Getting Connected // Let’s Talk ION LRT

Hoping to relocate to Waterloo Region? Earlier this month we’ve shared with you our thoughts on why you should Invest in Waterloo Region. Now we’re committed to convincing you to trade in your current living situation for a city thriving in tech, innovative in infrastructure and overflowing with culture.

Today we’re going to talk about the changes in infrastructure that have happened in the past few years that have advanced the connectivity in the region and have brought us closer to the vision for a sustainable and liveable Waterloo Region.

Set to begin service in 2018, ION is a visionary plan that will shape the community for the future by bringing Light Rail Transit (LRT) to Waterloo Region in two stages. The first ride was available during the LRT open house, on Saturday, September 16.

Stage 1 is a 36-kilometre corridor that includes 19 kilometres of LRT from the Conestoga Mall transit terminal in Waterloo to the Fairview Park Mall transit terminal in Kitchener. It also features 17 kilometres of adapted Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) from the Ainslie Street transit terminal in Cambridge to the Fairview Park Mall transit terminal. Stage 2 will see BRT converted to LRT, creating a 37 kilometre route of LRT across the three urban centres.

ION will provide a frequent, reliable and convenient way to travel throughout the region. With 200,000 new residents expected to move to Waterloo Region in the next 20 years, ION will reduce traffic congestion, limit costly road expansions, limit sprawl and attract new employers. It will also protect environmentally sensitive areas of our region and safeguard our surrounding farmland.

With 16 stops, ION makes it easy for residents to travel between neighbourhoods, schools, employment areas, events and shopping districts.

Since the construction of the ION LRT, the region has seen 79 new developments with 23 of these developments being used for commercial, retail, office space or a combination of non-residential uses. Businesses view the LRT as an opportunity for growth in Waterloo Region which they want to be a part of.

Streetscape improvements are being implemented in Uptown Waterloo to include the replacement of underground infrastructure, reconstruction of the roadway to two lanes with bike lanes on King Street, wider sidewalks, landscaping, and more. There truly is something for everyone — whether you enjoy walking, biking, driving or taking city transit, they are all available to you.

Since the proposal and implementation of the LRT in 2011, there has been more than $2 billion in private developments along the 19 kilometer route from one end of Kitchener to the other end of Waterloo.

There is so much value in investing in Waterloo Region. Aside from the convenience of having a stop at your doorstep and being able to reach your destination in a short time — without the hassle of worrying about gas prices and insurance costs — the LRT system provides great connection across the region.

This city is thriving in more ways than one. What was once a small town, is now a growing community of individuals pushing for change and innovation. The LRT is just an example of how this city pushes limits and reaches for more. The city’s infrastructure has improved greatly over the past few years and will continue to see growth as more and more individuals (like you) migrate to the region.