FAQs

The Region of Waterloo is developing an Initial Business Case to explore passenger rail service between Cambridge and Guelph, and connect to Union Station via the Kitchener GO Line. 

Providing efficient, well designed transit service for Cambridge residents to get on the GO has been a long-standing priority for the Region and City of Cambridge. This builds on a previous study completed in 2021 which also included a review and comparison of service between Cambridge and Guelph, Cambridge and Milton (Cambridge to Union GO Rail Feasibility Study Phase 2 Report, 2021). The outcome of the 2021 study indicated that a connection to Guelph was the preferred option.

The current work expands on the 2021 study, applying the Metrolinx Business Case methodology to include the requirements of an Initial Business Case and develop conceptual designs for the integration of the service at a potential future ION Pinebush station at Hespeler Road, and at the Guelph Central Station in Downtown Guelph. The service would run on the current CN-owned and operated Fergus subdivision, which is currently in service for freight transportation. 

The study aligns with several priorities in the Region’s Strategic Plan (2023-2027), including:

• Homes for All
  1. Move quickly to create affordable, accessible, and equitable housing
• Equitable Services and Opportunities
  1. Ensure services are inclusive, accessible, culturally safe and appropriate
  2. Design equitable Regional services that meet local community needs
  3. Explore new models of service through community collaboration and partnerships
• Climate Aligned Growth
  1. Use a climate adaptation lens to re-imagine infrastructure, land and services for growth
  2. Foster car alternative options through complete streets and extended alternative transportation networks
• Resilient and Future Ready Organization
  1. Explore new service models and partnerships to achieve fiscal resilience and better service

This study is being directed by a project team consisting of staff from the Region of Waterloo. A consulting team led by Hatch in conjunction with Dillon Consulting Limited has been retained by the Region to assist with the project.

The study is being done to meet the requirements of the Metrolinx Initial Business Case framework, in addition to conceptual designs and visualizations of how the service would be integrated at stations in Cambridge and Guelph. The Metrolinx guidance is being followed to set up future stages of the project to be done by or in conjunction with Metrolinx. 

Members of the public, business owners, and other stakeholders are invited to review the key elements of the Initial Business Case for the proposed service and explore the visualizations that conceptually show how the service could be integrated in Cambridge and Guelph, and provide feedback through an online form on how well the proposed service would meet their needs.

The public can forward their comments via the online form at www.engagewr.ca/cambridge-to-union-passenger-rail. All comments received will be considered along with other information received over the course of the study to assist the project team in completing the planning of this project.

A total of five options for the service to connect Cambridge to Guelph are being considered, as follows:

• Business as Usual: No service between Cambridge and Guelph
• Option 1A: Single track, with a frequency of 1 train every 60 minutes, and track upgrades to allow an average trip time of 16 minutes.
• Option 1B: Single track, with a frequency of 1.5 trains every 60 minutes, and track upgrades to allow an average trip time of 15 minutes.
• Option 2A: Single track with siding allowing for two trains to pass each other, with a frequency of 2 trains every 60 minutes, and track upgrades to allow an average trip time of 17 minutes.
• Option 2B: Single track with siding allowing for two trains to pass each other, with a frequency of 2 trains every 60 minutes, and better track upgrades over Option 2A. This allows for an average trip time of under 17 minutes, a smoother journey, and more opportunities to improve speeds over time.

A connection between Cambridge and Milton was explored during earlier studies (2014 and 2021). The 2021 Study highlighted that in comparison to a Guelph connection, the investment required to establish a Milton connection would be more costly and offer a longer overall travel time to Union Station.

There will likely be impacts to adjacent properties as well as further assessment needed on impacts to heritage resources and the natural environment, which would be considered through future stages of work including an Environmental Assessment. 

The Initial Business Case provides a high-level estimate of the project lifecycle costs, on a 60-year timeline. 

The estimated project capital costs range between $440M–$550M (net present value, $ 2023); while operating and maintenance costs range from $100M–$150M (net present value, $ 2023). It is expected that annual operating and maintenance costs will be recovered by annual fare revenue from this proposed service. 

It is anticipated that these costs will be further refined as the project advances. 

Engagement with Metrolinx, the Region of Waterloo, City of Guelph, and CN Rail, is on-going to determine a strategy for implementation and operation following the completion of the Region’s Initial Business Case. 

The project report is anticipated to be ready for public review in spring 2024, after which the Region will be coordinating with Metrolinx and other regional partners on next steps. These next steps would include a more detailed project review, design of the service and infrastructure, and engagement with the community over a multi-year process.