News

Public leaders’ presence intended to assure public of railway’s sound management, economic viability

PETERBOROUGH, ON/May 16, 2012—Tony Smith, president, Shining Waters Railway Board of Directors, today emphasized the importance of the addition of Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett and Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones to the railway’s board.

While both the mayor and warden’s presence on the board was accepted by city and county councils a month ago, no formal announcement was made at the time, Smith noted.

“We hope people will understand that these appointments are significant to our board and to our building momentum to bring the rail line plans on to the next level. This highlights the importance both gentlemen place on this project for the region,” Smith said.

The Shining Waters Railway (SWR) line will restore commuter rail service between Havelock, Peterborough and Toronto, and strengthen and upgrade existing freight service. The line will feed in to the VIA national and GO regional networks. Planners anticipate ridership of 1900 people a day with passenger growth projections of 8.2 per cent annually. SWR will be a locally governed, private, non-profit railway owner and manager, Mr. Smith noted. Experienced railway providers will handle daily operations of passenger and freight services and track maintenance.

“It alleviates all fear that any perceived economic burden on the city or county will ever happen. Both Jay and Daryl will have total insight into the board decisions and be able to report back to their respective councils with hard facts, not rumors.”

Mayor Bennett said, “I support the rail line and the economic advantage we expect it to bring to the City and the region. I also welcome the opportunity to ensure accountability for the people of Peterborough.”

Commenting on his own board appointment, Warden Jones said, “This important infrastructure project has an impact well beyond man-made boundaries. It’s important that everyone work together on this unique and very important common cause.”

The rail line is expected to create an estimated 2000 jobs, a number which includes both economic spinoffs and ongoing operating activity. The board anticipates an additional 110 jobs and $13 million in revenue annually from the operation of the commuter rail line alone.

Media Release