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
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
Fluid in eye cells can 'boil' if you watch the eclipse without protection: expert
Millions of people in parts of Eastern and Atlantic Canada will be able to see the rare solar eclipse happening on April 8. But they should only look up if they have proper eye protection, experts say.
Ontario urges mpox testing amid spike in cases
Ontario health officials are urging public health units to test for mpox, the viral disease formerly known as monkeypox, amid a spike of confirmed cases in the province.
NEW More unauthorized products for skin, sexual enhancement, recalled: Here are the recalls of this week
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various items this week, including torches, beef biltong and unauthorized products related to skin care and sexual enhancement.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Do these exercises for core strength if you can't stomach doing planks
Planks are one of the most effective exercises for strengthening your midsection, as they target all of your major core muscles: the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, external obliques and internal obliques. Yet despite the popularity of various 10-minute plank challenges, planking is actually one of the most dreaded core exercises, according to many fitness experts.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
'Don't expect any deals:' Expert says stores may not offer steep discounts on post-Easter chocolate
Those looking to snap up cheap treats at their local grocery store next week following the Easter long weekend could be in for a bit of a surprise as the rising cost of cocoa continues to drive up the price of chocolate, one expert says.