Frequently Asked LRT Questions

• Infrastructure Benefits and Savings with LRT (PDF, 370 KB)
• Trees and the Hamilton B-Line LRT Project (PDF, 401 KB)
• Hamilton LRT 2018 Panel Brochure (PDF, 1.43 MB)

As part of the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, three pre-qualified teams are currently preparing proposals that detail how they will deliver the project. Bid submissions are expected in Spring 2020and a preferred proponent will be selected with contract award occurring later in 2020.  The sequencing and timing of construction will be determined by the proponents through the RFP process.

The final details will be concluded through the negotiations with the preferred proponent as part of the bid process that will include the operations and maintenance costs. The Request for Proposals was issued on April 13, 2018 to three shortlisted teams. Bid submissions are expected in Spring 2020and a preferred proponent will be selected with contract award occurring later in 2020.  The sequencing and timing of construction will be determined by the proponents through the RFP process.

View the most recent Operations and Maintenance update.

The City has confidentiality provisions included in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) (PDF, 500 KB) between Metrolinx and the City of Hamilton, and a binding Real Estate Services Protocol (PDF, 373 KB) has been executed. 

Hamilton LRT is about building for the needs of tomorrow. The City of Hamilton is growing – according to the Provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2017), we expect our population to increase to 780,000 by 2041, while the number of jobs will increase up to 350,000. This represents an increase of approximately 220,000 people and 135,000 jobs over the next 23 years. The Growth Plan has also set a minimum target for residential intensification of 60%. These projections will generate a significant demand to move people throughout the city and connect them to employment and the services and supports they need. The City of Hamilton recognizes the need to look at new and improved ways to prepare for the future.

The City, together with Metrolinx – through its Regional Transportation Plan – is encouraging development and growth within existing urban areas. By focusing development in the core and building up instead of out, we will limit urban sprawl, protect the environment, and increase the connectivity and vibrancy of urban areas.

Light rail transit will:

• Better accommodate future travel demand and build healthier, more sustainable communities by encouraging the development of mixed-use, higher density communities.
• Support city growth by building transit to prepare for Hamilton’s expected increase of population to 780,000 by 2041.
• Include significant investment to both public and private infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, bridges, water mains, sewers, electrical distribution (hydro), telecommunications, natural gas, traffic control signals and streetlights.
• Contribute to economic uplift by attracting long-term development and investments.
• Provide new local jobs through employment and training opportunities and apprenticeships.
• Contribute to an efficient and integrated public transit system for all users by being the first of a network of rapid transit lines, known as the BLAST Network, that are proposed for Hamilton. With an annual ridership of 9.2 million each year, this corridor is the most used of any within the city.
• Provide improved frequency and increased service hours with trains running every 6 minutes during peak hours.
• Be clean and green with no emissions from the vehicle, which reduces air pollution and contributes to cleaner air.
• Be accessible due to low floor level boarding with multiple doors, so strollers and mobility devices can easily roll on and off.

Whether you live in the lower city or on the Mountain; in the east or west end; downtown or in a suburban or rural area, light rail transit provides benefits for all Hamiltonians and will contribute to the revitalization of our city.

LRT will support the development of existing and new residential and commercial developments along the corridor, contributing to economic uplift that benefits the entire city. By focusing development in the core and building up instead of out, the need to expand and build new roads and infrastructure to serve growing rural communities will be limited, which could result in cost savings to taxpayers. Encouraging development in existing urban areas also contributes to the preservation of surrounding green and agricultural lands, such as the Greenbelt.

The LRT project includes significant investment in existing infrastructure along the corridor, with a majority of private utilities and existing municipal infrastructure expected to be replaced. The replacement and renewal of this infrastructure is included in the $1 billion capital cost of the project, fully funded by the Province of Ontario.

LRT will also provide residents with a new transportation choice in a multimodal transit network, connected with local HSR bus service, regional GO Transit service, and SoBi bike share. Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) move more people more efficiently, which means improved wait times and comfort. LRT will help create a better balance between daily car and transit use, reducing congestion and related impacts.

The Hamilton LRT includes significant investment in existing infrastructure along the corridor, with a majority of existing municipal infrastructure and private utilities expected to be replaced. These include, but are not limited to, roads, sidewalks, bridges, water mains, sewers, electrical distribution (hydro), telecommunications, natural gas, traffic control signals and streetlights.

The replacement and renewal of this infrastructure along the corridor is included in the $1 billion capital cost of the project – this means the renewal of this infrastructure will allow the City of Hamilton to shift priority and funding previously dedicated to this corridor to other areas of the city.

