Waterloo Region has decided to look for private sector partners to build and operate the LRT, but that could cause problems with the transit union.
Regional council has voted to join with Infrastructure Ontario, a provincial agency that helps find private sector companies for public sector projects.
The idea is to consider offers from private sector companies to build and operate the $818-million light rail transit system.
The reason, according to Councillor Sean Strickland, is that the project is really outside the region's expertise.
It would also transfer any risks associated with the project to the private sector.
Councillor Jim Wideman believes an LRT system built, maintained and operated by a private company is the best deal.
"We have to be on time, we have to be on budget and we have to get it right…Profit is not a dirty word and you know the key is for me, is that what is the best deal for the taxpayer."
While it is expected to be more than a year before a final decision is made by council, concerns about the plan are already being expressed.
CAW Local 4304, the union representing Grand River Transit workers, believes a private sector operator of LRT could contravene the union's contract with the region.
President Darlene Wilson says "We do need to explore all of our options as far as this being public work, and what effect that's going to have with a private employer."
The union is reportedly seeking a legal opinion on the matter, but Wideman says the region already has a legal opinion that no contract with the CAW would be violated.
He also says no existing employees will be impacted.
Meanwhile, Tim Mollison of the Tri-Cities Transportation Action Group says citizens should also be concerned.
"The private sector lobbyists have to be crawling over council at this point to get a piece of this operating contract."
The public transit advocate says LRT should remain a public sector project and private operators should not reap the benefits of the project.
Wideman says council hasn't heard from a single lobbyist.
