- 1. Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) – Montreal
- 2. Eglinton Crosstown LRT – Toronto
- 3. GO Expansion: On-Corridor Project – Ontario
- 4. Bruce Power Refurbishment – Ontario
- 5. Gordie Howe International Bridge – Windsor/Detroit
- 6. Hazel McCallion Line (Hurontario LRT) – Ontario
- 7. Vancouver International Airport Expansion (YVR) – British Columbia
- 8. Muskrat Falls Hydroelectric Project – Newfoundland and Labrador
- 9. Canceled: Énergie Saguenay LNG Complex – Quebec
- 10. Canceled: Nauticol Energy Methanol Facility – Alberta
- CONCLUSION: EXECUTION OVER AMBITION
- Sources:
Canada is entering a bold new era of infrastructure growth, fueled by record immigration, government investment, and private innovation. From coast to coast, megaprojects are reshaping how the country produces energy, moves people, and builds sustainable cities. This article explores 10 of the most transformative projects currently underway—each one a case study in scale, complexity, and future-focused engineering.
1. Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) – Montreal
The Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) is a transformative light rail project in Montreal, aiming to enhance connectivity across the Greater Montreal area. Spanning 67 kilometres with 26 stations, the REM is designed to operate 20 hours a day, seven days a week, providing frequent and reliable service to commuters. The project is being executed in phases, with the South Shore to Central Station segment already in service. The remaining segments, including the West Island, North Shore, and Centre of Montreal, are scheduled to be operational by fall 2025. A future extension to the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport is planned for 2027. The REM is fully automated, utilizing advanced technology to ensure safety and efficiency. By integrating with existing transit systems, the REM aims to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. The project is a public-private partnership, with CDPQ Infra leading the development. The REM is expected to significantly impact real estate development along its corridors, promoting transit-oriented development. The project’s budget is approximately $6.5 billion CAD, making it one of the largest infrastructure investments in Quebec’s history. Challenges faced include coordinating construction in densely populated urban areas and integrating with existing infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the REM is progressing steadily, with community engagement playing a crucial role in its development. The project is anticipated to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation phases. Once completed, the REM will be the fourth-largest automated transportation system in the world. Its completion will mark a significant milestone in Montreal’s efforts to modernize its public transportation network.
2. Eglinton Crosstown LRT – Toronto
The Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) is a major infrastructure project in Toronto, designed to improve east-west transit across the city. Extending 19 kilometers with 25 stations, the LRT will run from Mount Dennis in the west to Kennedy Station in the east. The project aims to provide a faster, more reliable alternative to existing bus services along Eglinton Avenue. Construction began in 2011, and the line is expected to be operational by 2025. The LRT will operate in a dedicated right-of-way, minimizing delays caused by traffic congestion. It is anticipated to reduce travel times by up to 60% compared to current bus routes. The project is managed by Metrolinx, with Crosslinx Transit Solutions as the constructor. Challenges have included complex tunneling work and coordination with existing utilities. Despite delays, significant progress has been made, with testing of trains and systems underway. The LRT is expected to carry up to 5,500 passengers per hour in each direction during peak periods. It will connect with several other transit lines, including the Yonge-University and Bloor-Danforth subway lines. The project has spurred development along the corridor, with increased interest in residential and commercial properties. The total cost is estimated at $5.3 billion CAD. Once completed, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT will be a vital component of Toronto’s transit network, enhancing mobility and supporting sustainable urban growth.
3. GO Expansion: On-Corridor Project – Ontario
The GO Expansion On-Corridor Project is a comprehensive initiative to transform the GO Transit rail network in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). The project aims to provide two-way, all-day service with trains running every 15 minutes or better on core segments. Key components include track upgrades, electrification, new trains, and improved signaling systems. The project is being delivered through a public-private partnership, with ONxpress Transportation Partners responsible for operations and maintenance starting in 2025. Electrification will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs. The expansion will significantly increase the capacity and frequency of GO services, accommodating growing ridership. Station upgrades and new facilities will enhance the passenger experience. The project supports regional growth by improving connectivity between communities. It is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation. Challenges include coordinating construction activities across a vast network and minimizing disruptions to existing services. The project represents a significant investment in sustainable transportation infrastructure. By providing a reliable alternative to car travel, it aims to reduce traffic congestion and environmental impacts. The GO Expansion is a cornerstone of Ontario’s transportation strategy, promoting economic development and quality of life. The project is scheduled for completion in phases, with major milestones anticipated in the coming years. Once completed, it will be one of the most extensive commuter rail systems in North America.