Studies throughout North America consistently show that properties adjacent to enhanced transit experience improved value. Hamilton LRT will act as a catalyst for stimulating economic development – it will provide direct access to many existing shops, cafes, and restaurants along the corridor, in addition to attracting further long-term development investments. The line will service several of the City’s adjacent Business Improvement Areas, including King Street West, Downtown, International Village, and Ottawa Street. The LRT is just one part of a larger integrated transit plan, which will stimulate economic growth and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Hamilton.

For more information, please refer to LRT Zoning. 

For information regarding projected ridership scenarios, please refer to Appendix E: EMME Ridership Forecasting Report (PDF, 2.42 MB) from the Hamilton LRT Environmental Project Report (EPR) Addendum.

The LRT route will be 14 km.

The LRT route will travel 14 km from McMaster University to Eastgate. It will service 17 stops along Main Street, King Street, and Queenston Road. A new LRT-only bridge will be constructed over Highway 403 to transition the LRT from Main Street West across Highway 403 and onto King Street West.

There will be a connection to the existing Hamilton GO Centre via a pedestrian connection on Hughson Street.

To ensure rapid and reliable service, a grade separation of the CP Rail spur on King Street East, east of Gage Street, has been proposed. This underpass will allow the light rail vehicles (LRVs) to pass under the CP Rail spur without delay. Vehicular traffic and pedestrian crossings will remain at grade, or street level, meaning only the LRVs will use the underpass.

There will be 17 stops:

The majority of the stops are approximately 600-800 metres apart, with a few exceptions. This stop distance is similar to the current B-Line express Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) service.

It will take approximately 32 minutes to travel from end to end.

The LRT will run every 6 minutes during peak hours.

At this time there are no plans for any park and ride stations along the corridor; however the LRT will connect with HSR bus routes and GO Transit services to ensure efficiency and seamless transfers.

Ensuring emergency access to the LRT corridor is extremely important.  The curbed barrier segregating the LRT tracks from other traffic will be mountable for emergency response and maintenance access.  Emergency vehicles can also access the tracks at major intersections where there is no barrier at all.

LRT moves more people with fewer vehicles. The full standing capacity of standard and articulated (or accordion-like) buses is approximately 75-115 passengers, compared with up to 400 passengers on a two-car LRV.

Yes. There is a strong connection between cycling and transit, so Metrolinx together with the City will be working to identify opportunities for bike racks and bike share facilities at various stops along the corridor.

The operation of a light rail vehicle (LRV) in snow will not be an issue. In inclement weather, the LRV will be run through the night to keep the overhead catenary lines clear of ice and the transit way clear of any snow build up. 

LRT systems successfully run in many other cities that experience harsh winter conditions, including Calgary, Edmonton and Minneapolis.

We expect there to be one-car (30-metre) LRT trains on opening day of LRT service, but we are designing stops to accommodate two-car (60-metre) trains in the future as ridership grows.

Crossovers will be provided at the end of the line where drivers will be able to switch tracks. Each train has two operating cabs (at either end of the vehicle), so the driver simply walks from one cab to the other to operate the train in the opposite direction.

Metrolinx has acquired a 14.5 acre property south of Chatham Street near Frid Street (former McMaster Innovation Park land) that will be the future site of the Hamilton LRT Operations, Maintenance, and Storage Facility (OMSF).

This property was publicly identified as the preferred site for the OMSF in 2016, and was subsequently confirmed in the Hamilton LRT Environmental Project Report Addendum that was approved in 2017.

The LRT team reviewed and assessed nearly 30 potential sites along the LRT corridor. Site requirements for the facility are:

• approximately 6-8 hectares (15-20 acres)
• within 1 km of the LRT line
• site configuration
• site surroundings / adjacent land uses
• impact to local community
• land cost / land assembly
• business loss compensation and relocation costs
• potential contamination
• site grade challenges

This site at Chatham and Frid is the necessary size to accommodate the OMSF and it is only about 0.6-km from the LRT line on Main Street West.  

Yes, the sale is now final and this is the confirmed location for the future OMSF.

Prior to the sale, various due diligence studies were completed including:

• Environmental site assessment
• Building condition assessment
• Noise and vibration assessment
• Air quality assessment
• Natural environment assessment
• Contaminant overview study

Metrolinx and the City are working collaboratively with McMaster University to ensure the facility fits well into their vision and master plan for the area. 

Operations, Maintenance and Storage Facilities (OMSF) serve as the main operations control centre and maintenance facility for light rail vehicles (LRV), and supports maintenance for the entire LRT line, including the guideway, systems and stops.

