Guelph’s Mayor will write letter to Metrolinx, endorsing region’s plan for transit

Guelph’s Mayor, Cam Guthrie, is going to send a letter to Metrolinx, endorsing the region’s plan to expand transit, which includes using an existing rail to create a corridor between Cambridge and Guelph.

Earlier in the week, Guelph councillors unanimously agreed to support the plan, even though it relies heavily on the province to fund it.

Councillors also wanted more interim GO bus service installed in the meantime until the rail line can be used as it needs significant upgrades to make it a passenger line.

The region’s Project Manager, Oriana Aguas, said that 500,000 trips will possibly be made through that line each year by 2041. They say they had over 600 touchpoints with the public about the project with over 400 people responding to online Engage WR survey.

“Overall, we found the public to be very supportive of this project and was asking us to deliver this project as fast as possible.”

Aguas added that Cambridge is one of the most underserved communities. The proposed plan includes service every 30 to 60 minutes.

Since August, regional staff have been directed to seek out support and endorsements at city councils for the transit plan.

During the council meeting, Coun. Caton mentioned that she loves the idea of creating more transit between the cities, adding that she hears a lot about people wanting to go back and forth from Cambridge and finding it impossible without a car.

Caton also asked how it benefits the health care network and if there are any studies on how it connects that network between the cities. Regional staff said that would be an economic benefit, but more work had to be done first.

Staff mentioned that the expectation is for Metrolinx to take on the costs, with Guelph getting to keep their wallet closed, at least for now.

“The initial ask is that the province fund this, and the funding is 100 per cent through the province and that’s what’s in the business case and that’s what were potentially endorsing here,” Steve Anderson, Manager, Transportation Engineering said.

Coun. O’Rourke said she was excited by the plan, showing support and mentioned that “this is an existing rail line which makes it actually possible and beneficial.”

As far as environmental assessments go, that remains unclear until they can figure out Metrolinx’s next move.

Mayor Guthrie said it was a great opportunity and partnership with the region.

“Keep us in the loop and hopefully we can see something like this come into fruition for our communities, plural.”