KITCHENER, ONTARIO — Ontario’s ambitious plans to expand regional rail connectivity took a major step forward this week, as the provincial government reached an Agreement-in-Principle with CN Rail to purchase land for the construction of dedicated GO Transit tracks along the Kitchener Line.
The move marks a key milestone in the government’s long-term strategy to deliver faster, two-way, all-day train service between Kitchener and Toronto. Coinciding with the announcement, officials also confirmed new weekend and weekday GO Train services will launch in November, including the first-ever weekend trips to Kitchener.
Expanding Ontario’s Transit Network
“Today, we’re taking two pivotal steps towards delivering two-way, all-day GO train service between Kitchener and Toronto,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Under Premier Ford’s leadership, our government is delivering the largest transit expansion in North America to tackle gridlock, keep workers on the job and support economic growth.”
The Agreement-in-Principle with CN Rail covers the purchase of 20.9 kilometres of land within the Halton subdivision. The acquisition will allow the province to build dedicated tracks for GO Transit, separating passenger and freight rail and providing more control over scheduling and capacity.
The initiative forms part of the Kitchener Extension Project, which will add 40 kilometres of new two-way track, alongside re-alignments, signal upgrades, bridge works, and station platform expansions.
A Transformative Step for the Region
Local leaders welcomed the announcement as a “transformative moment” for one of Ontario’s fastest-growing economic corridors.
“This is a transformative moment for Kitchener and our shared vision with the Government of Ontario to fully-realize two-way, all-day GO service for our community and all municipalities served by the Kitchener Line,” said Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener. “The Agreement-in-Principle with CN Rail, along with upcoming GO Transit service increases, marks a major leap forward in our collective efforts to connect our Innovation Corridor, from Kitchener to Toronto, through reliable, efficient transit. This will reduce commute times and unlock new opportunities for economic growth, job creation and quality of life for our residents.”
What the New Service Will Deliver
Once completed, the expanded Kitchener Line will provide:
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To Bramalea GO: Two-way, all-day service, seven days a week.
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To Mount Pleasant GO: 30-minute, two-way, all-day service, seven days a week.
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To Kitchener GO: 60-minute, two-way, all-day service, seven days a week.
Additional peak-hour trains will also run between Kitchener and Union Station, offering enhanced morning and evening options for commuters.
Beginning 23 November 2025, Metrolinx will introduce 18 new weekend trips between Bramalea GO and Union Station, enabling 30-minute frequency. Four existing weekend trips will be extended to Kitchener GO, marking the first time weekend services reach the city. Two new weekday trips and several extended routes will also increase frequency across the line.
Economic and Regional Impact
“Today’s announcement is a major milestone in delivering two-way, all-day GO train service for people in Waterloo Region,” said Mike Harris, MPP for Kitchener—Conestoga. “By expanding service, we are offering more choice for commuters and families, including first-ever weekend trips from Kitchener GO.”
Brian Riddell, MPP for Cambridge, added: “Purchasing land to construct dedicated GO tracks means better service, more control over infrastructure, and faster progress toward two-way, all-day service. Connecting more people to opportunity, reducing gridlock and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth is great news for Cambridge and all of Waterloo Region.”
Collaboration Across Sectors
Regional and industry stakeholders said the agreement demonstrates successful cooperation between government, municipalities, and business groups.
Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo, said: “Expanded GO service is a critical step forward for a growing, thriving Waterloo Region. By improving transit access across Waterloo Region, two-way all-day GO Train service will help residents access employment and education opportunities, support small businesses, and ensure further economic prosperity as we all work to becoming one-million ready.”
Dorothy McCabe, Mayor of Waterloo, described the initiative as a “game-changer” for local residents and businesses: “This agreement-in-principle is a very positive next step. Two-way, all-day GO train service between Waterloo Region and Toronto has been a top priority for Waterloo, Waterloo Region and me personally for years.”
Partnership with CN and Metrolinx
The deal with CN Rail was hailed by both the railway and Metrolinx as a breakthrough in the effort to separate freight and passenger services.
“A critical part of expanding GO service in this Region is working collaboratively with freight partners like CN to separate freight and passenger traffic,” said Michael Lindsay, President and CEO of Metrolinx.
Mark Grubbs, Vice President, Safety & Environment at CN Rail, said: “CN remains committed to working closely with the province to ensure a smooth transfer of the line and commends Premier Ford and Minister Sarkaria for their leadership in making this agreement possible.”
Driving Growth Along the Innovation Corridor
Ontario’s $70-billion investment in transit infrastructure aims to link major economic hubs from Barrie to Niagara and Kitchener to Toronto.
Ian McLean, Chair of the Connect the Corridor Coalition and President and CEO of the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our coalition of business, local governments, post-secondary institutions, and organizations has been working hard to bring two-way all-day service to our community. This has been a top priority for residents and businesses throughout Ontario.”
The Kitchener Line expansion is expected to reduce travel times by up to 15 minutes between Kitchener GO and Union Station, cut congestion, and open new economic opportunities across the Greater Toronto and Waterloo corridor.
