At a recent committee meeting, councillor David Bird initially introduced a motion declaring the project to be of no value to the Town. The motion sparked a broader discussion among councillors about the message the municipality should send to federal and provincial representatives, as well as ALTO leadership.
Bird ultimately withdrew the motion after several members of council indicated they wanted to issue a stronger statement opposing the project.
Several councillors — including Mayor Judy Brown — attended an ALTO public open house in Perth on March 4th. The event drew more than 1,000 people and gave residents a chance to speak with ALTO staff about the proposed high-speed rail corridor.
Following discussion at council, a new motion was introduced and passed declaring that the Town of Perth does not support the project. Council also approved sending letters outlining its position to local MP Scott Reid, MPP John Jordan, and Martin Imbleau, the president of ALTO.
Story by Brian Turner