Background

The Waterloo LRT Project consists of a light rail transit line (“LRT”) and associated infrastructure which has been in operation since June 2019. The line runs from Conestoga Mall in Waterloo to Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener, a distance of approximately 12 miles (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 Con-tract 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 (to 2027), 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 continued initiatives to educate on LRT safety, through public in formation campaigns including periodic radio, print, social media and visits to schools and community organizations. This is contributing to KPIs on emergency brake applications and accident frequency outperforming the Operator’s global benchmark.
The goals of the LRT system are to both enhance development and densification along the LRT corridor and preserve the farmland outside the city, through a clean, reliable, and safe transit system.
In 2024, the Project Company made financial donations to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region as well as to the House of Friendship which provides food, housing and addiction treatment to individuals and families within the Waterloo Region. The Operations, Maintenance and Storage Facility was registered as LEED Silver following construction. In 2022, the Operations and Maintenance program was certified ISO-9001 and the Project has maintained this certification annually.

SDG Achievements and Roadmap

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 sources (1). The Operator uses hybrid maintenance vehicles whenever possible.

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.

Source: (1) https://www.ieso.ca/Learn/Ontario-Electricity-Grid/Supply-Mix-and-Generation