Niagara Region Takes Ownership of Historic Train Stations to Enhance Transit

Niagara Region acquires train stations on Bridge Street in Niagara Falls and Great Western Street in St. Catharines.

Two train stations in Niagara will be transformed in order to enable enhanced GO service to the area. 

The Region has acquired the historic train stations on Great Western Street in St. Catharines and Bridge Street in Niagara Falls as well as the surrounding station lands. 

Back in 2016, the region committed $40 million towards its station redevelopment strategy, and some of the funds will be used towards upgrading the two sites. 

"This project will completely change the way people travel to and from Niagara Falls and spur major upgrades in our downtown core. The scope spans from underground updates to prioritizing safe traffic flow and modernizing the VIA/GO Rail Station into a warm, welcoming hub for travelers. We can’t wait to see it all come together!" ~ Jim Diodati, Mayor, City of Niagara Falls.

The upgrades will include the following: 

Niagara Falls

• A new multi-modal mobility hub preserving the historic VIA/GO Rail station, while modernizing the interior structure for multiple transit tenants
• New bus loops with nine bays split between the east and west side of the building, moving the existing transit plaza on Erie Avenue to be adjacent to the station for safer and more efficient movement of people
• Modernized washrooms and customer waiting area, including a dedicated space for bus operators
• ​New Victoria Avenue roundabout that connects Victoria Avenue, Thorold Stone Road (extension) and Bridge Street; thus, improving traffic flow/function in the station area
• Bridge Street reconstruction providing active transportation connections; accommodations for future growth; safe movement of transit; and accommodating increased pedestrian volumes at the station

St. Catharines

• ​A new multi-modal mobility hub preserving the historic VIA/GO Rail station,
• Establishing new bus connections for Niagara Region Transit (NRT) and GO Transit; parking enhancements; public plaza space; active transportation connections
• Constructing a new site access road connecting the station to Ridley Road in partnership with the City of St. Catharines and Ridley College.
• A new bus loop with six bays resulting in overall improvements to the property, including appropriate site access and servicing

In October, weekend GO Train service will be extended between Toronto and Niagara Falls. 

Officials say the Region continues to work towards bringing all-day, two-way daily GO Train service to the area, and they plan to ensure that rail and bus connectivity is seamless and reliable.