4. Bruce Power Refurbishment – Ontario
Bruce Power’s refurbishment project is a significant undertaking to extend the life of its nuclear reactors in Ontario. The Major Component Replacement (MCR) program focuses on Units 3 through 8, with Unit 5’s refurbishment approved in April 2025. The project involves replacing key components such as steam generators, pressure tubes, and feeder tubes. The refurbishment will ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the reactors for decades. It supports Ontario’s clean energy goals by maintaining a significant source of low-carbon electricity. The project is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, including job creation and supply chain opportunities. Bruce Power’s refurbishment aligns with Canada’s broader nuclear strategy to achieve net-zero emissions. The project involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). Safety and regulatory compliance are paramount throughout the refurbishment process. Advanced technologies and innovations are being employed to enhance efficiency and outcomes. The project also contributes to the production of medical isotopes, supporting global healthcare needs. Community engagement and transparency are integral to the project’s success. The refurbishment is part of a long-term plan to secure Ontario’s energy future. Challenges include managing complex logistics and ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Upon completion, the refurbished units will continue to provide reliable, clean energy for Ontario’s residents and businesses.
5. Gordie Howe International Bridge – Windsor/Detroit
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a major infrastructure project connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. Spanning 2.5 kilometers, it will be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America upon completion. The bridge will feature six lanes for vehicular traffic and a dedicated path for pedestrians and cyclists. It aims to enhance trade and travel between Canada and the United States, providing an alternative to the existing Ambassador Bridge. Construction began in 2018, with completion expected in fall 2025. The project includes new ports of entry on both sides of the border, equipped with state-of-the-art customs facilities. It is managed by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, with funding from both federal governments. The bridge is expected to facilitate economic growth by improving supply chain efficiency. It will also alleviate traffic congestion and reduce wait times at border crossings. The project has faced challenges, including delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite setbacks, significant progress has been made, with major structural components nearing completion. The bridge’s design incorporates advanced engineering techniques to ensure durability and safety. Environmental considerations have been addressed through comprehensive assessments and mitigation measures. Community benefits include job creation and infrastructure improvements in surrounding areas. Once operational, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will be a vital link in North America’s transportation network.
6. Hazel McCallion Line (Hurontario LRT) – Ontario
The Hazel McCallion Line, formerly known as the Hurontario LRT, is an ambitious 18-kilometer light rail transit project currently under construction in Ontario, Canada. This line is designed to connect Port Credit in Mississauga to the Brampton Gateway Terminal at Steeles Avenue, traversing one of the region’s busiest corridors. With 19 planned stops, the LRT aims to provide a reliable and efficient transit option for residents and commuters in the rapidly growing Peel Region. The project is being delivered through a public-private partnership, with Mobilinx responsible for design, construction, and maintenance, while Metrolinx retains ownership. The LRT will operate in a dedicated right-of-way, ensuring minimal interference from vehicular traffic and enhancing travel times. Electrically powered Alstom Citadis Spirit vehicles will serve the line, promoting environmentally friendly transportation with near-zero emissions. The line is expected to significantly reduce congestion along Hurontario Street, which currently sees over 25,000 bus riders daily. Key features include connections to GO Transit’s Milton and Lakeshore West lines, the Mississauga Transitway, Brampton Transit, Züm, and MiWay services. A maintenance and storage facility is being constructed near Highway 407 to support operations. The project also includes plans for a future extension into downtown Brampton via a tunnel, enhancing connectivity further. Construction began in 2020, with significant progress made on elevated guideways and station structures. The line is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2025, barring unforeseen delays. Once completed, the Hazel McCallion Line will play a crucial role in supporting sustainable urban development and providing efficient transit solutions in the Greater Toronto Area.
7. Vancouver International Airport Expansion (YVR) – British Columbia
Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Canada’s second-busiest airport, is undergoing a significant expansion to accommodate growing passenger demand and enhance its status as a global aviation hub. The expansion is guided by the YVR 2037 Master Plan, which outlines a series of projects aimed at improving capacity, efficiency, and passenger experience. One of the key components is the Pier D expansion, which has added eight new gates to the international terminal, increasing the airport’s capacity to handle wide-body aircraft. This expansion also features a glassed-in, open-air atrium with Douglas Fir trees, creating a unique west coast ambiance for travelers. Additional amenities include a yoga space, multi-faith prayer room, quiet room, and immersive digital experiences, catering to diverse passenger needs. Furthermore, the North Runway Modernization Program, set to commence in spring 2025, will involve a complete asphalt overlay, drainage improvements, and upgrades to electrical and lighting infrastructure. Construction will be carried out during nightly closures to minimize disruptions to flight schedules. The overall investment for these projects is substantial, reflecting YVR’s commitment to maintaining high service standards and preparing for future growth. By 2037, the airport aims to handle over 35 million passengers annually, positioning itself as a leading international gateway in North America.
8. Muskrat Falls Hydroelectric Project – Newfoundland and Labrador
The Muskrat Falls Hydroelectric Project is one of the largest renewable energy infrastructure investments in Atlantic Canada’s history. Located on the lower Churchill River in Labrador, the facility boasts a generating capacity of 824 megawatts. Originally launched in 2012, the project faced years of technical, political, and financial setbacks — including major delays and budget overruns that pushed the final cost to over $13 billion CAD. Despite this, the project was completed in two key phases: the power plant became operational in 2021, and the Labrador-Island Link transmission line was fully commissioned by April 2023.
