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EARN MONEY IN YOUR SPARE TIME. drive.skipthedishes.com 10 • WATERLOO CHRONICLE • Thursday, September 7, 2017 Serving your community since 1856 Continued from page 1 Troughton said the request for proposal is set to come back with a preferred propo- nent by December, with hopes that construction would start next year. "We're working with Infra- structure Ontario, and we've gone through the request for proposals and they have been received," said Troughton. "The team is evaluating those right now, and that will lead to the selection of a successful proponent and negotiations to bring them on by December of this or January of next." There will still be some design work to do, and the company or companies con- tracted would have to offer some of their suggestions, but the hope is that the shovel will go into the ground by next summer. "We hope that construction would start by next summer or next fall," said Troughton. "It is quite an undertaking -- it's very shallow underneath the 401. "It is very challenging work- ing under that highway. You don't want to have any disrup- tion at all to traffic." If work proceeds well, with- out any major complications, that work could be completed by late 2021 or early 2022. Troughton said it's all about the number of tracks that can be operated to pro- vide the type of service that local politicians, passengers, businesses and the high-tech sector are clamouring for in establishing better links in the Toronto-Waterloo innovation corridor. "We need that fourth track to extend the two-way all-day service," said Trough- ton. Metrolinx is also complet- ing an environmental assess- ment of electrifying the tracks to Bramalea and will have to do the same when the last link is added to the line to Kitch- ener. The goal is to have the GO train service electrified throughout the system. That brings challenges with safety and security of the corridor, although it would be a boon to environmental sustainability "We won't arrive on a final alignment or route until the EA is done," said Troughton. "The feasibility study is talking about working with incorpo- rating 35 bridges and electrify- ing 60 kilometres of tracks, and it's a big undertaking with two new lines. "We're aware of the inter- est in this from the (Waterloo Region) -- not just the council, but the businesses to get more service and we're trying to do that as much as we can. "We don't want to skip any steps, and it will have some impacts not only for the posi- tive on Kitchener, but there will also be some community impact along the line as well." In the meantime, Moroz said increased GO bus service, including express service from Kitchener, has been a big hit with users. "Any time we introduce more bus service, and we have, it's a very popular ser- vice," said Moroz. "We're look- ing at how we can bring on more fleet for that as well, and there is definite need across the region for more bus service including in this community." Moroz said they see the GO bus as a complementary service, even when all-day rail service is added. The key is improving transit capability and ultimately reducing grid- lock in the Highway 401 cor- ridor around Toronto. "How quickly can you get the service here? That's pri- marily the biggest question and biggest ask we get from this region," said Moroz. Metrolinx hopes to speed up workPublic Consultation Centres Proposed 2018 Grand River Transit Network The Region of Waterloo will be holding Public Consultation Centres (PCCs) in September and October 2017. The purpose is to gather input on the Proposed 2018 Transit Network to be implemented when ION light rail service starts, and on the proposed service improvements for September 2018, subject to budget approval. The proposed 2018 transit network would be implemented with the launch of ION light rail service, and involves integrating Grand River Transit (GRT) bus routes with the ION light rail. Regional staff will be on hand at the PCCs to provide information and gather your feedback on the proposed 2018 transit network. We look forward to meeting with you and hearing your input. If you cannot attend one of the PCCs, please go to www.grt.ca after September 8, 2017 to view the proposed 2018 transit network and provide comments on-line. Wednesday, September 13 12:30 - 5:30 p.m. (drop in anytime) Waterloo Public Square 75 King St. S., Waterloo Monday, September 18 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. (drop in anytime) Country Hills Community Library 1500 Block Line Rd., Kitchener Thursday, September 21 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. (drop in anytime) Conestoga Mall 550 King St N., Waterloo Wednesday, September 27 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. (drop in anytime) Wilfrid Laurier University Fred Nichols Campus Centre - Concourse 75 University Ave W., Waterloo Tuesday, October 3 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. (drop in anytime) Region of Waterloo Administrative Headquarters - Main Lobby 150 Frederick St., Kitchener Wednesday, October 18 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (drop in anytime) Conestoga College - Doon Campus - Lower Atrium 299 Doon Valley Dr., Kitchener These events are accessible for people with disabilities. If you have any questions about the accessibility of these events, require assistance to participate, require access to information in alternate formats or require an ASL interpreter, please call 519-585-7597 ext. 7388. 519-585-7555 TTY 519-575-4608 grt.ca