Ontario’s Stage 2 ION Light Rail Project Advances
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive EditorThe Region of Waterloo (Ontario) is another step closer to extending ION light rail transit (LRT) to downtown Cambridge.
The Province has approved a Transit Project Assessment, which will allow the Region of Waterloo to begin seeking funding from provincial and federal partners to advance the project toward construction.
Stage 2 ION will complete the tri-city connection of Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge, adding 11.2 miles (18 kilometers) of light rail plus eight stations (see map below).
“We’re thrilled to be able to proceed with delivering Stage 2 of ION light rail transit to residents in the 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.”
“The City of Cambridge is excited about this milestone that brings us closer to seeing rapid transit in our community,” Mayor of Cambridge Kathryn McGarry said. “ION will give Cambridge residents a convenient and sustainable alternative to traveling by car and move people seamlessly not only between the other two urban centers, 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.”
