Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
The Region of Waterloo has started laying the groundwork to bring GO rail service to Cambridge.
Staff in the region are putting together a first business case aimed at linking Cambridge with Union Station through Guelph on the Kitchener line.
This effort follows a 2021 study done by the region that looked into whether it would make more sense to connect Cambridge via Guelph or Milton.
“The connection from Cambridge via Guelph to Union is faster and there’s been so many upgrades to that line that there’s going to be more capacity than if we were to connect Cambridge through Milton,” Paula Sawicki, manager of transportation planning for the region told Cambridge Chronicle.
Sawicki mentioned the plan includes building a GO station in the Pinebush area that would link up smoothly with ION transit for easy transfers.
“We’re trying to allow for transportation solutions that will let people live with out an automobile,” she said, adding the station would also help bring more housing and development to the area.
You can share your thoughts on this at Engage Region of Waterloo’s website – your feedback will help staff prepare their initial business case for Metrolinx.
“It gives more support that we can [bring] to the province of Ontario and Metrolinx. That the people of Cambridge really want this service,” she said.
Sawicki also noted there will be several public meetings coming up, including an online session on March 19, an in-person meeting in Guelph on March 21, and another face-to-face event at Cambridge City Hall on March 20.
Regional staff are working on creating the initial business case to connect Cambridge to Union Station through Guelph via the Kitchener line. The goal would be to have the station in the Pinebush area. (Engage Region of Waterloo)
Station Offers More Transit Choices
Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett says she’s glad things are moving ahead with this project. She thinks having this station will better connect students attending universities and boost job opportunities between these cities and Toronto.
“It’ll increase the employment pool, which is a great asset and will allow for greater mobility between the tax payers that work between all three of our communities,” she told Cambridge Chronicle in an interview.
“It’s really a sharing infrastructure provincially, which is where we need to go.”
She added that this project helps expand transport options within Cambridge too.
“Cambridge tax payers have paid, since 2011, $62.1 million to fund the LRT and GRT network from design to operation and maintenance,” she said.
“I think we’re finally getting something from the money we have paid into the LRT and GRT.”
Source link
