GrandLinq

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The consortium named GrandLinq is the successful bidder [1] to build and operate the Ion rapid transit system in Waterloo Region, Ontario. [2] GrandLinq was one of three groups invited to bid on the system in February 2013. [3] [4] GrandLinq's partners include: Plenary Group Canada; Meridiam Infrastructure Waterloo; Aecon; Kiewit; Mass Electric Construction Canada; Keolis; STV Canada Construction; AECOM; and CIBC World Markets. [2]

In 2012, seven groups of partners indicated an interest in bidding on the system. [5] In February, GrandLinq and two other groups, Tricity Transit System and Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge Transit Partners, were chosen as those which would be invited to submit proposals. In June the formal request for proposal was issued, and the three groups had until December to complete their bids.

In March 2014, GrandLinq was identified as the preferred bidder in the staff report on the final bids, and approved by the Region's Planning and Works committee. Regional Council gave final approval on March 19, with financial close being made May 9. [6]

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References

  1. Desmond, Paige (20 March 2014). "Cambridge won't get break on share of LRT costs". Waterloo Region Record. Archived from the original on 20 March 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  2. 1 2 Keith Barrow (2013-12-18). "Three bidders vie for Waterloo LRT contract". International Railway Journal. Archived from the original on 2013-12-19. Retrieved 2013-12-18. THREE consortia have submitted bids to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario, for the $C 536m ($US 505m) PPP contract to design, build, operate, and maintain the city's first light rail line.
  3. Charlotte Prong Parkhill (2013-02-27). "Region narrows down LRT consortiums". Waterloo Chronicle. Archived from the original on 2013-12-19. Retrieved 2013-12-18. The three finalists were selected from seven consortiums that submitted their qualifications in November 2012. They operate under the names GrandLinq, Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge Transit Partners and TriCity Transit System. Each group consists of several companies, including engineering, construction and finance firms.
  4. Paige Desmond (2013-12-17). "Region prepares to review bids for $536 million light rail transit construction in Kitchener and Waterloo". Kitchener-Waterloo Record. Archived from the original on 2013-12-18. Retrieved 2013-12-18. The bidding consortia are called GrandLinq, Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge Transit Partners and Tricity Transit System. Each group has local companies involved.
  5. "Progress continues on ION, the Region of Waterloo's rapid transit service". Exchange magazine. 2013-06-06. Archived from the original on 2013-12-19. Retrieved 2013-12-18. The three shortlisted teams – GrandLinq, Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge Transit Partners, and Tricity Transit System -- will have approximately six months to prepare and submit their proposals. The short-listed teams are comprised of some of the most experienced companies building transit infrastructure in Canada.
  6. "Region finalizes agreement with GrandLinq for ION Stage 1 LRT". Region of Waterloo. Archived from the original on 12 May 2014. Retrieved 9 May 2014.