Charge Up Waterloo Region With Transit
IONize Waterloo Region envisions a complete, reliable rapid transit network that connects Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo – guiding growth, improving access, and strengthening our region. It’s time to build ION Stage 2, the full LRT extension to Cambridge, and then to keep building.
Our Vision
We envision a Waterloo Region where multiple ION lines are part of a strong transit network that anchors our urban land use and economy, with easy access for people to get across the Region. Building on the success of ION Stage 1, it’s time to deliver the promise of that network to Cambridge.
Why Build More ION?
ION Stage 1: A Proven Success
ION Stage 1 delivered strong results for Kitchener-Waterloo:
- Economic Growth: Sparked nearly $5 billion in development along the line.
- Steady Ridership: In 2023, ION LRT carried approximately 4.3 million annual rides, translating to roughly 11,780 daily boardings.
- Land Use: Since its approval in 2009, nearly 19,000 residential units were built along the corridor.
ION Stage 2: Shaping the Future of Waterloo Region
Extending the LRT to Cambridge will complete a reliable high-quality foundation for the entire Waterloo Region central transit corridor.
- Unlock Economic Opportunities for Cambridge: Like Stage 1, Stage 2 will unlock major growth along Hespeler Road and in Preston and Galt, bringing new homes, jobs, investment, and placemaking.
- Transit-Oriented Growth: As the Region gains population, ION will support more of that growth being in compact, walkable developments with easier car-free access to jobs and amenities.
- Three Cities, one ION: Cambridge’s leaders supported ION Stage 1 in part because of the promise of Stage 2. Fulfilling that promise is important for a strong Waterloo Region that sees Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo working together for a shared future.
What Could Stage 3 and Beyond Look Like?
A number of ideas have shown up in Region of Waterloo planning concepts:
- Erb-University-King Corridor: Connecting the Boardwalk, the Erb Street corridor, the university district, and King Street.
- Victoria–Highland–Queen Corridor: A central cross-town route in Kitchener.
- Ottawa Street Corridor: A cross-town route in Kitchener, connecting over a new Grand River crossing to the Regional Airport.
A growing community needs more than just one rapid transit corridor, and extending the ION line with additional higher-order lines will help guide more of the Region’s growth to be in the form of transit-oriented, walkable development, and provide a better connected overall transit network for all of us.
How Do We Expand ION?
1. In-House Project Team
Create and maintain a public transit infrastructure team responsible for managing and delivering transit projects efficiently and consistently. This enables less reliance on consultants for core project management and more cost- and schedule-effective procurement.
Building in-house capacity would help get ION stage 2 built, and we would be able to leverage the expertise to continue efficient transit expansion.
2. Build Incrementally
Secure funding for the entire route, but build in tighter increments to create momentum and iterate on project delivery. For example:
Fairway → Sportsworld
Sportsworld → Preston
Preston → Pinebush
Pinebush → Downtown Cambridge
Different segments can be delivered in smaller, more manageable contracts by multiple firms, creating opportunities for local contractors to grow their transit expertise, providing a more competitive bidding environment, and allowing more options for the Region if a contractor isn’t getting it done.
3. Keep Going
Once ION light rail reaches Downtown Cambridge, we shouldn’t stop.
With the momentum and expertise from Stage 2, Waterloo Region should continue transit expansion:
- Build more lines to maximize access.
- Extend lines and add stations on existing sections where warranted.
- Prepare for future intercity rail connections, or even build some ourselves.
Get Involved. Take Action!
IONize Waterloo Region is a TriTAG (Tri-Cities Transport Action Group) initiative to complete the ION LRT network and connect Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo with reliable, sustainable transit.
1️⃣ Stay Informed
Follow TriTAG on social media or sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on our initiatives and opportunities to make your voice heard.
2️⃣ Voice Your Support
Voice your support to future ION stages by following and completing surveys on the project on EngageWR, emailing your Regional Councillors, and showing up at public meetings.
3️⃣ Volunteer
TriTAG is always looking for passionate individuals who want to get involved with our group. Email us at volunteer@tritag.ca and tell us about your interest, skills, and availability.
