On May 31, 2024, the Province of British Columbia completed financial close for the Surrey Langley SkyTrain Project, a $6 billion investment that represents a major expansion of Metro Vancouver’s transit system. The project will extend the Expo Line by 16.5 kilometers, featuring an elevated guideway, eight new stations, and three bus exchanges, and is expected to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of hydro-electric power.
In an unprecedented move to navigate market challenges, the project adopted a multi-contract procurement model: a design-build-finance (DBF) model for the guideway; a design-build (DB) model for the stations; and a target price DB model for systems and trackwork. This tailored contracting strategy allowed the Province to attract specialized contractors for each component and optimize value for money while ensuring seamless coordination among the interfaces.
Substantial completion is anticipated in 2029. The extension is the first major rapid transit expansion south of the Fraser River in over 30 years and is expected to bolster regional connectivity and economic development.
Norton Rose Fulbright advised the Province of British Columbia with a team comprising Jay LeMoine, Jenya Hammond, Matt Mulligan, Ajit Dhillon, Ryan Griffith, Sol Kauffman, and Natalia Montanez. The Province was also represented by Susan Mossing and Nisha Bathe from the Ministry of the Attorney General.
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, led by Greg Southam and Will Buchner, acted for SkyLink Guideway Partners on the Guideway Project. McCarthy Tétrault LLP acted for the lenders to SkyLink Guideway Partners.
The Stations Project was supported by in-house legal teams from Aecon, Pomerleau, and Acciona. The Systems and Trackwork Project was advised by the in-house legal team at AtkinsRéalis.