By Robin MacLennan
Ontario Construction Report staff writer
The Region of Waterloo has updated plans for the development of a new transit hub on Victoria Street, set to be built in collaboration with Metrolinx. The Kitchener Central Transit Hub is expected to become a key gateway in the “Toronto-Waterloo Region Innovation Corridor,” with construction expected to begin this year.
Proposed plans were created in collaboration between regional staff and Metrolinx. The project is estimated to cost $35 million, with $33 million in funding from the provincial government.
Key features of the hub include a pedestrian bridge over King Street and dedicated loops for Grand River Transit (GRT) and GO Transit buses. As part of the project, Victoria Street North between Weber and King streets will be reconfigured, with lanes reduced to accommodate transit priority lanes.
The new design comes in response to safety concerns, following a July collision between a cyclist and a vehicle at the intersection of King and Victoria streets. The incident sent a 19-year-old to the hospital and disrupted ION service for more than an hour.
As part of the construction, the Rumpel Felt building—a more than 100-year-old factory on Victoria Street North—will be partially demolished, although historic elements of the building will be preserved.
Once construction of the transit hub is complete, the surrounding area will be developed for potential commercial and affordable housing opportunities.
The project is expected to be finished by 2029, with a grand opening planned for 2030.