Caledon is one step closer to getting a GO rail line

Caledonenterprise.com
Jan. 27, 2022

The go-ahead has been given to move forward with a GO rail line in Caledon.

The town and the City of Vaughan said they have received a commitment from Ontario’s Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney that the proposed Caledon-Vaughan GO rail line is moving forward.

The town also said Metrolinx has now been directed to advance the business case for the project.

The region is currently waiting for the release of the Greater Golden Horseshoe Transportation Plan update, which includes the province’s transit plans up until 2051.

“As a municipality projected to grow by 300,000 people and 125,000 jobs by 2051, advancing GO train service to Caledon now is smart, forward-looking planning. It’s a critical option for reducing traffic congestion on our roads, preserving Caledon’s quality of life, and protecting our environment and green spaces,” said Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson. “We thank the province and Metrolinx for taking this important next step.”

Both Caledon and Vaughan, with support from the City of Brampton, have been pushing for this rail line for years. They see this transit option as vital since all three municipalities are preparing for significant growth over the next three decades.

“In Vaughan, this proposed transit option is located in the Vaughan Enterprise Zone, one of the largest employment areas in the GTA that encompasses more than 3,800 acres, or approximately 1,566 hectares of employment land. The Vaughan Enterprise Zone is projected to accommodate 60,000 jobs over the next 20 years, making it a strategic location to expand the regional transportation network for the future,” said Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “I am encouraged by the province's and Metrolinx’s commitment to working with our municipalities to continue exploring the economic and social benefits of the Caledon-Vaughan GO line.”

The Town of Caledon said the line would serve approximately 1.3 million people surrounding the area from Toronto to Caledon, Vaughan and Brampton.

Many studies, such as the Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan, MoveOntario 2020, and GO 2020 Strategic Plan, identified a need for this service in a near-to-medium future.

“This is great news for our region, which is seeing tremendous growth. Improved transit service is important for long-term growth and for healthy and livable communities. I was pleased to support the efforts of Mayor Thompson and Mayor Bevilacqua,” said Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.