Metrolinx has named the first two tunnel boring machines for the construction of the Ontario Line Subway: Libby and Corkie. They are named after Toronto neighborhoods Liberty Village and Corktown that will border the downtown tunnelled segment.

Ontario Line tunnel boring machines named in Toronto
The Ontario Line twin TBMs being unloaded from the ship at Port of Oshawa (HOPA photo)

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

More than 900 submissions poured in during the June 2025 naming contest, with more than 1,000 votes selecting the winning names. Jason Paris, following his lead from the two communities, devised the winning submissions, conveying the sense of connection for the project with the area.

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Tunnelling on the Ontario Line to begin 2026

After years of preparation, the 16-metre-deep launch shaft excavation is finally complete, clearing the way for the site for the gigantic boring machines. From 2026, Libby and Corkie will dig twin six-kilometre tunnels between Exhibition Station and the Don River.

Meanwhile, construction has also begun on the second launch shaft near Gerrard. These milestones signal progressive movement toward the delivery of an accelerated and reliable transit option through Toronto’s downtown.

Ontario Line to modernize Toronto’s transit system

There will be 15 new stations on the Ontario Line, with an end-to-end, seamless north-south line across the city. Traveling the full distance will take less than 30 minutes, compared to the current 70 by existing transit.

In addition, the new line is part of the larger transit expansion program for the province. Therefore, it will reduce the crowding on existing routes and will have long-term benefits for Toronto’s growing population.

Source: Metrolinx

What is the Ontario Line?

Ontario Line is Toronto’s new 15-station subway line developed with the intention to reduce journey times and reduce traffic congestion, connecting neighborhoods between Exhibition Station and the Ontario Science Centre.

Tunnelling on the Ontario Line will begin when?

Tunnelling will get underway in 2026 when two tunnel boring machines named Libby and Corkie will dig up six kilometres beneath downtown Toronto.

Why were the TBMs called Libby and Corkie?

The names are an homage to Liberty Village and Corktown, Toronto communities connected by the downtown tunnel. Winning submissions came after the city conducted a public vote, attracting over 1,000 responses.

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