Transit hub in Kitchener could cost $24M more than expected
The proposed transit hub in Kitchener now carries a $130 million price tag, nearly $24 million more compared to what was estimated in 2020, with work set to begin as early as this fall.
The transit hub proposed for King and Victoria Streets, was discussed at by regional councillors at a meeting Tuesday morning.
“That cost increase is fully attributed to cost escalation in the current environment because there actually has been no additional design work done on that. It is just an update based on the current situation,” said Ellen McGaghey, the regions director of facilities and fleet management.
The province has already committed to giving the region $43 million for the Phase 1 of the hub.
Regional staff said they are hoping for more help for to cover costs for Phase 2. In December, the region sent an application for the Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). The region said they are waiting to see if they were approved for additional funds.
“If approved, that would secure 73 per cent of the cost to be funded through the ICIP. The remaining 27% would need to be financed by the region,” said Craig Dyer, the region’s financial commissioner.
According to Ellen McGaghey, the region's director of facilities and fleet management, Phase 1 of the program includes work by Metrolinx and could start in the fall of 2023.
“As part of Phase 1, Metrolinx will deliver track modifications, platforms and amenities, and station underpasses,” the report to regional council reads.
In order for the work to be complete, Metrolinx would need access to regionally owned land where an unsanctioned encampment is currently located.
This could pose a problem as last month a judge ruled that the region cannot evict people from the property.
But that wasn't debated Tuesday morning.
The region only stated if they aren't able to access the property, it may result in increased costs to the project or project delays.
In 2020, the region released renderings of what the hub could look like.
The hub will include a Go Train and VIA Rail station and will also connect with the LRT, Grand River Transit buses and nearby multi-use trails.
At the Tuesday meeting, Dyer called the proposed hub a “landmark facility” in Kitchener and claimed it could lead to additional development along Victoria Street.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
The Indian couple killed in a wrong-way police chase crash on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.