Waterloo Regional Council has voted seven to three against a motion by Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran that proposed a referendum on rapid transit.
The motion had called on regional staff to develop a question or questions to be voted on by the public.
Critics of the idea believed Halloran was shying away from making the type of decision she was elected to make, and that citizens have had enough time to get informed and provide their input.
Meanwhile those in favour believed a referendum would give residents more of a say on the massive project.
In the end, it appears the critics won, and councillors themselves will have to decide on whether or not to move forward with the project.
Halloran says "Obviously I'm disappointed because I thought it was very important that we go back out to our community, who we're hearing loud and clear from, that they want to have a voice in this discussion."
She adds that the public made it clear to her during the election campaign that they were opposed to the preferred option that councillors must now vote on.
Four councillors have already declared a conflict of interest on the transit issue, leaving only 12 to vote on the final plan. That vote is expected on June 15.
Meanwhile there is also another opportunity for public input at a meeting Wednesday evening, with delegates hoping to sway the vote.
On Tuesday, dozens of people turned out for a public input meeting, sharing their opinions about the planned rapid transit system, both for and against.