The main functions of an OMSF include:

• Operations control centre, including office and crew facilities for drivers, supervisors, and managers;
• Maintenance and repair of LRVs (maintenance shops);
• Daily LRV cleaning, washing and inspections;
• Facilities for maintaining the line;
• Overnight storage facilities for LRVs;
• Road vehicle parking for the maintenance and operations staff; and
• Perimeter security and landscape buffer.

Approximately 18 vehicles will be stored at this site but it can accommodate additional vehicles as ridership grows in the future.

The LRT vehicles will typically travel early in the morning to start service and will return to the facility for servicing in mid-afternoon.

The facility will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The run-in track for the OMSF will be on Longwood Road and Frid Street. Vehicles and the light rail vehicles will share the traffic lanes on Longwood Road (cars will be able to drive over the tracks).

Yes. A new, wider bridge will be built as part of the project. The bridge will serve as the route to the OMSF and will be upgraded to include an additional sidewalk and bi-directional, fully protected bike lanes, without impacting lanes of vehicular traffic.

Yes. The extension and reconstruction of Frid Street will be required as Frid Street will be part of the run-in track for vehicles to access the facility. The extension of Frid Street was included as part of the Environmental Project Report Addendum, approved in 2017. Reconstruction of Frid Street will include all required sewers, watermains, sidewalks, bike lanes and street lighting.

In the City of Hamilton’s environmental assessment for the Frid Street extension, bike lanes were identified in the preferred plans so we expect bike lanes to be built along Frid Street.

Metrolinx has conducted noise and vibration studies at the site and will recommend solutions to mitigate noise and vibration as necessary. Typically, LRT vehicles are very quiet compared to buses and freight rail.

Metrolinx is covering all capital costs to build LRT in Hamilton and this facility is part of the overall project budget.

The OMSF will employ many people including LRT drivers, maintenance personnel, operations personnel, and more.

Hamilton LRT is a joint-project involving the City of Hamilton, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario.  The LRT will be owned by Metrolinx (an agency of the Government of Ontario), and designed, built, financed, operated, and maintained by a third party team under contract to Metrolinx.

For additional information, please refer to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). (PDF, 500 KB)

Not yet – Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario issued the Request for Proposals to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Hamilton LRT project for a 30-year term was issued on April 13, 2018 to three shortlisted teams. Bid submissions are expected in Spring 2020and a preferred proponent will be selected with contract award occurring later in 2020.  The sequencing and timing of construction will be determined by the proponents through the RFP process.

CityLine Transit Group:

• Equity providers: ACS, Aecon, CRH, TIAA
• Constructors: Dragados, Aecon, Dufferin
• Design team: Parsons, HDR, Amec, RDHA
• Operation, Maintenance and Rehabilitation team: ACS, Aecon, CRH, Serco

Ei8ht Transit:

• Equity providers: EllisDon, Fluor, Bombardier
• Constructors: Fluor Canada, EllisDon Civil, Bombardier
• Design team: WSP/MMM, Hatch, Gh3, Bombardier
• Operation, Maintenance and Rehabilitation team: EllisDon Facilities Services, Bombardier

Mobilinx:

• Equity providers: Astaldi, John Laing, Hitachi-Ansaldo, Amico, Transdev
• Constructors: Astaldi, Hitachi-Ansaldo, Amico, Bot
• Design team: IBI, Hitachi-Ansaldo, Daoust Lestage, Morrison Hershfield, Exp Services, Arcadis
• Operation, Maintenance and Rehabilitation team: Transdev, Hitachi-Ansaldo, Astaldi

The three teams were selected by Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx through a Request for Qualifications process that took place in 2017. Teams were selected based on their experience, ability and financial capacity to deliver a product of this size and scope.

As part of the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain (DBFOM) procurement model, a third party team will be contracted by Metrolinx to operate and maintain the LRT for a 30 year concession period.

No. The Project Agreement will be signed by Metrolinx.

Yes. Council will also be asked to approve the execution of a Master Agreement and an Operating and Maintenance Agreement with Metrolinx once they are negotiated. Throughout project implementation Council may be required to approve other elements of the project as required, particularly in relation to City infrastructure.

All fares for the LRT will be set by the City and will be the same as existing HSR service to allow for convenient transfer between the LRT and HSR systems. This has been communicated to Council.

The City will keep all fare revenue generated by the LRT.

Construction of the Hamilton LRT project is being funded by the Province of Ontario. In 2015, the Province announced a $1 billion investment to cover the capital costs of light rail transit in Hamilton.

Metrolinx is responsible for all capital costs associated with the project unless the City decides to upsize or enhance City-owned infrastructure affected by the project. The City would be responsible for incremental costs related to the upgrades if it chose to do so.

Metrolinx is responsible for construction and long term maintenance costs while the City will be responsible for the day to day operating costs once the LRT is in service.

