The Federal Court of Appeal is currently siding with CN Rail regarding the incoming Intermodal Hub.
The Canadian Press reports that construction on the hub will continue for the time being.
Back in March, it was reported that the Federal Court of Canada ruled in favour of Milton and the other Halton Municipalities with respect to CN’s proposed truck-rail facility in Milton. The Court found that the decisions of the Federal Minister and Cabinet failed to fulfill their duty to protect human health.
This decision isn’t a guarantee for the final construction of the project, as “final word on whether work can proceed will rest on a later ruling from the Federal Court of Appeal.”
In 2020, the Environmental Review Panel found that CN’s proposed truck-rail facility in Milton would have significant adverse effects on the health of Halton residents. This is the only project ever subject to a federal environmental panel review found likely to cause significant adverse effects on human health. There are also additional concerns about safety due to the potential for increased traffic. The project site is located within one kilometer of more than 34,000 residents, one hospital, 12 schools, and two long-term care homes.
Milton Mayor Gord Krantz has issued a public statement:
On behalf of the Mayor, please find the Town’s response below. Please also find attached the Mayor’s remarks at the recent Mayor’s Breakfast where he addressed over 200 of Milton’s business community regarding the proposed CN Intermodal project.
From Mayor Gordon Krantz:
“The most recent decision by the Federal Court found that the Cabinet’s initial decision to approve the project was ‘flawed’ and ‘unreasonable’ noting that the Court found that the decisions of the federal Minister & Cabinet failed to fulfill their duty to protect human health. While construction was permitted to restart, the entire project cannot proceed without going back to the federal government for reconsideration.
“The proposed project will cause significant human health effects to the 34,000 residents – including a school, hospital, and long-term care home – located within one kilometer of the site. In fact, this was the first time that there had ever been such a finding in Canadian Environmental Review history.
“This project is unacceptable, and the health of our community should not be compromised for any business.
“The Town, Halton municipalities, and Conservation Halton continue to oppose this project and take court action. We urge the Federal government to not reconsider this project to protect the health of Halton and Milton residents.”
To learn more about the Halton Municipalities’ position on the project and ongoing action to protect Halton residents, click here.
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