Cambridge to Guelph GO Train line is a ‘no-brainer,’ advocates contend

Dan Clements questions why Cambridge is the only city in the province with more than 100,000 residents that doesn’t have rail service.

But with the second stage of Light Rail Transit in Cambridge hanging in the balance, the grassroots advocacy group Citizens for Cambridge, of which he is a member, is touting another form of service.

Until April 5, an online survey will be available at Engage Region of Waterloo to test the community’s appetite for GO Train service between Cambridge and Guelph.

The survey, at engagewr.ca/cambridge-to-union-passenger-rail, and previous in-person public consultation expands on a 2021 study comparing the feasibility of GO Train service between Cambridge and Guelph, and Cambridge and Milton.

Guelph was found to be the preferred option.

Current work expands on that study, using the Metrolinx Business Case method to include an initial business case and develop conceptual designs for the integration of the service at the proposed future ION station at Eagle Street and Pinebush Road, and at the Guelph Central Station.

The GO Train would run along the current CN-owned Fergus line, which is currently being used for freight.

Part of the work also includes updating the 2021 study to reflect development in municipal and provincial planning policy and investments on the Kitchener line.

As well, the conceptual designs will reflect how the service would function in urban context and align with the vision for growth around the stations.

Clements said continuing work toward bringing the GO Train between Cambridge and Guelph is a “no-brainer,” as getting people to Guelph in 15 minutes and then connect to trains at Union Station or near the Pearson International Airport would be much more convenient than driving to the Aldershot station in Burlington to take the train, or face traffic en route to and in Toronto.

“It has huge potential for moving people around without cars. Then we get to talk about climate change and the environment, and the benefits of having 100 people on a train going to Toronto instead of 100 cars. That’s more and more on our minds,” Clements said.

He thinks the region and province should stay on the GO Train talk as long as it takes to come to fruition.

“You’ve got to have some vision; you have to invest in the long-term future of your community. This is not for me, this is not for my generation, this is for the future of the

community. It’s really going to transform the city and bring us up to this century instead of the last one.”

Doug Craig, while mayor of Cambridge, advocated for GO Train service in the city for about two decades.

When GO bus service expanded between Cambridge and Milton in 2016, he figured the train line would follow.

Craig still believes GO Train service is important for the city, but said a firm timeline needs to be established as to when the service will begin.

“Cambridge residents don’t need optimistic predictions but a solid promise for the initiation of the GO Train service to the GTA,” Craig said.

However, Craig isn’t sold on a transfer option in Guelph. He would rather see a direct route between Cambridge and Union Station. The stop dissuades people from travelling on the route and would lead commuters to choose other highway options, he said.

Another former Cambridge mayor, Kathryn McGarry, picked up the baton from Craig at the municipal level when she headed up council, though she had already been working on the idea as the Ontario minister of transportation.

McGarry said she initiated the feasibility study for the GO Train link to Guelph, noting passenger rail between Cambridge and Milton will never happen on the adjoining CP Rail line as it is considered a main freight railway service.

The service to Guelph is feasible, she said, with a strong business case in ridership that will add to the region’s transportation options.

“Yes, please,” McGarry said about bringing GO Train to the city.

“It is good for our residents, businesses and environment.”

Current Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett said she is thrilled at the prospect of a Cambridge to Union Station rail line, which she thinks is overdue by 30 years.

She added the GO Train line would “provide transit options and unlock opportunities for residents and visitors to our city,” and would allow some university students the ability to live at home and commute to the city.

“This will also open up the employment pool between Toronto, Guelph and Cambridge, making Cambridge an even more attractive location for businesses,” Liggett said.

“It is my hope that this connection to Union Station can move forward as soon as possible.

“The ION to Cambridge is still many years away from becoming a reality. I believe this project could be executed much quicker and would have an immediate impact on reducing the congestion of the 401.”