Metrolinx is confident that the approved project scope can be accommodated within the $1 billion budget.

If bids come in over budget during the procurement process, scope reductions would be one option to address budget pressures, but it would depend on the size of the pressure.

As indicated in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) (PDF, 500 KB), Metrolinx would consult with the City of Hamilton on any material changes to the project and provide an opportunity for the City’s input prior to making a final decision. Also, as stated in the MOA, the City is not responsible for any capital costs associated with the project unless specifically stated.

As indicated in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) (PDF, 500 KB) between Metrolinx and the City of Hamilton, the City is not responsible for any capital costs associated with the project unless specifically stated. Metrolinx intends to build the project as set out in the scope but it is always subject to eligible costs and budgets.

The project will be delivered using an Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) approach, which requires a fixed-price contract signed by Metrolinx and the successful proponent for the delivery of the project. The project budget includes appropriate contingency to accommodate design development and address unforeseen circumstances that may arise during construction. 

The project team is currently working in partnership with the local hydro utility, Alectra Utilities (formerly Horizon Utilities), to assess power requirements for the project. Final costs will depend on the results of this work and will be confirmed through the procurement process to select the proponent that will build and operate the project. As part of the procurement process, bidders will be required to propose options to reduce energy use, both to reduce operating costs and to enhance sustainability.

Purchasing of the light rail vehicles will be included as part of the project procurement process. There are several benefits of including the vehicles in the project procurement:

• Transfers the risks associated with the delivery and quality of the vehicles to the proponent
• Provides proponents with greater schedule certainty
• Allows the team to optimize vehicle design including length, number of vehicles, etc.
• Allows the team to optimize vehicle procurement and stagger delivery of vehicles to meet ridership requirements
• Simplifies systems integration between the vehicles and track/systems operations

The City of Hamilton and the Province (Metrolinx and the Ministry of Transportation) will be working together on this matter as per City Council’s direction. We anticipate this to be addressed as part of negotiations on the Operations and Maintenance Agreement.

To date, no formal Operations and Maintenance Agreements for Provincially-owned LRTs have been executed. For example, the recent draft cost-sharing terms endorsed by the City of Toronto for LRT Projects in that community represent the first step towards a formal Operations & Maintenance Agreement. The draft terms established that the City of Toronto will be responsible for operating and regular maintenance costs. The draft terms for an LRT Operations & Maintenance Cost-sharing Agreement in Toronto do not impact its Gas Tax revenues.

The sequencing and timing of construction will be determined by the proponents through the RFP (Request for Proposals) process. Three pre-qualified teams are currently preparing proposals that detail how they will deliver the project. Bid submissions are expected in Spring 2020 and a preferred proponent will be selected with contract award occurring later in 2020.

Specifics with regards to construction staging have not been determined yet; however, the entire length of the corridor will not be fully closed for five years of construction. There are measures that will be put in place in order to mitigate impacts of construction on businesses and residences along the corridor.

Provisions may include:

• Access to homes and businesses is provided at all times;
• Keeping roads and sidewalks accessible and functional as much as possible during construction;
• The surrounding road system remains functional to accommodate diversion;
• Restrictions on allowable length of time of consecutive construction work; and  
• Assurance that access to front doors will always be maintained.

Final details on construction staging will be determined based on proposed construction schedules submitted by proponents during the procurement process. Proposed construction schedules will need to adhere to the rules set out in the RFP by Metrolinx and the City of Hamilton.

A new LRT-only bridge will be constructed over Highway 403 to transition the LRT from Main Street West across Highway 403 and onto King Street West. This avoids complications with the Highway 403 ramps. The cost to build the bridge is part of the $1 billion project budget.

Businesses will not be compensated for construction losses. The LRT project team is committed to working with affected businesses to provide marketing support and other assistance throughout construction to mitigate the impacts.

With respect to construction delays, the successful proponent is required to identify and commit to a “Substantial Completion” date as part of their proposal submission. The successful proponent will also be required to submit progress reports and construction schedules on a regular basis and must identify and remedy potential delays. Failure to correct schedule deficiencies in a timely manner will result in monetary deductions that will escalate over time. The City, through Metrolinx, can also claim for actual/verifiable damages incurred as a result of any delay or action by the successful proponent.

The LRT project team continues to meet and consult with various organizations, BIAs, major stakeholders and community groups and neighbourhood associations regularly across the city. Follow us on Twitter or sign up for our newsletter to receive ongoing project updates.

