Cambridge is set to get LRT service after regional councillors approved the proposed extension that will eventually link residents across the tri-cities with a single ride.
A report presented at Tuesday’s sustainability, infrastructure and development committee suggested council back a full 17-kilometre stretch from Fairway Station in Kitchener all the way to Galt, based on feedback from the public and other stakeholders.
This expansion into Cambridge means stops will be built at Sportsworld, Preston, Pinebush, Cambridge Centre Mall, Can-Amera Parkway, Delta Centre and Galt.
The report also included three shorter route options: Fairway to Pinebush, Fairway to Delta Centre, and Preston to downtown Cambridge.
There was also a fourth idea considered – running BRT (bus rapid transit) with dedicated bus lanes from Fairway Station to downtown Cambridge.
Cambridge Mayor Jann Liggett was the only regional councillor who voted against extending the LRT. She said the route doesn’t connect enough residents unless they live near a station.
She also worried about the high costs of building the full-length line.
“I’m supportive of rapid transit, I’m supportive of a BRT and so for those reasons, I’m not going to be supporting this,” she said.
“The cost of this is going to be something that could lose us any potential federal or provincial funding in today’s time with the new federal budget coming out.”
LRT extension seen as boost for Cambridge
During the meeting, 20 people spoke up – including business owners, students and locals – most of whom were in favour of expanding into Cambridge.
Patrick Gaskin, president and CEO of Cambridge Memorial Hospital, told councillors this would help patients get care easier.
“It matters when a patient needs to get to an appointment. It matters when a family member needs to visit a loved one and it matters when a nurse, technologist or personal support worker or student relies on to get to their shift on time,” he said.
Brian Kennedy from Downtown Cambridge BIA said LRT will drive economic growth and help businesses thrive.
“As a BIA, we recognize the continued support that we need to have a healthy downtown [which] requires people living and working in the downtown and LRT has been identified as a catalyst for this potential economic growth,” he said.
City councillors Scott Hamilton and Sheri Roberts from Cambridge also voiced their backing for it.
A few local councillors oppose expansion
Cambridge Ward 1 Coun. Helen Shwery shared on her Facebook page that many residents she talked with don’t want LRT here.
“Out of about 1,000 residents I spoke with, only three supported it. And I’m still hearing the same message across the city,” Shwery wrote in her letter.
She thinks taxpayers will end up paying most costs even if there’s some provincial or federal money involved.
In an interview with CBC K-W’s The Morning Edition she mentioned wanting a pause so residents can vote in a referendum before any decision on extending goes ahead.
“This LRT will not support 95 per cent or even more of the residents in Cambridge. It’s not going to get them to work, it’s not getting them to school, it’s not going to get them to the grocery stores or the recreation areas. It’s not going to service anyone,” she said.
Shwery also spoke directly at Tuesday’s committee meeting sharing her views with regional councillors.
She argued more buses would better fit future growth because they’re flexible while saying she doubts long-term investments or ridership will go up thanks to LRT.
Meanwhile City Councillor Adam Cooper told council that most people here won’t benefit much from LRT service. He pointed out traffic jams are likely during construction too.</
“I wonder when this actually comes to fruition and it’s done.. is Kitchener, Waterloo.. the region going pay Cambridge’s share for 12 years as we did you? There are lots of taxpayers wondering that,” Cooper added.
A few delegates against expansion raised concerns about how taxpayers might struggle with costs affecting affordability here.
The report noted over $5 billion worth of development happened since LRT started running through Kitchener & Waterloo – including more than 22 thousand new homes along its path between 2011-2024.
Doug Spooner acting transportation commissioner told council this money helped fund various programs throughout our region.
LRT timeline toward Cambridge arrival
The route plan got approved by regional council back in 2019; design plans followed approval next year. An environmental study wrapped up by 2021 along with provincial okay allowing LRT access into Cambridge-opening doors for funding requests at higher government levels. In 2023 council picked Ainslie Street as southern terminal spot. With approval now secured again Tuesday staff can push harder seeking full project funds provincially & federally.
Total cost estimated at $3.1 billion
Preliminary estimates peg total price tag around $3.1 billion covering construction vehicles land acquisition design management plus testing & commissioning. “Everything we need in order to implement the physical project,” explained Matthew O’Neil manager responsible for rapid transit coordination posted online via Engage Waterloo Region site. “Full LRT and BRT both would require construction of six major new bridges grade separations elevated sections.” Adjusted inflation rates put projected cost around $4.3 billion by 2033 operation/maintenance expenses expected near $23.8 million annually according Matthew O’Neil.
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