Skip to main content

City of Toronto breaks ground on trapped boring machine after over a year

Toronto has broken ground on a trapped boring machine on the city’s west end, officials confirmed on Saturday.

The machine, trapped under Old Mill Drive since June of 2022, first became stuck when developers began the excavation process for two condo buildings in the area. Less than a month into construction, the machine became ensnared in steel wires underground, and has been stuck there ever since.

The machine’s removal could cost taxpayers up to $25 million.

In a statement to CP24, representatives for the city said on Saturday that crews have begun to remove the first section of the tunnel where the machine is trapped. The full retrieval of the machine is anticipated to take place “over the next couple of weeks.”

Earlier this summer, Judy Tse, interim chief engineer and executive director of construction services for the City of Toronto, expressed empathy for residents affected by the stuck machine.

“I know the incident with the micro-tunnelling boring machine under Old Mill Drive has caused frustration and concern in the community," she said in July. "City staff along with our contractor are working hard to complete this retrieval quickly and safely...we really empathize with the area residents and thank everyone for their patience while we continue this critical work.”

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Ontario doctors disciplined over Israel-Gaza protests

A number of doctors are facing scrutiny for publicizing their opinions on the Israel-Hamas war. Critics say expressing their political views could impact patient care, while others say that it is being used as an excuse for censorship.

'No concessions' St-Onge says in $100M a year news deal with Google

The Canadian government has reached a deal with Google over the Online News Act that will see the tech giant pay $100 million annually to publishers, and continue to allow access to Canadian news content on its platform. This comes after Google had threatened to block news on its platform when the contentious new rules come into effect next month.

Live updates

Live updates Hamas frees 10 Israeli women and children, 4 Thai nationals

Ten Israeli women and children and four Thai nationals held captive in Gaza were freed by Hamas, and Israel followed with the release of a group of Palestinian prisoners Thursday. It was the latest exchange of hostages for prisoners under a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza war. Two Russian-Israeli women were also freed by Hamas in a separate release.

opinion

opinion Don Martin: With Trudeau resignation fever rising, a Conservative nightmare appears

With speculation rising that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will follow his father's footsteps in the snow to a pre-election resignation, political columnist Don Martin focuses on one Liberal cabinet minister who's emerging as leadership material -- and who stands out as a fresh-faced contrast to the often 'angry and abrasive' leader of the Conservatives.

Stay Connected