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5 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,July 16,2020 theifp.ca Have your say: Electrification of the Kitchener GO corridor and the future of transit in your community Public Meetings Round 2: Kitchener Corridor Expansion Program Metrolinx virtual open house begins July 22, 2020. Metrolinx is transforming the existing GO system, making connections like never before. The Kitchener GO Expansion Program will transform the line into a truly frequent rapid transit experience. There will be more trips at every point along the line - from Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Halton Hills, Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto. An environmental assessment is underway to study electrification of the rail corridor between Halton Hills and Kitchener. For the second round of public meetings on this study, we are launching a virtual open house to share updated information and seek your feedback. Topics will include: • Proposed project infrastructure; • Proposed locations of traction power facilities; • Overview of technical and environmental studies; • Preliminary impact assessment results and mitigation; and • Next Steps. Metrolinx is currently carrying out the Guelph Subdivision Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) (the Project) under Ontario Regulation 231/08 - Transit Projects and Metrolinx Undertakings. Please visit Metrolinx Engage - www.metrolinxengage.com anytime between Wednesday, July 22 to Wednesday, August 12, 2020 for access to project information, presentation materials and to provide your comments and feedback. We have a dedicated Community Relations team available to answer your questions at any time by e-mail or over the phone. Alternative methods for providing feedback are also being provided. We encourage you to participate by providing your input through any of the following methods: • Website: metrolinxengage.com • E-Mail: kwGOexpansion@metrolinx.com • Telephone: 416-202-3467 Disponible en français. sumer behaviours, which is why the min- istry is investing $13 million to encourage Ontarians to reconnect in their own com- munities." In Halton, MacLeod said the province is investing $350,000 into the regional tourism organization to deliver locally driven marketing programs that will show residents exactly what their com- munities have to offer. This investment was made possible through a partnership between the pro- vincial agency Destination Ontario and the crown corporation Destination Cana- da. The minister said another $100,000 will go towards the Burlington Sound of Music Festival, so that event, which was can- celled for 2020, will be viable in 2021. Festival organizers applied for these funds through the Province's Celebrate Ontario program. MacLeod said in the months ahead she hopes to open a new funding stream that festivals can apply for. "In total today I am announcing $450,000 so that the people of Oakville and Burlington will be able to start to get back to normal and start to reconnect with their loved ones, their neighbours and their local businesses," said MacLeod. "It is not going to be easy, which is why I have engaged on a tour across Ontario to demonstrate that whether you are going to a local patio, a local ice cream shop, a local tourism attraction, a gallery, a mu- seum, even your public library, it is safe because we put in place the rigorous safe- ty protocols for both the patron and the worker." Fortunato said the funding would help the local tourism industry and noted the announcement demonstrates the prov- ince's commitment to support local busi- nesses as they reopen and begin their journey toward economic viability. The announcement was also well re- ceived by Oakville Councillor and Visit Oakville Tourism board member Sean O'Meara. "It's much needed. A lot of our busi- nesses and attractions are hurting," he said. "We know a lot of people are going to be having stay-cations, we want to make sure they come and support local. I thank the premier and Minister MacLeod for making those contributions. I look for- ward to seeing them rolled out and put in- to action." The province has also announced the launch of Ontario Live - a new virtual hub designed to promote and support busi- nesses in the tourism, sport, and creative sectors. The new hub reconnects Ontario art- ists, tourism operators, attractions and businesses with online audiences from across the province and around the world. NEWS Continued from page 4