Kitchener LRT meeting

The City of Kitchener held a public meeting Thursday night to get input on the Region's proposed rapid transit plan. The reaction was fairly mixed with some in favour of the plan as it stands and others suggesting going back to the drawing board completely.

Derek Satnik with Community Renewable Energy Waterloo said his group would like to see an Aerorail system instead. He says, "It does everything light rail does, it does it for less than the cost of rapid bus...and it does a whole lot more."

Tim Mollison with the Tri-Cities Transport Action Group repeated his pro LRT position, saying it would be a good thing for downtown Kitchener because, "without having to widen King Street, LRT will provide the opportunity to move 25,000 people per hour in a lane that is only usually capable of moving 500 cars."

A number of LRT supporters said it would be of great benefit to the tech sector, including Desire to Learn CEO John Baker. He said not making the investment would mean,  "...companies that are trying to choose (where to) situate (1000 to 2000) employees just simply won't make the time to come to this community."

There were concerns about the current plan from some residents, including the cost. Others felt the region should have looked at more transit options.

The city has no say in the final decision on rapid transit. Regional council is the one making the decision and it has public meetings scheduled next week.