Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Region of Waterloo will advance 10 projects including bus stop enhancements and pedestrian and cycling safety improvements with more than $41 million in funding from all three levels of government.
A new cycling and pedestrian bridge over Highway 7/8, expansion of transit service to Conestoga College and trail construction and improvements are some of the regional projects that received federal and provincial funding last week.
In a joint announcement with regional officials, the federal government pledged $13.6 million and the province committed $11.35 million for 10 transit projects proposed by the region in March 2019. The total cost of the projects is estimated at $34 million, with the region funding $9.1 million.
Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna and provincial Infrastructure Minister Laurie Scott made the announcement on a video conferencing call.
“Investing in modern and accessible public transportation systems is essential to building healthy, inclusive and resilient communities,” McKenna said in a statement.
“Many residents in Waterloo Region rely on public transit and cycling routes to get around the region each day. The investments we are making with our partners are helping make communities more livable for families while moving forward on sustainability and fighting climate change. They will also provide jobs as we recover from the economic effects of the pandemic.”
Highlights of the projects that will proceed with the funding include:
- $9.37 million for the Conestoga College Doon Campus transit station to be expanded to include six new buses and a bus terminal, bike parking, heated shelters and new signage. More transit users will be able to access the system safely and more efficiently.
- $2.52 million for on-street transit infrastructure improvements that will increase the safety and accessibility of the transit system. 60 bus stops will be renovated with new hard surface pads and 10 new bus shelters will be built and improvements will be made to two pedestrian crossings and 10 intersections.
- $3.75 million (US$2.77 million) for the construction of several heated bus shelters and bike storage areas at the University of Waterloo bus station. These shelters will include up-to-date technology and will improve the passenger experience and accessibility to the transit system.
Local politicians called the projects “game changers for the region.”
“Investing in modern and integrated public transit systems and active transportation are essential for building healthier, low carbon communities of tomorrow,” said Member of Parliament for Waterloo Bardish Chagger. “This is a great example of how we are working with our partners to build stronger, more sustainable infrastructure that will serve communities now and in the future.”
Funded projects:
| Project Name | Federal Funding | Provincial Funding | Municipal Funding |
| Expansion of Transit Service at Conestoga College
|
$3.4 million | $2.8 million | $3.1 million |
| Highway 7/8 Cycling and Pedestrian Bridge
|
$3.8 million | $3.2 million | $2.5 million |
| Market Trail to ION Light Rail Transit
|
$1.1 million | $936,573 | $749,427 |
| Transit On-Street Infrastructure | $1 million | $842,000 | $673,751 |
| Intelligent transportation Systems (ITS) for Transit | $853,500 | $710,300 | $568,400 |
| Iron Horse Trail Improvements | $500,000 | $416,625 | $333,375 |
| University of Waterloo Transit Shelter Canopy | $1.5 million | $1.25 million | $1 million |
| Ottawa Street at Highway 7 to King Street Reconstruction | $190,000 | $158,318 | $7.1 million |
| Hespeler Road at Highway 401 Cycling Facility | $950,000 | $791,588 | $633,413 |
| Multi Use Trail – Lackner Boulevard | $305,000 | $254,141 | $223,359 |