Caledon Council Increases Push for GO Train Service in Bolton

CALEDON, ON (July 16, 2024) – Today, Town Council took steps to immediately prioritize advocacy for a GO train station on Highway 50 in Bolton. This is another proactive step following last month’s rezoning of several parcels of land in Caledon, including a high-rise development planned for the south side of Highway 50 at Industrial Road that will bring more than 3,500 families to the town.

The notice of motion was brought forward to the Planning and Development Committee by Ward 5 (South Bolton) Councillor Tony Rosa, a long-time advocate for transit in the community.

“Caledon needs more transit options, and the time to plan a new GO train route to Bolton is now,” said Councillor Rosa. “Caledon must grow to 300,000 by 2051, and residents want and need access to the transit infrastructure already enjoyed by communities of similar size. The recent rezoning of parcels along Highway 50 means we will finally have the population density needed to support a GO train.”

Transit also supports local businesses and attracts new businesses. Brampton Transit’s Route #41, which started in May, is already highly successful in supporting the Highway 50 and Coleraine Drive employment areas. Advocacy for a GO train service will support the Town’s pledge to attract 125,000 new jobs by 2051.

Bolton is already home to Caledon’s largest business cluster. Employment growth in Caledon is critical to provide good-paying jobs close to where people live. It will also provide important new tax revenue that will help pay for services and offset the residential tax burden as the community grows.

“Transit planning was one of the key drivers behind the 11 rezoning by-laws passed last month,” said Mayor Annette Groves. “The by-laws provide infrastructure partners like GO more certainty to plan their services around our growth, so it’s critical that we increase our advocacy efforts for the Caledon-Vaughan rail line now while Metrolinx is working on its Regional Transportation Plan.”

The proposed GO train line to Caledon has two stops: South Bolton/Hwy 50 and Macville. The motion prioritizes advocacy for the Highway 50 location because water and wastewater infrastructure to support high-density residential development is already in place. With the notice of motion, staff will immediately adjust the approach for the upcoming Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) advocacy conference.

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