By Staff
December 5, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
Well – we have heard this one before – the plans to build a high-speed rail line that will connect Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Toronto. It will improve travel options, reduce travel time and – oh yes – create jobs by getting people moving. Everything the government does
The start of an integrated environmental assessment (EA) marks the next phase of the project, which includes identifying the most appropriate route, examining state-of-the-art transportation technology options and an environmental evaluation.
The EA will be guided by consultations in early 2015 with municipal and business groups, as well as with First Nation and Métis communities.
Shape of things to come?
High-speed rail service connecting Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Toronto is part of the government’s long-term transit and infrastructure plan, Moving Ontario Forward. This plan will make nearly $29 billion available over the next 10 years for investments in priority infrastructure projects across the province, including public transit, roads, bridges and highways.
The Mayor of London, Matt Brown thinks it’s a great idea. “This is fantastic news for London. High-speed rail will benefit many vital economic sectors in London. We look forward to working with the province on this initiative.”
Let’s make a note on this initiative – see if it gets much beyond the Environmental Assessment stage.
Common sense dictates that unless this high speed train cost only slightly more than driving your car the same distance; then people will chose it and ‘all aboard’. If it cost significantly more (like ‘via’) then good luck. The wallet is the final pathway to overcome.
Canadians must learn to make a little selling a lot instead of trying to make a lot sell a little.
It is refreshing to hear from the Mayor of London. That is the type of energy we need in this city; to work in a collaborative spirit with the province, and not constantly resist positive change like what generally happens in this community.
Probably get shot at for this…Quebec politically really doesn’t want to be part of Canada. Yes they want all the government hand-outs and their language however regardless of those votes, they would rather be on their own. Trying speaking English to somebody from Quebec while you are in
Quebec and you’ll get the cold shoulder when they realize you’re from Ontario.
So let them be, the high-speed train proposals have been there before. There are big hurdles. Lack of vast population is one, countries jammed into small geographic areas thrive on high-speed rail. Canada is not a populated area! And we love our personal transport devices (automobiles), regardless of the monetary cost
THose countries that embrace high-speed rail also have the and the
directed will of the government and political support willing to fund and build such systems. Canada doesn’t;
VIA Rail Canada is a farce when it comes to passenger service.