Local REALTORS® Support Light Rail

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (May 18, 2011) –An opinion poll conducted by the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) shows that 71 per cent of its REALTOR® members support Light Rail Transit, 14 per cent prefer rapid busses, and 15 per cent favour upgrading roads without rapid transit.

The KWAR opinion poll suggests that REALTORS® are considerably less divided on the question of rapid transit than the general population. (The results of a survey conducted for the Waterloo Region Record show 38 per cent support for trains, 32 per cent favour buses, and 30 per cent favour road upgrades with no rapid transit).

“As REALTORS®, we are naturally interested in any issue that stands to have such a profound impact on how the community is shaped,” says George Patton, president of the KWAR. “Our membership has been kept well informed on the rapid transit project from the beginning, and as we’ve watched other groups and stakeholders weigh into the debate we wanted to see where our membership stood on the matter.”

When asked whether they agreed with the concept that Light Rail is the best plan to encourage investors to build homes and workplaces in central neighbourhoods, 64 per cent of REALTORS® responded “Yes”, 14 per cent “Maybe”, and 23 per cent said “No.”

“Soon our local leaders will be charged with one of the most important decisions for the future of our community”, notes Patton. “It’s important they carefully consider all the research, listen to all the stakeholders, and focus on what will best improve the Quality of Life in our community, now and for the future.”

The KWAR is committed to improving Quality of Life in Waterloo Region by supporting growth that encourages economic vitality, provides housing opportunities and builds communities with good schools and safe neighbourhoods. Local REALTORS® have adopted a Quality of Life program to make sure the values important to our community are reflected in the business and community practices of the real estate industry.