A lot of big words get thrown around in the world of transit planning.

Whether it’s environmental assessment or Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) – it can be hard to make heads or tails of how these things work. That’s exactly why Metrolinx is hosting a series of online information sessions.

It may seem dry and just part of the process – but the latest round of open house meetings are a very important step in the right direction.

Where are things at right now?

Right now, an environmental assessment is underway to study electrification of the rail corridor between Halton Hills and Kitchener. For the second round of public meetings on this study, Metrolinx is launching a virtual open house to share updated information and seek feedback from the community.

It’s important to note that Metrolinx is committed to two-way, all day service on the Kitchener line. It is a key priority of our GO expansion program. An important part of the process is to gather community feedback at every step of the way, to make sure we’re moving through this in a way that considers the community and surrounding environment.

What to expect from the open house sessions?

The three week-long virtual open house will share details about the infrastructure required to support electrification of this portion of the Kitchener Line.

Anyone is welcome to log on at their convenience during that period and review materials in the form of pre-recorded PowerPoint presentations, and other self-serve information resources.

The materials will go over the associated environmental/technical studies required for the expansion program and the material will be open to the public for review and feedback as of this afternoon (July 22) until August 28.

Topics will include:

• Proposed project infrastructure;
• Proposed locations of traction power facilities;
• Overview of technical and environmental studies;
• Preliminary impact assessment results and mitigation; and
• Next Steps.

Online registration is available now and those who register will be notified when the meeting goes live. You can find that webpage here.

A notice about the virtual open houses was mailed out to residents along the Kitchener GO Corridor, to view the notice – click here.