ION selected as ‘Best Large Project’ in national Brownfield awards

Waterloo Region – ION, the Region of Waterloo’s rapid transit service, has been selected as Canada’s ‘Best Large Project’ by the Canadian Brownfield Network. The Brownie Awards recognize projects that stimulate the transformation of brownfield sites and contribute to the growth of healthy communities across Canada.

Councillor Tom Galloway, Chair of the Region of Waterloo’s Planning & Works Committee, received the award on Tuesday night on behalf of the Region.

“ION is a transformational project,” said Councillor Galloway. “Many significant developments have occurred across the ION route through brownfield remediation. ION is inspiring innovation by offering new ways to manage growth and to be acknowledged for this by the Canadian Brownfield Network is a high accolade.”

Encouraging better use of land and balancing growth within Waterloo Region were some of the reasons why ION was selected as ‘Best Large Project’ by the Canadian Brownfield Network.

Region of Waterloo Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Mike Murray, added that the award also recognizes the visionary nature of ION. “Light rail transit in Waterloo Region will not only move people and provide a new transportation choice, but it also provides a blueprint for current and future development. ION is already shaping the community and helping protect the farmland that surrounds our urban cores.”

Construction of ION light rail transit is almost 85 per cent complete, with the service set to launch in 2018.

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For more information, please contact:

Bryan Stortz, Region of Waterloo Director of Communications, 519-575-4757 ext. 4408 or bstortz@regionofwaterloo.ca

TJ Flynn, ION Community Relations, 519-575-4757 ext. 3590 or tflynn@regionofwaterloo.ca