Community Connectors

In 2016, the LRT Community Connectors program was launched. Our team of Connectors, made up of a diverse group of individuals from across the city, is committed to visiting every property (nearly 1,400) along the corridor twice per year for the duration of the project. Their role is to inform, educate and engage property owners and also gather feedback that will help inform the LRT plans. As part of this engagement, they also staff info tables at office and residential towers across the corridor.

Events and Festivals

The LRT Team is committed to engaging with Hamilton residents all across the city. You’ll find us at events and festivals, as well as community spaces such as local libraries, neighbourhood association events, the Hamilton Farmers’ Market, and more! Have an event you’d like us to participate in? Send details to hamiltonLRT@metrolinx.com and we’ll do our best to attend.

Public Information Centres (PIC)

Between September 2016 and January 2017, ten Public Information Centres were held, where more than 1,200 community members attended to learn about new developments to the project and to provide input. Review the presentation boards and maps from both meetings.

Community Offices

Ahead of LRT construction, the LRT project team will be establishing at least one fully staffed Community Office along the corridor as an additional resource available to residents who would like to speak to our team directly in-person.

Significant public consultation was undertaken including the following:

For the 2011 Environmental Project Report (EPR)

• Six formal rounds of public consultation/engagement have been undertaken; five as part of the Pre-Planning phase and the sixth as part of the Transit Project Assessment (TPAP) phase. Each round of public consultation featured several public open houses. A total of 21 opportunities.
• Formation of the Rapid Transit Citizen Advisory Committee was also established in summer 2010 to ensure regular engagement and input into the development of the project. This committee of 26 members was made up of members of the public, property owners in the corridor and a number of stakeholder organizations.
• Two Open Houses were held in May 2008 following the completion of the Rapid Transit Feasibility Study (FTFS) Phase 1.
• Two Community Update Meetings were held in December 2008.
• Two Property Owners Workshops were held in February 2009.
• Three Community Update Meetings were held in June 2009 on the options being investigated and the next steps for the project.
• An Open House was held on September 30, 2010 to give the public an update on project progress and to introduce the Rapid Transit Citizens Advisory Committee.
• Seven Public Open Houses were held between January and February 2011.
• Four Open Houses were held in August 2011 after the Notice of Commencement was issued.

For the 2017 Environmental Project Report (EPR) Addendum

• Between September 2016 and January 2017, ten Public Information Centres were held, where more than 1,200 community members attended to learn about new developments to the project and to provide input.
• The January meetings were supplemented by three Community Update presentations in communities outside of the LRT corridor.
• Stakeholder meetings since May 2016 held with more than 75 stakeholder and community groups including Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), Ward meetings, neighbourhood associations, school boards, advisory groups and other major organizations.
• Participated in several community events including Supercrawl, Concession Street Fest 2016, Gore Park Summer Promenade, and hosted lunch and learn sessions.
• Meetings were held specifically related to the Pedestrian Connection.
• The full public consultation process is summarized in Chapter 5 of the 2017 Hamilton Light Rail Transit Environmental Project Report Addendum. (PDF, 14 MB)

The LRT project team recognizes that construction is going to be difficult for many businesses along the corridor, particularly in the downtown core. The project team has begun consulting with various business owners on how to best support them and business preparedness initiatives are already underway.

In 2017, Metrolinx funded a 4-part business support workshop series, titled LRT Ready, through the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and local Business Improvement Areas (BIAs). LRT Ready series offerings will continue ahead of construction. Learn more about this initiative.

These workshops are only the first step in what will be a comprehensive and fully-funded business support strategy and the Hamilton LRT project team will continue to share information about other offerings as they are confirmed. The project team recognizes that the strategy for Hamilton LRT needs to be customized: a Made in Hamilton approach to best serve the needs of the businesses on the corridor.

The Hamilton LRT project team will be establishing at least one fully-staffed community office, which will work directly with the local community to promote individual businesses, mitigate construction impacts and support a broader Shop Local-type campaign.

To remain up to date on project information, events, and public engagement opportunities, please sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Twitter.

For information about jobs and volunteering, please refer to the Employment Opportunities section in the Frequently Asked Questions.

Please contact our office at HamiltonLRT@metrolinx.com or (905) 521-1003 for availability.

Each end of the LRT route will have an end-of-line terminal to allow for integration with other transit systems, including HSR buses, GO Transit and SoBi bike share. There will also be a pedestrian connection from the LRT corridor to the Hamilton GO Centre, with further connections to the Lakeshore West GO Transit line.

The 10-Year Local Transit Strategy, approved by Council on March 11, 2015, provides short term actions for City Council to continue developing Hamilton’s transit network. Local transit service will be enhanced to meet service standards, feed the LRT and keep up with projected population growth (by 2041 the population of Hamilton is expected to grow to 780,000 people). As recommended in the strategy, HSR is reviewing the design of the transit network to ensure it is serving the needs of customers through their (RE) envision Hamilton Street Railway project: more information.

