Preston residents, regional council clash over Ion route

WATERLOO REGION — A few Preston residents criticized the proposed Ion route through Cambridge as well as the planning process at the Region of Waterloo council meeting Wednesday night.

“We can’t keep being the checks and balances for a project that’s set to rip our neighbourhood apart,” Lee Anne Mitchell told councillors. “You don’t really want our assistance in getting this LRT right for this community. You just look and sound like you do.”

Last week, regional staff made public route alternatives and refinements to the light rail system’s second stage from Kitchener to Cambridge. The route through Preston, in particular, is contentious and received the most feedback when the proposed route was unveiled in February.

A public consultation centre presenting alternatives and refinements to the route was held in Cambridge on Tuesday, and another is scheduled for this coming Tuesday.

Four residents spoke against the route and one in favour at the Wednesday meeting, which was at times tense and antagonistic.

“Nobody is concerned about the residents who are actually being affected,” said Mitchell, whose home would be impacted by the proposed routes through Preston.

Coun. Sue Foxton spoke up after two delegations to stress that the Cambridge route has not been settled. “Council has not made any decisions,” Foxton said.

She also added that the final decision is not up to regional staff, who were criticized by the delegations for not considering options beyond the originally proposed route.

“The vote is not made by staff. Staff do not get a vote. This council does and this council is not against or for anything. We’re open to all and we care deeply about how it impacts all because we are the Region of Waterloo,” Foxton said. “We credit you as much as anyone else.”

Regional Chair Ken Seiling also stressed that residents are allowed to come to every council meeting to share their views on Cambridge light rail.

He said the region is in the middle of an assessment process and is listening to all parties and all comments. Only at the end will a decision be made.

“Until that time, we listen to everybody and we’ve given you lots of time at the microphone in this council,” Seiling said. “We’ve never stopped you from talking and we will continue to listen to you.”

He objected to suggestions that council is not listening or that complaints are “falling on deaf ears.”

“You may not like the alternatives, but at any rate you’re having the opportunity to make the presentations and be heard,” Seiling said.

Debbie Noremore also said it felt like nobody was listening to resident concerns and she worries the time spent lobbying to get the route changed will be wasted. She said she’s among a group of Preston residents who have been working together for a year.

“This is, if you will, like our baby,” Noremore said.

The experience, she said, is causing “stress, heartache and despair.”

“The council has not considered our comments, suggestions and continued to tell us that nothing has been decided,” Noremore said.

Kevan Wagner doesn’t understand why staff is insisting on a stop near King and Eagle streets in Preston, which he said is not for the benefit of ridership or residents.

“Let’s pander to development and infill,” Wagner said.

He suggested the section from Sportsworld Drive to Hespeler Road be diverted from the roadways for a faster ride while preserving the heritage and peacefulness of Preston.

“Get the route off the streets and use the old abandoned rail lines,” Wagner said.

Tony Schmidt supports light rail for Cambridge, calling it infrastructure for now and future.

“I want to be a part of the future and do not want to be bypassed,” said Schmidt, who lives in Preston.

He said light rail in Cambridge will create a more livable community and encourage growth where it’s appropriate.

“I see that you’re listening. You’re finding options that would be less invasive.”

The second public consultation centre is being held on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Preston Memorial Auditorium.

Find out more at stage2ion.ca.