Citizens for Cambridge

Why We Support ION Phase II

Citizens for Cambridge believes ION Phase II will be transformational for Cambridge and its connection to the rest of Waterloo Region. The LRT will create opportunity for Equitable Transit-Oriented Development—enabling walkable, sustainable neighbourhoods around transit stops while improving access to accessible, inclusive transit, housing, jobs, and essential services.

Importantly, the Region of Waterloo is pursuing funding from higher levels of government—not from Cambridge taxpayers—to bring this critical infrastructure to our city. To help residents better understand the significance and benefits of ION Phase II, we’ve provided a series of questions and answers below.

Funding and Costs

Will ION Phase II mean higher taxes for Cambridge residents?
No. The Region of Waterloo is preparing a strong business case to secure full funding for ION Phase II from the federal and provincial governments, following the model used successfully in Mississauga and Hamilton. While funding decisions ultimately rest with higher levels of government, the Region is not planning to use additional local taxes for capital costs.

Are Cambridge taxpayers required to fund a portion of ION Stage II?
No. The Region is seeking 100% of the capital funding for Stage II from the provincial and federal governments. Once the business case is complete and adopted, the Region will formally submit funding requests to both levels of government. While final approvals are not guaranteed, if Cambridge does not secure this investment, those funds may support projects in other communities—leaving Cambridge at risk of falling behind economically.

Has Cambridge already contributed financially to ION Phase I?
Yes. Since 2011, Cambridge residents have contributed over $60 million towards ION Phase I, yet the benefits, including billions in new investments, have primarily gone to Kitchener and Waterloo. Cambridge is now due to receive similar economic benefits.

How does the Canada Public Transit Fund benefit Cambridge’s LRT extension?
The Canada Public Transit Fund provides stable, long-term financial backing ($3 billion annually) essential for expanding transit infrastructure like Cambridge's LRT. Immediate access to initial funds ($20 million) helps accelerate planning and ensures the project moves swiftly toward completion.

Are there concerns about the stability of federal transit funding?
Yes, there are concerns regarding political shifts potentially affecting funding longevity. However, immediate funding availability allows Waterloo Region to rapidly advance planning, increasing the likelihood of sustained financial support.

Economic and Community Benefits

Has the LRT been successful in Kitchener and Waterloo?
Yes. The LRT has attracted billions in investment, created new housing, increased tax revenues, and fostered sustainable development. Cambridge contributed funding for this success and now stands to gain similar benefits.

Does LRT offer benefits beyond transportation?
Yes. The LRT significantly boosts local economies, attracting billions in investment, revitalizing urban cores, creating housing, parks, schools, and community spaces. Its impact goes far beyond simply improving transit efficiency.

Will Cambridge fall behind without LRT investment?
Yes. Without investing in the LRT, Cambridge risks losing opportunities in infrastructure funding, job creation, and housing. Cities investing in modern transit systems attract more growth, investment, and sustainable development.

How significant is the economic return from investing in LRT in Cambridge?
The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce estimates a $5-$10 billion economic return along Hespeler Road alone from investing in LRT. This substantial return significantly outweighs initial project costs, clearly demonstrating long-term financial benefits.

Does LRT construction negatively impact businesses and residents long-term?
No. While construction is disruptive, the long-term economic and social benefits greatly outweigh short-term inconveniences. Businesses and residents in Kitchener-Waterloo now enjoy significant economic growth and improved quality of life due to LRT.

Planning and Project Priority

Why was Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) rejected for Cambridge?
BRT was rejected because it lacked sufficient capacity to handle future ridership growth and offered limited potential for economic intensification. LRT was chosen for its higher capacity and ability to drive significant economic and urban development.

Is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) still considered a realistic alternative to LRT in Cambridge?
No. Although BRT remains an option presented for funding purposes, the Region consistently prefers LRT because of its proven ability to spur significant economic development and accommodate higher future ridership growth.

How can Cambridge secure funding for ION Phase II?
Securing funding requires uniting local MPs, MPPs, regional politicians, and community leaders in advocating for provincial and federal funds, similar to Hamilton’s recent successful $3.4 billion LRT funding.

Is the ION Phase II just a Cambridge-specific project?
No. Strategically, ION Phase II is a Region of Waterloo project, serving all 680,000 regional residents. Growth projections are in excess of 1,000,000 regional residents. Emphasizing its regional significance is crucial to gaining support and funding from upper-level governments.

Why is now the right time for Cambridge to embrace LRT?
Current political alignment between federal and provincial leaders prioritizes infrastructure projects for economic growth. Any delay risks missing out on available funding and economic benefits that other cities will otherwise capture.

Downtown Revitalization and Community Growth

How will the LRT impact development in downtown Cambridge?
Several approved developments near Cambridge’s downtown core have been stalled for years, due in part to uncertainty around transit. The LRT will act as a catalyst to move these projects forward, transforming vacant or underused areas into vibrant, livable communities.

Why is foot traffic important for downtown businesses?
A vibrant downtown core depends on a critical mass of residents and visitors to support local businesses, restaurants, and cultural spaces. Intensification—adding more housing and mixed-use development—brings the necessary foot traffic that makes these businesses viable and keeps the area active and economically healthy.

Will the LRT help unify Cambridge with the rest of Waterloo Region?
Yes. The LRT will connect Cambridge’s downtown with other parts of the city and the wider Waterloo Region. It strengthens regional integration, improving access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and cultural amenities for everyone.

