Freight Rail Analysis to be done on Peterborough rail line

1/11/2018

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Peterborough–Kawartha, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and Jeff Leal, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough, have announced funding for the Peterborough-Toronto Freight Rail Analysis project.

The Government of Canada is contributing up to $65,000 towards this project, which will build on
economic and engineering work already completed. The Government of Ontario is also providing up to $65,000 towards this project.

The project will define freight infrastructure requirements and outline the projected economic impact of potential future freight rail improvements along the Peterborough-Toronto-Havelock-Blue Mountain rail corridor. Specifically, the project will evaluate the benefits and impacts associated with enabling increased freight rail capacity along the corridor.

The Chamber has long been a proponent of rejuvenating this rail line for freight and passenger use, to
encourage continued economic growth in the Peterborough region.

3 Comments

Rick link

1/23/2018 12:30:14 pm

Someone please tell me why building commuter rail to transport people AWAY from Peterborough and depositing them at Young and Davisville (not Union) is a good idea.

Stu Harrison

1/24/2018 08:17:43 am

Thanks Rick, I see passenger rail service as a tremendous advantage for Peterborough, bringing people here far more than transporting them "Away". Our tourism sector would benefit immediately with the ability to package vacations or weekend excursions. Our College and University become more attractive. People who currently commute would have a far more attractive option, which not only makes it easier for them to live here, but makes it far more attractive for people to move here. Spousal employment is one of the key factors in attracting engineers, physicians, and other top talent to the area. Commuter rail would help address that issue. The proposed VIA Rail Service would connect Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, with the line going through Peterborough. This would be up to 15 trains a day in both directions, with freight running at night on an upgraded line. All positive from my perspective.

Brian McKinley link

1/25/2018 08:03:11 am

Well said Stu! Nothing but good things would come from providing the opportunity for 6 million people to have an easier way to see, enjoy, play and work in the Kawarthas! We would have the triumvirate of economic engines: ROAD :Hwy407/Hwy 115; AIR upgraded airport; RAIL: fast/economic freight/passenger rail system. The future is bright for Peterborough. My only question is why is another study needed - thought the work was already done by Shining Waters & others. Had hoped that a provincial election would see this announcement moved forward and ribbons cut...

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