Caledon-Vaughan GO Rail Line ‘officially’ part of Ontario’s 30-year transportation plan

Vaughan mayor says the line is going to expand regional transportation network and improve economic growth

Thestar.com
March 14, 2022
Dina Al-Shibeeb

Vaughan announced Thursday, March 10 that the Caledon-Vaughan GO Rail Line is “officially” part of Ontario’s 30-year plan on transportation plan unveiled by Premier Doug Ford on the same day at the city.

In a press release, Vaughan said it’s “pleased to welcome” Ontario's announcement that the Caledon-Vaughan GO Rail Line is officially included in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Transportation Plan.

“The announcement builds upon the Ministry of Transportation's decision in January to direct Metrolinx to advance the business case for the new GO rail service,” it added.

In November, Metrolinx explained the projected “modest ridership” wasn’t justifying costs so far. But local councillors explained that in the next 20 years, about 60,000 jobs are estimated to take off at Vaughan Enterprise Zone, which spans more than 3,800 acres, or approximately 1,566 hectares of employment land.

In its statement, Vaughan too said that its population is projected to increase by 36 per cent by 2031 and jobs are expected to grow by 18 per cent in the same period.

Vaughan, which is currently building its new downtown core, also explained that it’s seeing the incoming of thousands of businesses and more than 335,000 residents.

The GO service is expected to run from the heart of Toronto’s Union Station through Vaughan and up to Bolton.

With the city having the first subway at the Greater Toronto Area since 2017, Vaughan also wants to boost its interconnectedness.

“Vaughan continues to champion the Yonge North Subway Extension as a vital transportation infrastructure project that will have far-reaching benefits to all Greater Toronto Area communities,” the city said.

“The Caledon-Vaughan GO rail line expands the regional transportation network and enhances economic growth and job creation in the Vaughan Enterprise Zone,” Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua said. “Today's announcement adds to an already impressive list of transit initiatives to help our citizens and commuters move more efficiently throughout the GTA and beyond.”

Bevilacqua accompanied Ford Thursday when the premier unveiled the transportation plan. The announcement includes Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass that some have questioned because of their environmental impact.