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Stage 2 ION light rail one step closer in Waterloo Region
Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo is closer to connecting to Stage 2 ION light rail – the connection to Cambridge.
The Transit Project Assessment for ION is approved by the Province, marking the most important milestone in the project to date. This means that the Region of Waterloo can now begin the process of seeking funding from provincial and federal partners to advance the project towards construction.
“We’re thrilled to be able to proceed with delivering Stage 2 of ION light rail transit to residents in Waterloo Region,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “Stage 1 has been an incredible success getting people to where they need to go in a fast, reliable and affordable way. We’re committed to providing this much-needed service to community members in Cambridge.”
Stage 2 ION will complete the tri-city connection, linking Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge through 18 kilometers of light rail and eight stations ending at the future light rail station in downtown Cambridge.
Stage 1 ION LRT opened to the public exactly two years ago on June 21, 2019. Since then, millions of rides have taken place along 19 kilometers of light rail and 19 stations between Conestoga Station in Waterloo to Fairway Station in Kitchener.
“The City of Cambridge is excited about this milestone that brings us closer to seeing rapid transit in our community,” said Kathryn McGarry, Mayor of Cambridge. “ION will give Cambridge residents a convenient and sustainable alternative to travelling by car and move people seamlessly not only between the other two urban centres, but to the many businesses and amenities within our own community. When finished, ION will help create an even more connected and inclusive Waterloo Region.”
By 2051, Waterloo Region’s population is expected to reach more than 900,000 residents.
Along with providing a safe mode of transportation for our growing community, light rail has also fostered local economic development, with more than three and a half-billion dollars in investment in the central transit corridor.
”Stage 1 saw clear economic benefits and investment along the ION corridor,” said Greg Durocher, President and CEO of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. “We’re excited to be one step closer to seeing these same economic benefits in Cambridge.”
“We’re creating a world-class community that’s sustainable, inclusive and positioned for the future,” added Chair Redman. “Stage 2 of light rail transit will continue to make Waterloo Region the ideal place to live, work and play.”
