Canadian Federal Court of Appeal Gives Green Light to Toronto Intermodal Hub
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
TORONTO –– Canadian National has won approval from a Federal Court of Appeal to proceed with the construction of a large intermodal hub.
On Friday, October 4, The Canadian Press reported that a three-judge panel on a Federal Court of Appeal ruled that the federal government’s previous decision to allow Canadian National to build a large intermodal hub in Toronto was reasonable, regardless of “significant adverse environmental effects.” This gives CN the green light to move forward with construction of the terminal.
In March of this year, a Federal Court ruled that the project could not move forward because of serious concerns over air quality. The terminal would bring four freight trains and 800 diesel-powered trucks daily. Canadian National and the federal government appealed this decision to a higher court and the project was approved, reversing the ruling of the lower court. Opposition to the project came largely from the four municipalities of Halton Region along with the Halton Region Conservation Authority.
Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz said “This decision doesn’t change the fact that what CN is proposing is in the wrong place,” refering to the impact of the project on the health of local residents. In line with opposition to the $250 million project, the Federal Court of Appeal attached more than 300 environment and health related conditions to its approval.
Also, according to The Canadian Press, Mayor Krantz said “the undertaking will cost the town and Halton Region more than $70 million in prospective revenue from development changes as well as $7.4 million per year in non-residential taxes –– ‘meaning local property taxes will need to increase.'”
Milton spokesman Andy Scott said “Development charges and non-residential property taxes are paid on the buildings constructed, and CN [is] planning very little building construction. In addition, the project will only create 130 jobs.”
As is often the case with this type of project, local residents are not happy – in addition to environmental concerns, they’re worried about safety with so many homes and schools in the vicinity. Some residents are planning to leave the area.
CN says that Toronto needs additional freight capacity and service, as its economy is growing at a rate among the fastest in the country. In addition, CN said, planning for the intermodal terminal was subject to a detailed environmental impact review to ensure minimal impact on the community. CN spokesperson Ashley Michnowski said “With 325 conditions in place, CN is committed to upholding these, as they are critical to protecting both the community and the environment by making this a state-of-the-art facility.”
