Governments announce $41 million for Waterloo transit projects
Ten public transit and active transportation projects in Waterloo Region have received more than $41 million in combined funding from the federal, provincial and local governments.
Representatives and elected officials from the various levels of government made the funding announcement on June 16. Under the arrangement, the federal government has committed more than $13 million to the projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Ontario will contribute more than $11 million, and the Region of Waterloo more than $17 million.
“Investing in modern and accessible public transportation systems is essential to building healthy, inclusive, and resilient communities,” said federal communities and infrastructure minister Catherine McKenna. “Many residents in Waterloo Region rely on public transit and cycling routes to get around the region each day. The investments we are making with our partners are helping make communities more liveable for families while moving forward on sustainability and fighting climate change. They will also provide jobs as we recover from the economic effects of the pandemic.”
Projects funded under the announcement include:
- the expansion of the Conestoga College Doon Campus transit station to include six new buses and a bus terminal, bike parking, heated shelters and new signage,
- construction of a pedestrian and cycling bridge at Highway 7/8,
- construction of a 1.7 km shared-use active transportation trail to ION Light Rail Transit that will include new bike racks, improvements at three road crossings, and the installation of new LED lighting,
- renovations to 60 bus stops, construction of 10 bus shelters, and improvements to two pedestrian crossings and 10 intersections,
- the expansion of Iron Horse Trail to include 5 km of new pedestrian walkways and bike lanes,
- construction of several heated bus shelters and bike storage areas at the University of Waterloo bus station,
- construction of 1.7 km of bike lanes on Ottawa Street from King Street to Highway 7,
- construction of a cycling facility at Hespeler Road from the eastbound ramp to Highway 401 to the westbound ramp,
- construction of a 1.9 km multi-use trail along Lackner Boulevard to connect two public transit stops and improve connectivity to the public transit system.
“The Region of Waterloo acknowledges the crucial partnerships with senior levels of government,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “The collaboration and cost sharing at the federal provincial and municipal levels for these active transportation infrastructure projects will benefit pedestrians, cyclists and those who use public transit. This announcement recognizes our local priorities and enables our community to move towards by addressing the needs of our growing region while helping us reach our goal of lowering carbon emissions and taking action on climate change.”
Infrastructure Canada has promised this announcement is the first of a series that it will make about investments in Ontario communities in the weeks ahead.