HSR will still operate in the west-end of Hamilton near McMaster, but LRT will effectively replace buses along King Street in the downtown core. A key component of LRT however, is integration with other local transit options (HSR, SoBi bike share). HSR is currently undergoing a network redesign of the local bus system to ensure that LRT stops are fully integrated with HSR bus routes.

Learn more about HSR’s Transit Network Review.

These plans are currently being developed.

HSR is reviewing the design of the transit network to ensure it is serving the needs of customers through their (RE) envisioning Hamilton Street Railway project.

Metrolinx is committed to expanding GO Train service to the City of Hamilton as part of its 10-year plan to transform the GO rail network. Current plans include service to Toronto in the morning rush from Hamilton GO Centre every 15 minutes and from West Harbour GO Station every 30 minutes. This service would operate in reverse in the evening rush.

During weekday, midday and evenings, and on weekends, there would be hourly service in both directions between Union Station and Hamilton GO Centre downtown.

View more information.

The construction of West Harbour is part of the Metrolinx 10-year plan to transform the GO rail network and our commitment to expand GO Train service to the city of Hamilton.

Service levels west of Burlington GO Station, including service levels at Aldershot, are dependent on infrastructure and service agreements with CN and CP, who own the rail corridors. Final plans may vary as the 10-year program evolves.

Metrolinx is closely working with CN to finalize construction plans for the new track over the Desjardins Bridge and any other infrastructure required to bring this new track into service. Metrolinx will continue to update the community and stakeholders as this project progresses.

Ride share services and autonomous vehicles are likely to reduce the cost of personal travel by automobile, making these services more competitive with transit travel, and likely divert trips from transit, particularly for short, local trips. However, in major corridors, these services (or technologies) differ little from today in terms of single-occupant-vehicle capacity so will not be able to manage the mass transit demands of BRT, LRT or other high order transit services.

As part of the Hamilton LRT project Metrolinx is acquiring a number of properties to accommodate required widening of the right of way for LRT along Main Street, King Street and Queenston Road. The project requires approximately 90 full property acquisitions and 300 partial property acquisitions.

The Hamilton LRT corridor engagement strategy includes direct outreach to any affected residential tenants once a property has been acquired by Metrolinx. In these cases Metrolinx works one-on-one with each and every unit to facilitate transition into new housing, employing customized transition support. A tenant support team works diligently to find, view and secure new housing based on a tenant’s specific accommodation requirements, and ensures they feel engaged and supported throughout the process.

Property acquisitions for the Hamilton LRT project are the responsibility of Metrolinx. Any impacted property owners along the LRT corridor would be contacted by Metrolinx should their property be identified for future requirement.

If you have further questions, you may contact the Hamilton LRT Office via HamiltonLRT@metrolinx.com or (905) 521-1003.

No, Metrolinx has not commenced expropriation on any property required for the LRT project.  Metrolinx’s preference is to acquire properties through negotiations on a willing buyer, willing seller basis.  Metrolinx would initiate the expropriation process only when a negotiated agreement is not possible.  Expropriations may sometimes occur while continuing to negotiate with a property owner in order to provide schedule certainty.

It is important to note that in cases where acquisition or expropriations are required, compensation is paid to property owners based on fair market value.

Metrolinx may start the expropriation process while negotiations are underway. This parallel approach is used to ensure that all necessary lands are available to start construction on schedule.

The Hamilton LRT corridor engagement strategy includes direct outreach to any affected residential tenants once a property has been acquired by Metrolinx. Metrolinx works one-on-one with each and every tenant to facilitate the transition into new housing, employing customized transition support.

Our tenant support team works diligently to find, view and secure new housing based on a tenant’s specific accommodation requirements. Our goal is to fully engage with and support tenants throughout the entire process. Other supports that may be offered include language translation services and assistance with necessary paperwork, and arrangement of moving logistics.

Metrolinx provides financial assistance to its tenants for the direct costs to be incurred by the tenant related to the mutual termination of a lease.  Financial assistance may include payment of rent in accordance with applicable Ontario law, and other direct expenses such as furniture movers, opening new utility accounts, etc.  Depending on the unique circumstances of each tenant, other costs related to the transition into new housing may also be considered by Metrolinx for compensation.

As soon as Metrolinx acquires a property that has existing tenants, it provides a letter to each tenant which advises that our tenant support team will be in touch with the tenant to schedule an appointment and help the tenant transition to new accommodations. An after-hours hotline is available 24/7 to tenants for emergency situations.

