Dozens of signs that popped up in a Cambridge neighbourhood in 2017 quickly turned into a large movement of people protesting a controversial ION route

It all started over two years ago, when over a hundred signs started popping up in the Preston area of Cambridge.

The signs said it all: "Stop the LRT Thru Preston," as residents expressed their anger and frustration over a proposed ION route through the north end of the city, one that could have seen as many as 100 homes and businesses reduced to rubble to construct the line.

There was also concern expressed about property values.

The proposed route back then would take the tracks over Shantz Hill, onto Eagle Street, through Preston and onto Pinebush and Hespeler Road.

"We are attempting to stop all the destruction," the woman behind the signs told 570 NEWS back in May 2017.

"We are very happy with our quaint little Preston area. We love our homes, we love our neighbours. We don't want to lose anything."

And there was no issue from the campaign, according to Cambridge city councillor Donna Reid.

"When citizens feel strong about an issue, they express themselves," she said, "On this issue, they're doing it by using signs. I don't have a problem with that because it's community engagement."

A delegation was able to speak to Regional Council in the same week, and had staff considering alternate options and exploring previously identified routes.

Lorie Henry, who is with the campaign, said residents were not satisfied with the report's findings or comments.

"This route was proposed almost overnight," she said, "They weren't giving the other alternatives their due justice. It's extremely imperative that they look at alternative routes, and not just pay lip service."

In July 2017, Cambridge city council voted to oppose the potential route and more public consultations were held through the course of the year and into 2018.

In April 2018, a revised route proposed caught residents off guard, with Diane Moyes from the "Stop the LRT Thru Preston" campaign noting it "blindsided" her and the group.

Instead of going down Eagle Street, the new route had tracks running closer to the Speed River before coming down closer to Industrial Road.

It was said to result in 60 fewer properties impacted, 70 fewer full property buyouts and 33 fewer Built Heritage and Cultural Landscape Resources affected.

It also would've come at an additional cost of around $100-million dollars, with much of it being spent on a bridge.

The route then got some more feedback before it was presented and approved by Cambridge and Regional Council before the summer time.

But still up for evaluation was the portion of the route between Shantz Hill Road and Eagle Street North at William Street.

It was finally endorsed by Regional Council late last month, allowing a station to run diagonally in the Queenston block, to help provide better access for pedestrians and cyclists to King and Eagle Street.

A staff report presented to Cambridge city council in April indicated despite exploring options to minimizing impacts within the area, "eliminating all impacts is not possible."

The saga of Phase 2 continues to be written, with more public consultations to go before the final authority is given by Regional Council to initiate the formal Transit Project Assessment Process in late 2019.

If all goes according to plan, the region can start submitting applications for funding from the upper levels of government in 2020.

With files from various 570 NEWS staff.

THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE FIVE-PART SERIES, TITLED "EYE ON THE ION," TAKING A LOOK BACK AT THE HISTORY, THE DISCUSSIONS, THE MEETINGS AND ALL LEADING TO FRIDAY'S LAUNCH OF ION SERVICE IN WATERLOO REGION ON JUNE 21.

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PREVIOUS ARTICLES

PART 1: History Lesson

PART 2: June 15, 2011

PART 3: Criticism, delays, controversies

PART 4: Impacts, What Comes Next?