Canada, Ontario invest in 10 Waterloo transit projects

Canadian and Ontario government officials last week announced funding for 10 public transit transportation projects in Waterloo, including some related to its light-rail system.

Rail projects include installation of 39 digital information display systems, 36 mobile payment validation machines and 25 point-of-sale units across Grand River Transit’s ION light-rail system. 

Several projects also involve construction of new and expanded pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, including a new 1-mile trail connecting to ION. The trail will include three grade crossing improvements.

Better connected trails, bridges, and pathways will make it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to commute to their destinations or to directly access public transit, Infrastructure Canada officials said in a press release.

The Canadian government is investing more than CA$13 million in the projects through the public transit infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Ontario government is providing more than CA$11 million, while the Waterloo regional government is contributing more than CA$17 million.