As part of Metrolinx / GO Transit’s expansion and improvement plans, additional bus and train services were made available to the Kitchener-Waterloo, and surrounding areas. The result was the need for a new rail layover and bus facility to provide these additional services.
The new bus facility offers interior storage for 20 GO Buses as well as bus servicing and minor repair facilities which will provide support functions for the western region GO System.
As the successful consultant selected for the project, Ausenco provided complete detailed engineering design, permitting, contract administration, and construction supervision. The $18M development includes bus storage, automated drive through wash bay, inspection pit, service bay with fluid dispensing systems, fuelling and monitoring bay, and administrative areas for both Bus and Rail functions.
Structural design incorporates long span truss girders to create open floor areas in the bus storage area. An exterior façade consisting of insulated precast concrete panels provides durability and expedited installation.
The new facility is aimed towards achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Gold Certification Standards. Energy features include in-floor hydronic heating systems and HVAC systems incorporated into the Building Management System (BMS) which assists with the overall energy conservation and remote management of the building mechanical systems. Rainwater is harvested and is re-used for non-potable applications.
Electrical features include several energy efficient initiatives including LED fixtures with occupancy and daylight sensors, exterior photocells, BMS lighting and control integration, and lighting sub-metering system. A 90m tower provides radio communication and is backed up by a UPS. The 600 kW emergency generator and automatic transfer switch provides back up power to all critical systems.
Construction was completed in May 2018.