Waterloo’s much-anticipated Platinum Drive is now open

Waterloo’s newest and much anticipated road, Platinum Drive, is officially open. 

“Platinum Drive is a game-changer and time-saver for anyone who lives or commutes in the west side of Waterloo,” says Mayor Dave Jaworsky. “By offering a new connector from Columbia Street to Erb Street, it offers drivers relief from the overburdened roundabout at Ira Needles Boulevard and Erb Street.” 

In 2013, the City of Waterloo extended Columbia Street West to service residents living in the newly built Vista Hills neighbourhood. With the increase in businesses and employment numbers on the west side, the construction of Platinum Drive is planned to alleviate traffic along Erbsville Road, where there is a school crossing for children attending Edna Staebler Public School. 

Councillor Royce Bodaly applauds the benefits of this new road. “It will also offer cyclists a fully separated, safe route between the new business park and the Clair Hills and Vista Hills neighbourhoods, as well as over 40km of trails in beautiful Columbia Forest.” 

“The new 126 acre business park will launch in 2021,” adds Justin McFadden, City of Waterloo executive director of economic development. “Platinum Drive will provide an efficient connector through and to our future business park, which is expected to bring thousands of new jobs, and provide opportunities for Waterloo to grow its employment base.” 

Platinum Drive is just the fourth major road to be built in Waterloo in the past 25 years, following construction of the University Avenue extension, the Westmount Road connector and Ira Needles Boulevard.

Media contact: 

Shelly Reed
Communications consultant
shelly.reed@waterloo.ca