What role does the LRT play in boosting tourism and the local economy?
A connected, accessible downtown encourages tourism by making it easier to visit shops, events, and historical attractions. Increased visitation and spending will invigorate the local economy and create new job opportunities.

Can the LRT help reduce property taxes in the long term?
Yes. New developments along the LRT route will increase municipal tax revenue without the need for new infrastructure. This added revenue on already serviced land can help ease the overall property tax burden.

How does the LRT support walkable, sustainable neighbourhoods?
By encouraging transit-oriented development, the LRT reduces car dependency, supports walkable urban design, and helps limit urban sprawl. This improves quality of life while advancing environmental sustainability goals.

Addressing Criticism and Concerns

Why do critics oppose LRT expansion?
Criticism often stems from misconceptions about tax increases and fear of change. Opponents overlook clear evidence of economic and environmental benefits, risking Cambridge's chance at sustainable growth and improved quality of life.

What happens to transit funding if Cambridge rejects LRT?
Funds intended for Cambridge's LRT would instead flow to other municipalities. Rejecting the project means losing critical investments and economic benefits that will significantly enhance Cambridge's future growth and sustainability.

Accessibility and Equity

Why is the current bus system challenging for people with disabilities in Cambridge?
Cambridge buses often have inaccessible or unsafe stops, uneven sidewalks, poor ramps, and inadequate shelters or seating. Mobility Plus users face unpredictable service and long waits, creating daily stress and barriers to independence.

How does LRT Stage 2 improve accessibility over buses?
LRT Stage 2 incorporates universal design, offering level boarding, wide doors, clear visual and audio announcements, and comfortable seating. This seamless accessibility reduces barriers, making travel safer and more dignified for all riders.

Will LRT Stage 2 benefit residents beyond those with disabilities?
Yes. LRT’s accessible design benefits everyone, including seniors, parents with strollers, shoppers with carts, and anyone needing a smoother, less physically demanding ride. Faster boarding and fewer delays also improve efficiency for all users.

Is LRT more reliable than buses for transit-dependent users?
Yes. LRT’s dedicated tracks ensure greater reliability compared to buses affected by traffic and mechanical issues. Reliable transit is essential for residents depending on public transport for medical appointments, work, school, and daily activities.

Has LRT Stage 1 improved accessibility in Kitchener and Waterloo?
Yes. LRT Stage 1 significantly reduced transportation barriers, allowing greater independence and mobility for residents with disabilities. Extending the LRT to Cambridge will bring these same benefits, enabling fuller community participation.

What accessibility features specifically help parents and caregivers on the LRT?
LRT includes wide doors, smooth level boarding, spacious interiors, and comfortable seating, significantly improving convenience for parents with strollers, caregivers, and anyone traveling with shopping carts or bulky items.

Environmental Sustainability

How does LRT reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to buses or cars?
LRT systems run on electricity and emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases per passenger-kilometre than diesel buses or private vehicles. By shifting daily trips from cars to electric rail, LRT helps meet climate targets and improve air quality in urban corridors.

How does the LRT support Cambridge’s and Waterloo Region’s climate and sustainability goals?
LRT reduces car dependence, decreases emissions, and supports higher-density, transit-oriented development. It aligns with important goals to reduce sprawl, improve air quality, and build a more resilient, climate-friendly future.

What is the long-term climate benefit of building LRT now?
LRT locks in low-carbon transportation infrastructure for decades. When paired with transit-oriented development, it enables sustained reductions in emissions and car use—outcomes that compound over time and are critical to meeting climate deadlines.

Does LRT encourage more sustainable land use patterns?
Yes. LRT corridors attract compact, high-density, mixed-use development. This curbs suburban sprawl, preserves farmland and green space, and creates more walkable communities—all essential for environmental and financial sustainability.

Why invest in ION instead of road infrastructure?
ION promotes sustainable, transit-oriented growth. Road expansion encourages sprawl and car dependency, while LRT provides affordable, efficient, low-emission transportation that supports environmental and equity goals.

How does LRT contribute to energy efficiency in public transportation?
LRT is more energy efficient than buses or cars, especially at scale. LRT vehicles move more people using less energy, often with regenerative braking and increasingly green electricity sources, making them ideal for long-term sustainability.

How does LRT support active transportation like walking and cycling?
LRT stations act as hubs for walking and cycling, often connected to trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes. This integration promotes multimodal trips, reducing car reliance for short distances and encouraging healthier lifestyles. As more people live and work near transit, the resulting critical mass increases the use and success of active transportation infrastructure, making these investments more impactful and sustainable.

Can the LRT help reduce noise and air pollution in Cambridge?
Yes. LRT vehicles are electric and quiet, reducing noise pollution. Less car traffic and fewer diesel buses lead to cleaner air, benefiting residents’ health, especially in dense urban areas like Hespeler Road and downtown Cambridge.

Broader Transit Network

What other regional transit projects complement the LRT extension?
Waterloo Region is developing additional projects such as the GO Transit passenger rail line connecting Cambridge and Guelph, and a $100 million transit hub in Kitchener. These projects collectively create a robust, integrated regional transit network.

Is Waterloo Region ready to secure federal transit funding?
Yes. Waterloo Region has proactively eliminated mandatory parking minimums and promoted high-density housing along transit corridors, aligning perfectly with federal funding criteria and positioning the region strongly to secure funds for essential transit projects.

Why is securing transit funding critical for Cambridge now?
Securing federal transit funding now capitalizes on the current opportunity for transformative infrastructure investments. Delay risks losing these funds to other communities, limiting Cambridge’s potential for economic growth, connectivity, and sustainable development.

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