The Federal Government has approved the proposed CN intermodal hub in Milton.
The official decision statement can be read here. The 49-page document details a number of conditions that will need to be met for the hub to be built.
The Region of Halton is unhappy with the decision, releasing several statements from Regional officials. Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr says that the approval is unexpected and disappointing.
“We have heard from members of our community, residents and local leaders about their collective concern regarding this project. It is unconscionable that the Federal Government would approve this project despite findings from its own Federal Review Panel that the project will cause significant adverse effects on human and environmental health. There has never been a decision like this before.”
The CN intermodal hub will be built across 400 acres of land along Tremaine Road. The project includes a new mainline rail, which will double the existing track line and add over 20 km of new rail yard track.
Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz says the residents of Milton deserve better from the federal government.
“How could the Federal Government disregard the concerns of the community and allow a project like this within one kilometer of approximately 34,000 current and future residents, including one hospital, 12 schools and two long-term care homes? There are many unanswered questions that the federal government must address. This is not what residents of Milton deserve.”
The intermodal hub had been a long standing issue in Milton. An Environmental Review Panel was put together in 2019 to hear both sides, review the information brought forth, and decide if the hub would have significant health impacts on Milton and the surrounding area. The results were released in January of 2020.
All four of Halton’s mayors expressed a desire to continue opposing the proposal, claiming the adverse effects on human health in the community are too much.
(CN Intermodal Hub map, courtesy of the Halton Region)
