You are correct in identifying that
building the DRL is not a line item on a budget somewhere. As alluded in the posts above, building a subway takes a wee bit of planning. The quotes below are from the TTC's website. With years of planning and civic consultation and more than $150M invested the DRL is more than just a fantasy.
https://www.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Co..._and_Design_for_the_Relief_Line_and_Yonge.pdf.
"As a result, this report recommends City Council approve a Carlaw alignment for the local segment of the Relief Line South in order for staff to complete the Environmental Assessment (EA)/Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP). Finalizing the project concept and moving to complete the EA/TPAP process is a significant milestone in advancing this important project. REPORT FOR ACTION Advancing Planning and Design for the Relief Line and Yonge Subway Extension A-2 The next phase of work for the Relief Line South is to accelerate the planning and design, including developing a project budget and schedule (Class 3 cost estimate), which is approximately 15 to 30% design. This report recommends the City and TTC in partnership with Metrolinx advance work on the Relief Line South and report back to City Council at the next decision gate for the project which includes a Class 3 cost estimate and schedule in 2019 ."
"The City has allocated $55.52 million over 2017-18 in the City’s 10-year Capital Budget and Plan for Relief Line. In June 2016, the Province committed $150 million to Metrolinx to work with the City and TTC to advance planning and design of the Relief Line."