No, they do not. The tenant support team works with them to determine a convenient transition plan and ensure they find appropriate alternative accommodations.

Metrolinx will work one-on-one with tenants after it has acquired ownership of the property.

If a tenant calls Metrolinx inquiring about the future status of their unit or building, Metrolinx will suggest that they have a conversation with their building owner or property manager for insight into their situation. If they are concerned about possible relocation, they are also encouraged to contact the Hamilton Housing Help Centre, which can assist with information on relocation services and options should they wish to relocate.

Tenants may also wish to contact the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic so that they are aware of their rights under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act. Unfortunately, Metrolinx is unable to work one-on-one with affected residents until we take ownership of the property.

The LRT project team will continue to work with community partners and City staff to work towards mitigation strategies.

As this is a joint project between the City of Hamilton and Metrolinx, employment opportunities can be found through the City of Hamilton and Metrolinx careers webpages. To stay up to date, sign up to receive project updates, and follow us on Twitter.

Once a successful proponent team is awarded the contract, they will provide an estimate of the number jobs created by the project.

The proponent will be responsible for assembling the construction team. Based on previous Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) projects, opportunities for local contractors are anticipated.

Local companies typically provide a significant contribution towards large infrastructure projects. Past experience demonstrates that Canadian and international bidders will seek local partners because of the following advantages:

• Proven experience of local contractors;
• Knowledge of local conditions;
• Experience with local labour pool; and
• Not having to provide travel and accommodation expenses for out-of-town workers.

Further, the Province and Metrolinx recognize that major infrastructure investments should also provide benefits for the communities in which they are located, including apprenticeship, employment and local supplier opportunities where possible.

Building on the experience of the Toronto Transit Projects Community Benefits Program, Metrolinx will issue provisions for the Community Benefits Program for the Hamilton LRT project as part of its procurement documents.  The Project Agreement will require:

• that the team submit an apprenticeship plan and community benefits and liaison plan to Metrolinx;
• that the team and partners sign an Apprenticeship Declaration with aspirational targets, and;
• that community benefits objectives are achieved.

Hamilton LRT is being delivered under the Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) model. Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario are currently in the procurement phase of the project; the Request for Proposals to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Hamilton LRT project was issued to three shortlisted teams on April 13, 2018. Read the press release.

As part of the Project Agreement, and in order to encourage the procurement of services on a local level, the successful proponent will be required to organize and execute public tradeshows to provide a beneficial networking opportunity between the team and local contractors, vendors, community businesses and agencies.

Additional information on how to become a vendor will be made available towards the end of the procurement phase.

In June 2007, the Province of Ontario released their MoveOntario 2020 plan, which was a multi-year rapid transit action plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Metrolinx was then established by the Province to develop and implement a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) along with an Investment Strategy and Capital Plan.

Following the announcement, the City worked closely with Metrolinx to undertake rapid transit feasibility studies, develop technical reports and undertake consultations. This work culminated in the February 2013 report, Rapid Ready - Expanding Mobility Choices in Hamilton, which outlines the City's vision for rapid transit along the B-Line corridor; which then led to a provincial announcement in May 2015 of a $1 billion investment of light rail transit in Hamilton.

Rapid transit is more than just moving people from place to place. It is about providing a catalyst for the development of high quality, safe, sustainable and affordable transportation options for our citizens, connecting key destination points, stimulating economic development and revitalizing Hamilton. Rapid Transit planning strives to improve the quality of life for our community and the surrounding environment, as we move Hamilton forward.

The decision on technology choice for a rapid transit project depends on a number of factors, including existing and future population and employment densities in the corridor and the projected future transit ridership the project is intended to serve. Bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail transit (LRT) can both provide high quality service, and Metrolinx is currently delivering both BRT (e.g., VIVA in York Region) and LRT (Eglinton Crosstown, Finch West in Toronto, Hurontario in Mississauga/Brampton and Hamilton) projects across the region.

There are trade-offs to each choice with regards to cost, capacity, impacts, ridership and many other factors. For example, although BRT is generally less expensive to construct than light rail, it may be more expensive to operate on a per passenger basis than LRT. As ridership increases within a corridor, the higher carrying capacity of light rail vehicles (LRVs) creates operating efficiencies that generally can’t be matched by buses.

LRT is a proven and tested technology currently being implemented in many cities around the world. The City cannot wait to address its transportation needs for 5, 10, 30 years for a new technology that may or may not provide benefits beyond those of the available or implemented technology. Furthermore, LRT as a technology has advanced throughout the years and will continue to be adapted as the project is implemented.

The Hamilton LRT project has been developed over many years through initiatives undertaken by both the City of Hamilton and Metrolinx. 

