The federal government is expected to provide $697 million in funding to extend Toronto's subway line into York Region, the Toronto Star reports.

The cash boost would be the final piece of the funding puzzle to expand the Spadina line from Downsview station beyond Toronto's northern border.

The province and the municipalities of Toronto and York have already committed money to the project, which will create a stop at York University.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty will announce the money commitment next week, the Star reports.

In addition, Ottawa is expected to provide funding for other GTA transportation projects, including:

  • A Mississauga transitway, a bus-only road along Highway 403 and Eastgate Parkway from Burnhamthorpe Road to Eglinton Avenue East;
  • Brampton's $280-million Acceleride project, meant to speed bus service. Ontario has already committed $95 million for the improvements;
  • An expansion of York Region's Viva bus system. Officials there want to get buses onto dedicated lanes;
  • The widening of Highway 7, in the amount of $55 million;
  • An environmental assessment to extend Highway 407 eastward to link up with Highway 401. This would go through federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's Whitby-Oshawa riding; and
  • A $5 million study of rapid transit in Durham.

Once contributions from Ontario and the various municipalities are factored in, the projects represent a $3.2-billion investment to help GTA commuters get around, the Star reports.

The long-waited subway announcement comes ahead of a possible spring federal election, while Ontario voters head to the polls Oct. 10 for a provincial election.

Political pundits say Harper's move is an attempt to convince voters in seat-rich Ontario he is serous about the environment and turning more people onto public transit. Winning Ontario seats is a must for Harper to win a majority government.

The TTC's $2-billion subway extension would see the construction of 8.6-kilometres of track. Workers could break ground as early as this summer.