Grimsby GO Station construction has begun in Ontario, advancing the province’s plan to reduce gridlock, shorten travel times and support increased GO service to the Niagara Region. The province said the station will use a new standardized design intended to reduce construction costs and speed up timelines. The facility is planned with one platform, 220 parking spaces, a bus loop and pick-up/drop-off areas.

GO Transit train on the Lakeshore West line
Illustrative photo of a GO Transit train on the Lakeshore West line. Photo: Dillan Payne / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Grimsby GO Station uses standardized design

Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, said the project is part of Ontario’s wider public transit investment programme.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments in public transit to build a stronger, more resilient and self-reliant economy,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Grimsby GO is a game-changer for Niagara; it will get people where they’re going faster and safely, support good-paying jobs during construction and unlock increased service on the Lakeshore West line.”

Ontario has invested more than $14 billion⁠ to deliver faster and more frequent GO Transit services across the GO Transit network, including several investments connected with the Lakeshore West line. The province also opened Confederation GO Station last year and completed major upgrades at West Harbour GO Station⁠. According to the government, those upgrades save 250,000 daily commuters 15 minutes on round trips and improve access to Niagara Falls, Canada’s top tourist destination.

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, said the station is part of broader transit investment across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

“Our government is making record investments in transit across the province, including this critical expansion of the Lakeshore West line, connecting people to jobs, housing and opportunities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “Today’s milestone announcement is yet another sign that this government and Premier Ford know that Niagara matters – and that we are putting our money where our mouth is – in tangible infrastructure investments that will help improve people’s lives for years to come.”

Don’t miss…Brooklyn subway accessibility upgrades enter RFP stage

GO Transit expansion in Niagara Region

Grimsby GO Station will be the first GO Transit station delivered through the new standardized approach. The model is intended to provide a safe and functional facility for future passengers, while giving the province a repeatable way to design and build GO Transit stations with value for money in both upfront capital spending and future operating costs.

The province has also recently launched daily GO train service between Stratford and Toronto, along with the first-ever weekend service between Kitchener and Toronto. Ontario said it is moving forward with planning for GO 2.0, building on the transit network vision set out in Connecting the GGH: A Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe⁠.

Ontario is investing $70 billion in what it describes as the largest transit expansion in North America, including the largest subway expansion in Canadian history.

Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure, said the new station would support growth in the region.

“Grimsby’s new GO station will be a major benefit for Niagara region’s fast-growing communities, reducing congestion and boosting the local economy by bringing GO transit access closer to home. Our government is investing $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in North America, as part of our historic $236 billion capital plan to strengthen communities, create jobs and protect Ontario.”

Jeff Jordan, Mayor of Grimsby, said the start of construction was important for the town and the wider Niagara transport network.

“The start of construction on the Grimsby GO Station marks a significant milestone for our community and for the future of transportation across Niagara. On behalf of the Town of Grimsby, I want to thank Minister Sarkaria and the Government of Ontario for their continued commitment to improving transit infrastructure and connecting people to jobs, education, and opportunity. This long-awaited investment will help support our growing community, strengthen regional connections, and create lasting economic benefits for residents and businesses for years to come.”

Metrolinx points to future station delivery

Michael Lindsay, President and CEO of Metrolinx, said the project will expand access to rail service and influence future station delivery.

“Grimsby GO Station will bring GO rail service to a growing community while helping shape how future stations are delivered across the network. Through strong collaboration with Niagara Region and the Government of Ontario, we’re delivering infrastructure that expands transit access and supports long-term growth.”

What will change for passengers?

For passengers, Grimsby is set to gain its own GO rail access point on the Lakeshore West corridor between Confederation Station in east Hamilton and St. Catharines GO Station. Niagara Region says the project is part of corridor work between Hamilton and Niagara⁠ that includes track enhancements, rail facilities, station upgrades and new GO stations.

The planned station features also show how the site is meant to work beyond train boarding. Niagara Region lists proposed elements⁠ including a bus loop for GO Bus and Niagara Region Transit, customer shelters, fare payment kiosks, digital information screens, bicycle racks, parking, pick-up/drop-off areas and pedestrian access.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…California high-speed rail signs consortium agreement