Walking along Hurontario Street, Fatima and her partner know their neighbourhood well.

But they want to know their neighbours much better.

She is among a dozen Metrolinx canvassers now moving out across communities where the Hurontario Light Rail Transit (HuLRT) is being built, as it stretches from Brampton into Mississauga. They’re gathering opinions on the construction of the system, as well as what it will mean to residents once it’s up and running.

“I am an avid user of public transportation, and I believe that this project will make the lives of residents easier when it comes to commuting” Fatima explains.

We are not using their last names, to protect their privacy and safety as they go about their work.

Fatima hopes to gain valuable insights by connecting and engaging with residents.  

Mississauga and Brampton are both very multicultural communities. The diversity of the Metrolinx community canvassers has made it easier for residents and business owners to share feedback and opinions.

Fluent in 13 different languages combined, all canvassers are multilingual. Omia, who is fluent in both Arabic and Turkish says she is excited to engage with the communities along the light rail corridor.

Enthusiastic about interacting and keeping the community informed, Bharat, another canvasser, believes interacting with the community is important, because: “it is our responsibility to keep residents informed about the project, especially those who will be impacted along the corridor.”

As they do their work, health and safety is the top priority during construction of the HuLRT project. To ensure that everyone is safe, canvassers always wear masks and maintain a distance of at least two metres (six feet).

Metrolinx understands that some residents and businesses may not feel comfortable interacting with canvassers during this time.  Canvassers will respect the wishes of those who do not want to engage in person.

And those who have question, comments, or concerns, can reach out  by calling 416-202-7500 or emailing Peel@Metrolinx.com.

While a great deal has changed as Ontario, and beyond, manages through the pandemic, there are still those making the rounds, to ensure everyone is heard as important transit projects continue to move ahead.