KITCHENER-WATERLOO — VIA Rail Canada officially opened Kitchener-Waterloos renovated train station on May 10, marking the completion of a $350,000 project started last October to modernize facilities for the growing number of passengers using the station.
On hand at a news conference marking the event were VIA Rail’s Regional Director Pierre Santoni, Kitchener-Waterloo MP Andrew Telegdi, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, as well as Kitchener Centre MP Karen Redman. Part of VIAs Renaissance program and a $402 million federal investment in passenger rail, the improvements reflect VIAs long-term commitment to bring more services, better equipment and faster trains to Southwestern Ontario.
Mr. Telegdi noted recent Census data showing that “the Kitchener-Waterloo region is becoming a vibrant centre in the Golden Horseshoe – the dynamic, growing urban corridor stretching out from Toronto that is now home to almost a quarter of Canada’s total population.”
“Good rail service is vital to the people who live and work here, and it is a catalyst for future growth,” Mr. Collenette said. “The government of Canada is committed to providing just that – a modern passenger rail service that is safe, efficient, and growing to meet the needs of Canadians.”
“Whether they are travelling for pleasure or business, the train provides an invaluable way for people to stay connected to communities throughout Southwestern Ontario, and beyond. It expands our opportunities for travelling to and from work, it attracts more people into our own community, and it adds one more asset to attract new business and industry,” added Ms Redman.
Renovations and upgrades to the station include new ticket counters, an expanded and renovated waiting room, improved access for people with disabilities, and improvements to the parking lot and platform.
“This renovated station will make passenger rail a more effective and more attractive option for travellers coming into Kitchener-Waterloo and for the people who travel in and out of this community every day,” Ms Redman said.
Pierre Santoni, VIA’s Regional Director for Southwestern Ontario, said “the renovations restore the heritage character of this important station, while providing a modern, more comfortable and convenient facility for passengers. We expect the number of people boarding our trains at Kitchener-Waterloo to keep growing, and we are committed to providing them with the best service possible.”
Responding to increased demand, VIA added a new mid-morning train out of Kitchener-Waterloo for Toronto last October, with return service in the evening. The new train service includes stops at Guelph, Georgetown and Brampton.
Waterloo Region Chair Ken Seiling welcomed VIA’s commitment: “Good transportation links are important to any community, but they are especially vital for Waterloo Region. The refurbished Kitchener-Waterloo station and the additional service to and from Toronto support our efforts locally to lure people out of their cars and onto public transportation,” said Mr. Seiling. “The VIA improvements compliment the integrated public transportation network we are building in this Region.”
VIA Rail is Canada’s national passenger rail service. With more than a decade of sustained passenger and revenue growth across the country, and a capital investment of $402 million from the federal government, VIA’s Renaissance program includes purchasing new equipment, upgrading existing equipment, improving the rail infrastructure, and modernizing and upgrading passenger stations and facilities. VIA is investing over $20 million in its Southwestern Ontario operations, including the renovations to the Kitchener-Waterloo passenger station.