Kitchener City Council calls for parties to live up to transit promises

One provincial campaign issue has caught the attention of Kitchener’s Mayor and City Council.

Last night City Council unanimously agreed to a motion urging all parties to stick with promises for two-way all-day GO train service and high speed rail.

Under the current timeline two-way all-day GO service should be realized in 2024 and the completion of high speed rail in 2025.

Kitchener’s Mayor Berry Vrbanovic says these transit projects are critical to the continued growth of the Region,

“It is probably the single biggest thing that impacts our ability to grow economically not just in Waterloo Region, but growing the Toronto Waterloo Region Corridor to its full economic potential.” Said Vrbanovic.

Vrbanovic adds that recruiting top talent to the region is a difficult task after they experience the heavily congested 401.

“If you are trying to attract talent and say to them hey there’s a great highway you can go spend five hours of your day on it, is not the best way to get someone to sign the dotted line.” Said Vrbanovic.

Vrbanovic says the hope is residents will take a close look at what each party is promising when it comes to rail transit.

“I think our collective job that this is something our local residents consider as they are deciding who they want to support.” Said Vrbanovic.