City Centre Transit Terminal

SteelTown · #11 Posted **Jul 25, 2008, 11:16 AM**

New downtown bus terminal given green light

By Kevin Werner
News
Jul 25, 2008

Downtown councillor Bob Bratina called the decision the "most important" one in his political life.

After nearly seven years of work and planning, members of the public works committee approved the construction of a multi-modal transportation centre along MacNab Street and Hunter Street within the current Go station facility.

It is expected to cost about $8 million, which the city only has about $3 million available.

The other $5 million will have to be raised some way, with a possible partnership with GO Transit, say city officials.

Construction is proposed for 2009, with the project completed by 2010.

The terminal hub will also, to the delight of Mr. Bratina who was elected as councillor in a 2004 byelection, mean the relocation of the buses, which park along Gore Park.

The idea is to construct eight bus platforms at MacNab Street and five bus platforms within the Hunter Street GO Station. A passenger service building will also be constructed on MacNab Street. The idea is for MacNab Street to become exclusively a transit terminal facility.

"This is an important day in my political life," said Mr. Bratina, who represents the area.

"This is very good use of taxpayers' money. We are honouring those people who moved to the downtown. And we are getting the buses off of Gore Park. I couldn't be happier."

Added Mayor Fred Eisenberger: "It provides the services we need. This has all the benefits for the MacNab Street location. We have adopted exactly the right model."

Politicians will vote on the committee's recommendation at their July 10 council meeting.

Council in 2001 did endorse an alternative option, expanding the MacNab Street Terminal. But potential problems were raised during city staff's Downtown Transportation Master Plan study that pointed to potential higher than expected land expropriation costs and rising construction expenses which could push the project to nearly $15 million, said city staff.