Background

The Project consists of a new light rail transit line (LRT) and associated infrastructure. The new line runs from Conestoga Mall in Waterloo to Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener, a distance of approximately 19km. The route utilizes a mixture of on-street running and existing railway corridors, and generally uses a twin track cross section (i.e., one track in each direction).
The Project also includes an operation, maintenance, and storage facility for the fleet of LRT vehicles, which operate on the new line. The LRT vehicles (15) were procured by the Region directly. However, their maintenance as well as operating the service are all part of the DBFOM Contract requirements.
The contract for maintenance of the infrastructure, systems and LRT vehicles covers a period of 30 years, and the contract for the operation of the LRT service covers an initial period of 10 years, which the Region has the option of extending in 5-year increments, up to a total of 30 years.

Stage

In Operation

ESG/SDG Key Facts

The Project Company, together with the Authority and Operator, has been engaging with the community to educate on LRT safety, through public information campaigns including radio, print, social media and visits to schools and community organizations. Most recently, the Project Company supported the Authority with a safety campaign during rail safety week.

The goals of the long-planned LRT asset are to both enhance development and densification in the city center and preserve the farmland outside the city.

The Asset has made financial donations to 4 homeless shelters along the LRT route and will increase the donation amount by 50% in 2023.

The Operations, Maintenance and Storage Facility has been registered as LEED Silver. In 2022, the Operations and Maintenance program was certified ISO-9001.

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)

The Project Company implemented in 2021 an internal policy regarding carbon emission reduction. Electricity to power the system is provided by the provincial grid which provides approximately 90% of its power from non-carbon emitting sources1. The Operator has been utilizing hybrid maintenance vehicles where feasible.

SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

A key project objective was to concentrate new development along this corridor to reduce urban sprawl into adjacent farmlands and conservation lands. The positive impact of this is visibly apparent and development along the corridor has continued since project inception.

SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

The Project Company is tracking and reporting information on waste diversion and hazardous waste.