How did we get here?
Posted Jun 15, 2011 06:49:16 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It will be a vote like no other at a special meeting of Regional Council tonight. It’s a decision with an unprecedented level of historical impact that will determine the future of the urban landscape in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge for many decades to come.
Tonight, Regional Council will vote on the contentious rapid transit project.
There have been other significant decisions made over the years by local government including changing the name “Berlin” to Kitchener 95 year ago, building the expressway in the late 1960’s, and even the decision to form the Region of Waterloo itself, nearly 40 years ago.
Tonight’s vote however; stands alone. It’s a vote on the largest public works project ever undertaken in the Region.
Of note, 11 of 16 regional councillors are eligible to vote and while the outcome of the vote is not a certainty, four councillors have already said they will vote yes. Two more yes votes are required for the project to pass and with two councillors saying they will vote no, that leaves the decision – effectively – in the hands of five councillors who have yet to tip their hand.
We will finally find out tonight in a vote expected to begin shortly after 8:00.
At stake and hanging in the balance – a light rail line running from Conestoga mall to Fairview Mall and rapid buses from Fairview to the Ainslie Street Terminal in Cambridge at an estimated cost of $818-million dollars.
The project is not without its critics, but with the goal of reducing traffic congestion and attracting commercial and residential development along the proposed stations, it also has a sizeable contingent of supporters who believe the project is vital to the future of Waterloo Region.
Follow this link to our Rapid Transit “Hot Topic” page for a look back at the last 12 months of decisions, arguments, proposals and storylines that have led up to tonight’s vote.
Join 570News tonight at 8:00 for live coverage of the vote, hosted by Jeff Allan.