In June 2007, the Province of Ontario released their MoveOntario 2020 plan, which was a multi-year rapid transit action plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Metrolinx was then established by the Province to develop and implement a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) along with an Investment Strategy and Capital Plan.

A Rapid Transit Feasibility Study was completed by the City of Hamilton in 2008 examining rapid transit options on both the A-Line and B-Line. This was followed by the completion of a Benefits Case Analysis (BCA) for the B-Line by Metrolinx in cooperation with the City of Hamilton, which focused on examining the relative benefits and costs of implementing LRT, BRT and a hybrid option with both technologies in the corridor. The BCA found that although the full LRT option would have higher initial capital costs than the BRT or hybrid BRT/LRT options; it would also generate significantly greater benefits (travel time savings, socio-economic and environmental benefits). A copy of the final BCA report is available.

Following the completion of the BCA, the Province provided funding for the City of Hamilton to undertake additional planning, design and engineering work for the B-Line LRT option as well as an environmental assessment, which was completed in 2011. Through the environmental assessment process many technologies and solutions to the City’s transportation needs of the future were evaluated. This included transit, roads, and active transportation. It was determined that LRT was the preferred technology for the B-Line corridor for many reasons including moving people (high capacity, rapid, reliable public transit) and shaping urban form (city-building and re-urbanization). LRT looks to direct growth along the corridor and serve a higher density of population and jobs.

The City of Hamilton worked closely with Metrolinx to undertake rapid transit feasibility studies, develop technical reports and undertake consultations. This work led to Rapid Ready - Expanding Mobility Choices in Hamilton, a report to Council in February 2013 setting out Hamilton's rapid transit options.

In 2013, the City submitted a request to the Province to fund 100% of the capital costs of implementing LRT in the B-Line corridor, which the Province committed to doing through the Premier’s May 2015 project funding announcement.

Learn more about LRT timelines, Council reports and documents. 

There is no technical report or study directly comparing an LRT project on King Street (between the Delta and the 403) versus Main Street (between the Delta and the 403). In 2009, a Corporate Working Group (comprised of City staff from various disciplines across the corporation) analyzed the options and concluded that King Street was the best option which Council subsequently approved. There was also a significant amount of public and Council consultation on the proposed route during the original Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP).

The request for funding from the Province was based on the route detailed through the TPAP and Council directed staff to update the previously approved TPAP based on the changes in the Provincial announcement.

In addition, several planning and policy documents guided the decision to implement rapid transit on King Street. Most notably, “Putting People First”, the Downtown Secondary Plan was approved in 2008. This document pre-dated LRT discussions. Main and Cannon Streets were identified as through streets with King Street and York Boulevard identified as key streets that run through the Downtown proper. King Street and York Boulevard were identified as more pedestrian focused streets which cater to higher order transit (rapid transit). Other significant decision points were as follows:

• In 2007-2009, the City carried out a Rapid Transit Feasibility Study looking at both LRT and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on both King and Main Streets;
• In 2009, a Corporate Working Group identified King Street as the preferred alternative and all reports to Council going forward identified LRT on King Street;
• King Street has been Council approved since 2009 and has been the focus of rapid transit planning since that time;
• The approved Environmental Project Report (EPR) that was approved in 2011 as part of the Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) identified King Street for the project. The EPR included extensive public consultation (see detailed summary above); and,
• Council reaffirmed support for LRT on King Street on April 24, 2013. (Item 7.2, Page 9)

King Street and Main Streets are located close to each other and have many of the same constraints and opportunities:

• Both King and Main Streets have the potential to stimulate economic development and improve the quality of life for the community. The King and James intersection is a highly pedestrianized focal point of Hamilton’s downtown. 
• Both present opportunities to improve the streetscape and enhance the space for pedestrians and cyclists. 
• Both Main and King Streets are actually similar in width, although Main Street may look wider because the traffic lanes and sidewalks are narrower.  Both right-of-ways are approximately 20 metres wide except for a pinch point in the International Village on King Street when it narrows by 1.5 metres. 
• Both corridors would need to be converted to two-way traffic to accommodate center-running LRT.
• The primary challenge with Main Street is the existing Highway 403 interchange. Reconstructing the existing Highway 403 ramps could be a very costly and complicated process.  The LRT bridge in the project plan allows the LRT corridor to transition from Main Street West to King Street and avoids impacting the existing 403 interchange (this was included in the previously approved 2011 Environmental Assessment for the project).
• An additional consideration is that Main Street (through the downtown) is a designated truck route, whereas King Street is not.  Therefore, LRT on Main Street would mean diverting heavy truck traffic onto alternate routes.

Yes. A timeline with Council reports and documents is available.