Metrolinx is asking the public to name two tunnel boring machines for the Yonge North Subway Extension. Submissions close November 14.
Metrolinx opened a public contest on November 3 to name two tunnel boring machines that will dig the Yonge North Subway Extension, a 6.3-kilometre line from York Region to Finch Station. Ontario residents aged 18 and older can submit names until November 14, 2026.
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Metrolinx is asking the public to name two tunnel boring machines that will dig the Yonge North Subway Extension. Submissions close November 14, 2026. The contest is open to legal residents of Ontario who are at least 18 years old.
NOW Toronto reported the launch of the naming contest on November 3. The two machines will travel 6.3 kilometres from a launch shaft in York Region south toward Finch Station, adding five new stations along Yonge Street at Steeles, Clark, Royal Orchard, Bridge and High Tech. The extension runs into Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill.
After the submission period closes, a panel of Metrolinx judges will select six semi-finalists using a scoring system based on originality, creativity and how well the two names work as a pair. The public will then vote for their favourite among the six. The winning names will be announced by Metrolinx.
The winner gets recognition in a Metrolinx press release and may attend an event unveiling the names at one of the construction sites. The winner may also get a photo with the machines, subject to safety restrictions at the site.
School classes can enter as a group if a teacher meets the eligibility requirements. Minors may participate if a parent or legal guardian submits on their behalf.
This is not the first time Metrolinx has named its machines publicly. Rexy and Renny are boring the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, Diggy Scardust is on the Scarborough Subway Extension, and Libby and Corkie are working on the Ontario Line.
The naming contest is one of the last steps before tunnelling begins. Metrolinx has not announced a specific start date for the machines. The extension is expected to add five stations to TTC's Line 1.
Toronto residents who want to submit a name can find the contest at metrolinx.com. Submissions are open until November 14, 2026.
Questions this story answers
What is the Metrolinx tunnel boring machine naming contest?
Metrolinx opened a public contest on November 3, 2026 to name two tunnel boring machines that will dig the Yonge North Subway Extension. The machines will travel 6.3 kilometres along Yonge Street from a launch shaft in York Region toward Finch Station, adding five new subway stations to the TTC's Line 1. The public can submit name ideas for the pair of machines until November 14, 2026.
Who can enter the naming contest?
Legal residents of Ontario aged 18 and older can enter, provided they have internet access and a valid email address. NOW Toronto reported that eligibility requirements must have been met by October 30, 2026. Minors can participate if a parent or legal guardian submits an entry on their behalf and meets the requirements. School classes can also enter as a group if a teacher meets the eligibility requirements and submits on behalf of the class.
How does the contest work after the submission deadline?
According to NOW Toronto, once submissions close on November 14, entries move to a judging stage. A panel of judges will select six semi-finalists using a four-point scoring system that considers originality, creativity and how well the two names complement each other. The public will then vote on their favourite from the six semi-finalists. Metrolinx will announce the winner.
What does the winner receive?
According to NOW Toronto, the winner will receive recognition in a Metrolinx press release and may have the opportunity to attend an event unveiling the machines' names at a tunnel boring machine site. The winning entry could also be featured in Metrolinx articles, newsletters, websites and social media. The winner may also receive a photo opportunity with the named machines, subject to safety restrictions at the construction site.
What other tunnel boring machines have been named in Toronto?
NOW Toronto reports that other TBMs working on Toronto transit projects have already been named. Rexy and Renny are working on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension. Diggy Scardust is on the Scarborough Subway Extension. Libby and Corkie are on the Ontario Line. Metrolinx held previous naming contests for those machines.
What is the Yonge North Subway Extension?
The Yonge North Subway Extension is a planned 6.3-kilometre extension of the TTC's Line 1 Yonge-University subway. The line will run north from the existing terminus at Finch Station, adding five new stations: Steeles, Clark, Royal Orchard, Bridge and High Tech. The extension runs along Yonge Street into Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill in York Region. Metrolinx is the provincial transit agency overseeing the project.
How do I submit a name for the tunnel boring machines?
NOW Toronto reports that submissions are open until November 14, 2026. The article does not include a direct link to the submission form. The Metrolinx website at metrolinx.com is the place to find the contest entry page, as the contest is a Metrolinx program.
When will the tunnel boring machines start digging?
NOW Toronto says the naming contest is one of the final steps before the machines begin their 6.3-kilometre journey. The article does not give a specific start date for tunnelling. Metrolinx has described the launch shaft as being in York Region, with the machines tunnelling south toward Finch Station.
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