Feds announce $752M for Toronto-Waterloo GO line
Money will go towards new track, parking and station upgrades
The federal government has announced more than $752 million for infrastructure upgrades to the GO line between Kitchener and Toronto.
Kitchener Centre MP Raj Saini made the announcement of $752,652,500 in funding Friday morning at the Region of Waterloo's administration offices in Kitchener.
"It's only one phase but this is an essential step to make sure that going forward we get two-way-all-day GO," said Saini.
Here's how the federal money will be spent:
- Allow for approximately 40.2 km of new track and grading between Mount Pleasant Station and Union Station along the Kitchener GO line.
- Twinning tracks to allow freight and passenger trains access.
- Train layover facilities.
- Parking layovers along the 401 near Brampton and Torbram Road.
- Bridge and station modifications.
Larger announcement
The funding was part of a larger federal announcement of $1.8 billion for the GO Transit Regional Express Rail project in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area.
Friday's announcement is one of 312 projects announced by the federal government under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF).
Kitchener Centre MPP Daiene Vernile said federal funding of the costly project is great news for rail users in Waterloo Region.
"The province has so far been planning and paying for this and we're glad to see the feds are putting some skin in the game," said Vernile.
Regional Chair Ken Seiling said the investment is the latest piece of the puzzle, but an important piece in this project to achieving all-day, two-way GO service.
"It is a strategic investment that recognizes the importance of the Toronto-Waterloo region innovation corridor to the Canadian economy," Seiling said.
Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic – who has appeared with Toronto Mayor John Tory at several events including a trip to California to tout the Toronto-Waterloo region innovation corridor – said the funding will help "move people efficiently, drives economic growth and builds a more sustainable environment."
"To see the federal government come to the table in such a significant way on the Kitchener line shows the commitment I believe in both the province and the feds to serve the needs of the Toronto-Waterloo Region innovation corridor," said Vrbanovic.