Region buys land for potential GO station, affordable housing in Breslau

The Region of Waterloo announced on Thursday morning that it purchased a parcel of land, of 25 acres, in Breslau that could host a potential GO station and include affordable housing. Regional Chair Karen Redman made the announcement alongside Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz and MP Tim Louis.

The site is located along Fountain Street, adjacent to the recently upgraded rail line. The region said in a release that the land is “ideally situated” for transit-oriented, medium and high-density affordable housing and neighbourhood amenities.

This would also connect to the region’s existing, expanding transit system and provide new options to the Region of Waterloo International Airport.

“The region is committed to a sustainable, intentional future. We are doing this though major community building projects that will encourage further development by private partners, organizations and community members,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair. “We’re looking forward to working alongside our colleagues in Woolwich, our local MP and MPP, other levels of government, as well as Metrolinx, to bring this emerging neighbourhood and important transit infrastructure to life.”

The announcement comes as the region continues its effort to build more affordable housing as the population is expected to increase to one million people by 2050.

Photo of Region’s acting CAO, Mathieu Goetzke, pointing to the parcel of land that could host a GO station and housing. (CityNews files)

“I am extremely pleased that the Region and Township are working with our federal partners, the province and Metrolinx in going ahead with this crucial transit infrastructure and housing development right here in Breslau,” said the Honourable Mike Harris, Minister of Red Tape Reduction and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga.  “Increasing transportation and housing options for residents of Waterloo Region will support the growth our community needs, opening more opportunities and access for work, education and recreation.”

The region said the purchase aligns with the priorities set out within the Region of Waterloo’s Growing with Care strategic plan including a strategic focus on Homes for All and Climate Aligned Growth.

The terms of the land purchase agreement were not disclosed.

The project is still in its early stages with an environmental assessment of the land still needed. The region’s acting CAO, Mathieu Goetzke, said the land is located between Fountain St. and the Kitchener rail corridor.

The idea is to connect the Region of Waterloo International airport with the rest of the region’s transit system that would also connect into Toronto and the GTA.

During the announcement, Shantz said she has been part of the discussion on the project since her first term 10-years ago.

“I want to thank the region and the province for stepping up to begin a process that will set the stage for integrating transit between the region, the GTA and eventually the airports,” said Shantz.

Shantz added that Woolwich Township is growing at a rapid rate.

“The township is expected to grow by almost 50 per cent by 2050 and Breslau will almost triple in size.”

Redman said the land is located along the recently upgraded GO rail line and is “perfectly suited for transit-oriented development.”

“We have the opportunity to shape the community that we want to build for ourselves and for the next generation. Growth also demands that we take action now, and plan intentionally for this future. That’s exactly what we’re doing here in the Region of Waterloo,” said Redman.