sentences:  Proponents have asserted that the region's plans for rapid transit will be an essential component of planning and rationally controlling the Region's growth.A report in late 2017 indicated that the new Ion system was responsible in part for a predicted building boom in the core of Kitchener, much of it located near LRT stations.An estimated $1.2 billion in building permits for 20 new developments was expected by March 2018, adding 1,000 apartments and 1,800 condominium units.