Metrolinx has completed an Initial Business Case (IBC), in partnership with the Niagara Region, the Town of Lincoln, and a third-party partner, for a proposed GO Station in Beamsville.

The release of the IBC is the first step in the planning process but is good news for those looking to see expanded transit access in Niagara Region.

Where would it be built?

The proposed transit station would be located along the Lakeshore West Line, west of Ontario Street in Beamsville, in the Town of Lincoln. It would be located between the proposed Grimsby GO station to the west and the existing St. Catharines GO Station to the east.  

Metrolinx will explore opportunities to deliver the proposed new GO station in Beamsville through the Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) program that will better connect people to transit. 

The Beamsville IBC compares the benefit of developing the proposed GO Station in Beamsville against the service concepts recommended as part of a 2019 Niagara Falls Extension IBC.  

The IBC shows the proposed station could attract 48,000 net new annual trips to the GO network by 2041, which will provide better access to the GO network for local residents. This will improve access to businesses, housing, jobs, and destinations in and around the Town of Lincoln.

2041 is the future date used in the IBC to project ridership and not a timeline for when the station would be built. A timeline for station construction is still to be determined through the planning process and associated TOC project agreements.

Niagara Region is a destination for many looking to explore one of Canada’s natural wonders, enjoy a visit to wine country, indulge in the many noteworthy restaurants and many other activities.

A new GO station in Beamsville would attract between 7,000 and 8,000 tourists per year to the area in 2041 who would have the option to take the GO rather than driving, saving money and providing a safe and convenient alternative to explore the area.

Customers who currently use the GO Bus service would have the option to switch to rail service to save time and have an improved and more comfortable travel experience. Combined with existing riders diverted from nearby GO stations, annual ridership for Beamsville is expected to reach 325,000 in 2041.

On a typical weekday, the proposed station is expected to attract 1,335 daily trips in 2041.   

The proposed station amenities could include GO customer parking, a pick-up and drop-off area, bicycle parking, and an area for transfers to local and regional transit services.  

Service in Niagara Region

Metrolinx is working to advance additional GO rail services to Niagara Region as outlined in the 2019 Niagara Falls Extension IBC. Metrolinx continues to work with rail partners to find ways to deliver on a promise to increase service to Niagara Region. This is part of incremental increases in service while work continues towards two-way, all-day GO service between Union Station and Niagara.

Transit Oriented Communities (TOC)

Metrolinx is exploring the opportunity to deliver the Beamsville GO Station through Metrolinx’s Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program.

Through this program, the province and Metrolinx will build reliable transit at a lower cost to the taxpayer, while supporting integrated communities connected directly to transit.

TOCs are integrated, mixed-use developments that are connected, next to or within a short walk of transit stations and stops. This type of development is designed to increase transit ridership and reduce traffic congestion, as well as increase housing supply and jobs with access to transit.

As with any development project, the community will have multiple opportunities to provide input through the established municipal planning process that allows for the community to participate in a consistent, meaningful, transparent, and timely manner.

The IBC is just the first step in advancing a new station. The development of a new station, including construction timelines, are still subject to other necessary approvals and agreements.