WATERLOO — The swoosh of light rail trains, coming soon to Waterloo Region, signifies something different to each of us.

For Kitchener dad Michael Pulley, it means a better future for the next generation.

For University of Waterloo professor Patrick Lam, it means less urban sprawl in the region.

For David Rumpel of Waterloo, it means the transition from an old manufacturing economy to a new order based on technology.

These were among the hundreds of people who visited an open house on the weekend showcasing the huge, bright buildings on Dutton Drive in Waterloo where the trains will be maintained and cleaned.

Experts from the companies that are building and operating the system were on hand to offer all kinds of interesting information: the space under the maintenance bays, allowing workers to fix the train's undercarriage; the fact that recycled water will be used to clean the trains; the sanders that will automatically spread sand on rails when they're icy.

There were even cardboard kits to fold into a model of the Ion train that will be coming.

"I'm not a big transit user," said Pulley, who visited the buildings with his wife and two daughters, five-year-old Katie and seven-year-old Madison.

He has been following the project closely, and isn't thrilled that cities like Hamilton and Brampton are getting the project fully funded by the province and federal government, while residents in Waterloo Region must pay part of the cost from municipal taxes.

"Hamilton doesn't even want it and yet it's getting 100 per cent fully funded," he said.

But he also says this is the province's fault, not that of local representatives. And he doesn't mind paying more local taxes now for an investment that will pay off later.

"The younger generation is less reliant on vehicles. It's important we are building for the future."

Pulley and others who were interviewed said it's important that trains are seen as fun and cool, instead of being seen as an undesirable option only used by poor people.

Lam, who teaches software engineering at University of Waterloo, says he cycles everywhere, even in winter.

He has noticed more attention has been paid to the needs of cyclists since the plan for light rail began. That includes the completion of the Spurline trail from Kitchener to Waterloo, and segregated bike lanes on Manitou Drive.

"I hope the Ion will focus the growth (in this area) and make it more sustainable," he said. "Sprawl is unsustainable."

If the name David Rumpel sounds familiar, it's because he comes from the family that owned the Rumpel Felt Factory on Duke and Victoria streets in Kitchener.

It was in the family since the late 19th century; Rumpel managed it before it closed in 2008 and was sold to the Region of Waterloo.

The old red-brick factory made felt for every occasion; industrial uses, linings to keep boots warm, and protective padding for hockey equipment.

But as the manufacture of footwear and clothing moved overseas where wages were much lower, Canadian-made felt was not viable. It couldn't compete.

He expects that the property will be used for the new transit hub near King and Victoria streets.

"I'm very happy they're finding a positive use for the property," he said.

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His wife, Renie, said the economy of this area is strong because the people are innovative and practical.

As the high-tech sector takes over the downtown area where shoes, boots leather and felt were once made, "we're using different technical skills," she said.

"But we're still technical people."

Luisa D'Amato Luisa D'Amato is a Waterloo Region Record columnist. She writes on issues affecting day-to-day life in the area. Email

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