Stage 2 ION project could take couple of years to begin: regional staff
Posted Aug 14, 2025 06:59:42 AM.
Last Updated Aug 14, 2025 04:05:31 PM.
Anyone waiting for the ION to roll into Cambridge will have to wait a little longer.
Regional staff say a full business case for the Stage 2 ION expansion into Cambridge could take up to two and a half years to complete. An initial business case is being formed this year, intended to help guide decisions on the length of the route and the types of vehicles that will be used.
The future plans of expanding rapid transit into Cambridge were released by the region on Tuesday at the Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Development Committee.
Regional Councillor Pam Wolf expressed her frustration during that meeting, as she said that council has already voted on the expansion for the LRT several times.
“I really don’t understand why after we all say yes, for the third or fourth time, that we have to wait two years to get the I’s and T’s crossed and then ask for the money,” said Wolf.
Doug Spooner, the director of Transportation for the region, said when it comes to the funding that their “ask is in,” adding that staff are working with the provincial government on their application to the federal government for the Canadian Permanent Transit Fund. He said they will confirm in November that they will update their application with their choice and funding estimates.
“In two to two and a half years, sometime in 2028, we would issue the procurement documents and start into the project,” said Spooner. “Would it be groundbreaking in 2028? I don’t know. But we would be ready to issue that tender and bring in a partner.”
Five options were presented to councillors on what the expansion could like like:
- Full LRT from Fairway Station in Kitchener to Downtown Cambridge
- Partial LRT: Fairway Station in Kitchener to Pinebush Station
- Partial LRT: Fairway Station in Kitchener to Delta Station
- Partial LRT: Preston Station to Downtown Cambridge
- BRT service: no LRT at all, and would consist of high frequency buses from Fairway Station to Downtown Cambridge
Public consultation on the expansion begins on Thursday and goes until October.
Staff will report back in September with preliminary results from the feedback and then again in November, where council will make a final decision.
A full list of public feedback locations, days and times can be found here.
