’s transit network as one of the most complex construction projects in Toronto’s transit history. The February 2026 opening event sparked renewed excitement about the convenience and connectivity that the new line brings to neighbourhoods across Toronto and the wider region.
“It was an honour to join the opening of the long awaited Eglinton LRT,” said Alan Poon, Director, Capital Delivery at IO. “From the early days when Transit City was first envisioned, through years of procurement, construction, and commissioning with our private sector partners, delivering a high quality and reliable transit service is something I am proud of, one that will serve communities for generations to come.”
The South Niagara Hospital reached a major milestone with a beam signing ceremony in February, celebrating the placement of one of the final structural beams of the $3.6 billion project. The event brought together government leaders, Niagara Health, community partners, tradespeople, and IO representatives to recognize the progress achieved to date. The milestone reflects years of collaborative planning and construction and a shared commitment to delivering modern, connected care for the Niagara region.
The December 2025 opening of the Finch West LRT (TTC Line 6) was a landmark milestone in bringing a new major transit line to Toronto. Expanding transit service along one of the busiest corridors in the city, the LRT now connects with the TTC’s Line 1 subway and TTC, GO, MiWay, York Region and Brampton Züm bus routes. The opening event celebrated a culmination of years of project management work with our partners, Metrolinx and Mosaic Transit Group, in delivering this generational project.
“Seeing the Finch West LRT go from early design through to completion, and now being used by the public, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” said Kathy Yeung, Director, Capital Delivery. “It reinforced why we do this work at IO and the role transit plays in connecting communities and improving everyday mobility.”
Earlier this year, partners gathered at the Queensway Health Centre in Etobicoke to celebrate a meaningful milestone in the redevelopment journey with the raising of the final beam. To commemorate the occasion, project partners signed the beam before it was lifted into place, symbolizing the collaboration and shared commitment that has brought the project to this important stage.
“This event was a powerful reminder of what strong collaboration can achieve,” said Omendra Adhikary, Senior Project Manager at IO. “By working closely with Trillium Health Partners and EllisDon, we’re helping deliver a modern, patient‑focused facility that will support high‑quality care and serve the community for years to come.”
- Stevenson Memorial Hospital: construction kicks off
- Ontario Science Centre: unveiling the new design
- CHEO Integrated Treatment Centre: structural completion
In March, partners gathered in Alliston to officially break ground on the new Stevenson Memorial Hospital expansion, marking the start of construction on a long-anticipated redevelopment project. Premier Doug Ford was joined by other government representatives, along with hospital leadership, IO and Pomerleau. The new facility will more than double the size of the hospital and feature modern, comfortable spaces for patients, visitors, and staff.
“I'm proud of the teamwork that has brought us to the place we are today,” said Meaghan Ellsmere, Project Manager. “There’s no doubt that a hospital is one of the most complicated facilities you can build. The level of collaboration we have seen across multiple organizations from clinicians, planners, designers, and engineers all coming together in the name of the community of Alliston is something I am proud to be part of.”
IO joined our partners in March to officially unveil the final state-of-the-art design for the new Ontario Science Centre facility, and celebrate the contract award for this flagship project. The new home for the Ontario Science Centre is part of the wider redevelopment of Ontario Place, and will include the preservation and restoration of the historic Cinesphere and Pod complex.
At the heart of the revitalized Ontario Place, the Science Centre will spark curiosity for a new generation of visitors and inspire young minds for years to come.
“We are taking an important step towards a new, modern and vibrant Ontario Science Centre with this successful procurement,” said Natalie Waddington, Vice President, Capital Delivery at IO. “This will be a landmark destination at the city’s lakefront, and a key component of the Ontario Place Redevelopment. Working closely with our partners, we’re excited to deliver a new centre that will inspire future science education while celebrating the site’s legacy.”
The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Integrated Treatment Centre in Ottawa marked multiple milestones over the past year, with the most recent one being the beam signing ceremony on March 11. Children and families were joined by CHEO leadership and construction partner EllisDon as they added handprints and signatures to the metal beam. The event was a colourful reminder that the treatment centre will feature integrated care individualized for each child, youth and family who will access services at the new facility.
“The completion of the structure is a tangible sign to the community that the project is progressing and reaching key milestones,” said Andrea Richardson, Senior Project Manager. “The event gave the team a meaningful moment to reflect on and celebrate the journey so far. Now, we look ahead to the months to come and the successful completion of the project.”
Why do these milestones matter?
- They showcase the value of partnership, reflecting years of coordination between IO, ministries, hospital partners, municipalities, builders and other partners.
- They offer the public a window into future spaces, building understanding, excitement, and trust.
- They highlight provincial investment at work.
- They honour the people behind the projects, including skilled trades, designers, engineers, planners, and community members.
Most of all, these events remind us of the value of our work! “With every milestone, we move toward the delivery of critical infrastructure that serves our communities.” said Jody. “Across Ontario, these projects are coming to life through the dedication of IO and our partners, and a shared focus on building stronger, healthier, more connected communities.”
As IO projects continue to advance, we look forward to celebrating more milestones: visit our website to learn more about IO’s current pipeline of infrastructure projects across Ontario.