King Victoria Transit Hub

Design improvements

Thirty percent of the design for Phase 1 of the transit hub is now complete. Phase 1 includes the bus loop, passenger pick up and drop off area, off-site parking and site circulation. The project team made several improvements based on feedback from public consultation and other stakeholders:

• The design of multi-use trails and the King Street pedestrian bridge crossing to connect to the multi-use trail behind the School of Pharmacy
• Changing the site access point to minimize impact on traffic flow on Victoria Street
• All buses will use the signalized intersection at Duke Street
• On-site parking will be provided for short stays only
• Commuter parking has been moved off-site to a nearby property

Update on project schedule

Metrolinx’s construction schedule is driving the timing of the Region’s Phase 1 work on the hub. In the updated project schedule, it is anticipated that Metrolinx will start construction in late 2023 and be fully complete in 2027. Due to the complex nature of the project and closeness of the two sites, construction cannot be completed concurrently. Based on the Metrolinx’s current schedule, Region’s work will begin in the spring/summer 2024 with completion in April 2027. The Region and Metrolinx will work together to expedite and confirm the schedule in upcoming months.

The project team for the King Victoria Transit Hub (KVTH) is moving forward with the recommendations in the King Victoria Transit hub Project Update after receiving approval from Regional Council.

As outlined in the Design Development & Funding Update dated February 9th, the overall KVTH Project is currently paused pending funding availability. Metrolinx is committed to moving forward with the work within the adjacent rail corridor to relocate their platform to the KVTH site as a critical part of the Kitchener Line expansion in preparation for two-way all-day GO service. Some elements of the Region’s site design are moving forward in parallel with the Metrolinx design to ensure that site circulation, parking, bus loop and passenger pick up and drop off area are coordinated and can be ready for use when Metrolinx is ready to move to the new platform (expected Summer 2023).

On November 17th Region Council approved the Assumption of part of Duke Street between the CN Rail Tracks and Victoria Street in the City Of Kitchener. As part of Metrolinx relocation to the King Victoria Transit Hub site, Duke Street will be closed and replaced with a pedestrian and cycling underpass connecting Breithaupt Street to Victoria Street. The Region of Waterloo intends to incorporate the closed portion into the future King Victoria Transit Hub development. Construction of the new Kitchener GO Platform is anticipated to commence in Spring 2022 and Region staff will report back to Regional Council on the proposed closure of Duke Street when the timing is known.

Further updates are expected in early 2022.

The project team for the King Victoria Transit Hub is moving forward with the recommendations in the Design Development & Funding Update after receiving approval from Regional Council. The update includes a proposed scope of work and budget estimate. It also provides recommendations on how to address a funding shortfall. Please note: The timeline for construction may change depending on when funding is secured.

We thank you for all of the feedback received through our design survey and the public meeting held on December 3, 2020.

The question and answer portion of the public meeting has been transcribed. Link directly to the Q&A document or find it in the document library on this page. This document also contains answers to questions that required follow-up or further clarification.

The presentation portion of our Public Meeting was recorded and is now available for viewing below:

During the presentation we showcased a virtual tour of the site and building. We are excited to provide a full resolution version which can be viewed by clicking here:

We are currently working on transcribing the question and answer period along with answering the questions which required further follow up. We expect to post this document in the coming week.

Thank you to all who attended the public meeting last night and for all of the great questions. We are preparing the recording of the presentation, virtual tour video and summary of the Q&A session. These will be available for viewing early next week on this page.

Please join us on December 3, 2020 from 6-8 p.m. to learn more about the latest design concept. The meeting will include presentations from our Project Director and Architect, a sneak peak virtual tour of the new transit hub, and a Q&A session with the team.

To join this webinar through Zoom please click the link below. Participants can also attend via telephone using the numbers, webinar ID and passcode information below. Only those participating through Zoom will have the ability to see the presentation and submit questions during the meeting. The presentation will also be posted on the EngageWR project page the following day.

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Dec 3, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: King Victoria Transit Hub - Virtual Public Meeting

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://regionofwaterloo.zoom.us/j/92360742021?pwd=RlZRNmlkR0I4ZlhEbzZmWHIyUGZoQT09
Passcode: 751559
Or iPhone one-tap :
Canada: +17789072071,,92360742021#,,,,,,0#,,751559# or +14388097799,,92360742021#,,,,,,0#,,751559#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
Canada: +1 778 907 2071 or +1 438 809 7799 or +1 587 328 1099 or +1 647 374 4685 or +1 647 558 0588
Webinar ID: 923 6074 2021
Passcode: 751559
International numbers available: https://regionofwaterloo.zoom.us/u/adZAUymZZE

The project team is seeking your input on the latest design concept for the King Victoria Transit Hub. Drawings are posted along with a new Design Survey where you will be able to provide us your feedback. The survey will be open until December 18th, 2020.

In addition to the survey, please join us at our Virtual Public Meeting on December 3, 2020 from 6-8 p.m. for presentations from our Project Director and Architect, a sneak peak virtual tour of the new transit hub, and a Q&A session with the team. We encourage people to register so we have an idea of who is attending and to give attendees a chance to ask questions before the meeting. A link will be emailed to all registrants in advance of the public meeting. A link to the virtual public meeting will also be posted under Project Updates on December 2, 2020.

The design team is refining site and floor plans for the new Transit Hub from Concept A. Regional Council endorsed Concept A on June 3, 2020 for further design development. Their decision was based on input received through online surveys and the public information session held in January 2020. Stay tuned for the release of the revised concept coming in fall 2020 for your input.