A VIA Rail train passes through Smiths Falls
The Township of Rideau Lakes is calling on the Government of Canada to add the Highway 401 corridor to current and future passenger rail studies and to build a dedicated passenger rail line in the corridor.
Council said eastern Ontario continues to suffer from unreliable passenger rail service because VIA Rail shares tracks with growing freight traffic.
Council is arguing that nation-building transportation projects should unite communities rather than divide them.
While Mayor Arie Hoogenboom is against high-speed rail coming into the Township, he opposed the motion, expressing concerns it is too premature.
Councillor Dustin Bulloch voted in favour, saying now is the time to make noise and be heard.
The motion supports modern rail investment but raises concerns that proposed high-speed rail routes could cut through farms, rural roads, natural areas, wildlife corridors and waterways.
Story by Grant Deme