This project is a critical part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s long-term energy strategy, designed to displace oil-fired generation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The energy generated from Muskrat Falls now powers a significant portion of the province and is linked to Nova Scotia via the Maritime Link, improving Atlantic Canada’s energy interdependence. It has also made Newfoundland and Labrador a net exporter of clean energy.
However, the project wasn’t without controversy. A public inquiry criticized the lack of oversight and questioned early feasibility assumptions. Indigenous communities, including the Innu Nation, raised concerns about environmental impacts and cultural displacement, leading to new agreements on environmental monitoring and resource revenue sharing.
Despite its rocky journey, Muskrat Falls today symbolizes both the promise and complexity of large-scale clean energy infrastructure. It stands as a cautionary tale for governance — and a triumph for Canadian renewable energy capacity.
9. Canceled: Énergie Saguenay LNG Complex – Quebec
Initially envisioned as a $9 billion CAD liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility in La Baie, the Énergie Saguenay LNG Complex was once hailed as a flagship project for Quebec’s energy exports. The plan aimed to transport natural gas via a 750 km pipeline from Western Canada, liquefy it using clean hydroelectricity, and ship it to European and Asian markets. If completed, it would have been the world’s first hydro-powered LNG export hub.
Despite strong support from business groups and some Indigenous leaders, the project faced significant opposition from environmental organizations, scientists, and local communities. In 2021, the Quebec provincial government rejected the project, citing high projected greenhouse gas emissions and risks to marine biodiversity, particularly the endangered beluga whale population in the Saguenay Fjord. The federal government followed suit in 2022 by refusing its environmental permit.
Though now officially canceled, the project sparked a national conversation about the role of natural gas in Canada’s transition economy. It also highlighted the growing influence of environmental assessments and public engagement in shaping megaproject outcomes.
10. Canceled: Nauticol Energy Methanol Facility – Alberta
Nauticol Energy once proposed a $3.2 billion CAD Blue Methanol facility near Grande Prairie, Alberta, aimed at serving the growing demand for low-carbon industrial fuels. The facility would have used natural gas as a feedstock while implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce emissions. At full capacity, it was expected to produce 3 million metric tonnes of methanol annually — positioning Canada as a global methanol leader.
The project promised thousands of construction jobs and long-term economic benefits for Northern Alberta. However, by early 2023, Nauticol quietly suspended the initiative due to lack of financing, shifting global energy markets, and difficulty securing long-term contracts. No further updates have been released since, and the project is considered indefinitely shelved.
The collapse of this project underscores the financial volatility of large-scale petrochemical ventures, particularly in a world rapidly transitioning toward electrification and renewables. While technically feasible, projects like these now face much stricter ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) scrutiny.
CONCLUSION: EXECUTION OVER AMBITION
Canada’s megaproject landscape in 2025 is a complex tapestry of ambition, risk, politics, and engineering. Some projects — like the REM, Bruce Power refurbishment, and Muskrat Falls — highlight what’s possible when public investment, strong project governance, and long-term vision align. Others, like Énergie Saguenay and Nauticol’s methanol plant, remind us that no matter how promising a concept is on paper, without environmental and financial viability, even billion-dollar ventures can collapse.
For policymakers, project managers, engineers, and investors, the key takeaway is this: Megaprojects don’t fail from lack of imagination. They fail from lack of integration — of plans, people, politics, and purpose.
As Canada continues to grow — demographically, economically, and climatically — the infrastructure decisions made today will shape generations. The difference between legacy and liability lies in how well we deliver the vision.
Sources:
- Énergie Saguenay LNG Complex – Cancelled Impact Assessment Agency of Canada – Project Decision CER – Quebec Energy Profile
- Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) – Delayed to 2027 REM Official Site – FAQ & Timeline
- Eglinton Crosstown LRT – Delayed to late 2025 CP24 News Article – April 2025 Update
- Nauticol Energy Methanol Plant – Cancelled Yahoo News Canada – Project Scrapped
- GO Expansion – Current Status & Scope Metrolinx – GO Expansion Overview
- Bruce Power Refurbishment – Unit 5 Approved for 2026 Bruce Power Official Announcement
- Muskrat Falls – Completed Wikipedia – Muskrat Falls Generating Station
- Gordie Howe International Bridge – Opening in Late 2025 Gordie Howe Official Project Site – Construction Update
- Hurontario LRT (Hazel McCallion Line) – No Official Opening Date Yet Wikipedia – Hurontario LRT
- Vancouver International Airport Expansion (YVR) – $5.6B Plan YVR 2037 Master Plan
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