Metrolinx gets closer to 2-way, all-day GO service by expropriating land in Halton Hills

A parcel of land just west of Mount Pleasant GO in Halton Hills located along the Kitchener GO line can be expropriated by Metrolinx, the Ontario Land Tribunal has ruled. It's another step forward in bringing two-way, all-day GO train service between Kitchener and Toronto.

Ontario Land Tribunal agreed to allow expropriation in early June

Aastha Shetty · CBC News · Posted: Jul 22, 2024 11:03 AM EDT | Last Updated: July 22

The GO train sits with its doors open for passengers at the Kitchener, Ont., station on Friday, June 16, 2023. — The Ontario Land Tribunal has ruled Metrolinx can expropriate land near the Mount Pleasant GO train station which will help with projects to make two-way, all-day GO service a reality. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)

Metrolinx has the green light to expropriate land in the Halton Hills area to build new tracks and a flyover, bringing two-way all-day GO service between Waterloo region and Toronto closer to a reality.

The parcel of land is in Halton Hills, just west of Mount Pleasant GO, and it's located along the Kitchener GO train line. Metrolinx wants to build a flyover, two new tracks and relocate existing CN Rail tracks to make it easier to get more trains along the Kitchener line.

In an emailed statement, Metrolinx said it is working on an agreement with CN Rail for the expansion of rail lines between Bramalea GO and Georgetown GO. Metrolinx says the agreement will help enable two-way, all day service from Union Station to Kitchener.

The Ontario Land Tribunal agreed to the land expropriation in early June. The transportation agency says it is still in the process of acquiring the parcel of land in Halton Hills to begin the next phase of construction.

Advocacy group demands more transparency

Haadhi Faizal, founder of More Transit Southern Ontario, says he's pleased with the progress, but would like to see more transparency from the province and Metrolinx.

"There is a lot of work happening toward this project but it's not advertised and it's not really public," Faizal said, adding that he only found out about the purpose of the land expropriation when he came across court documents detailing the dispute between Metrolinx and the land's previous owner.

"But this happened in June and there was no public announcement, which is odd since Kitchener-Waterloo residents are always wondering, why don't we have weekend trains? Why don't we have regular service?"

Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife calls on province for clear timeline for 2-way, all-day GO trains

He said the land expropriation is a big step toward bringing two-way, all-day GO trains to Waterloo region.

"This is something that's been important for Kitchener-Waterloo residents for decades, just having a frequent rail connection to Toronto. Seeing this news, it's confirmation that this is actually happening," he said.

In a statement to CBC News, the Region of Waterloo says it will continue to advocate for two-way, all-day GO train service.

"Expanding transit options is critical to being one-million ready," the region's emailed statement said. "As we grow, investing in and continuing to build a connected transportation network is critical."