The Ministry of the Environment announced it is attaching 18 important conditions that Metrolinx must adhere to for expanded GO service on the Georgetown Corridor and for the Union-Pearson Rail Link Project.

The Minister imposed these conditions to ensure that the rail line expansions are operated in a way that protects human health. Among these conditions, the most important are that Metrolinx shall:

• Utilize Tier 4 standards compliant engines for all Go Transit trains and for the Union-Pearson Rail Link trains that travel along the Georgetown South Corridor, when service begins in 2015.
• Develop and implement an ambient air monitoring and reporting plan in consultation with an expert working group which shall, at a minimum, include Environment Canada, the City of Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, and representatives from the adjacent community, such as members of the Clean Train Coalition.
• Conduct further studies regarding predicted human health risks from train traffic, develop mitigation measures for unacceptable risks that are identified, and implement those measures after they are approved by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE).

QUOTES

“On numerous occasions I have stated to the Ministry that any expansion of the rail service on the Georgetown line had to take into account the concerns regarding the possible health effects associated with this project” – said Albanese. “I continue to support the move to electrification of the corridor and look forward to the outcome of the electrification study, commissioned by the Ministry of Transportation.” - said the MPP for York South-Weston who had recently written to the Minister of Environment emphasizing her position.

Albanese praised the work and the engagement of her community in regards to the project: “By working together as a community, we have been able to secure a number of important changes. I have strenuously worked alongside the community to secure overall improvements to this project proposal, which include: a stop in Weston; a new GO Station facility in Weston; and tunnelling the tracks through Weston to keep Church and King street open so to preserve the routes the residents of Weston village typically use in their daily activities.”

Albanese said much has changed since the rail expansion and air-rail link was originally proposed: “The original project proposal featured a high speed train flying by the community with no benefits and no recognition of health issues. But the conditions set by the Ministry of the Environment will ensure that rail line expansions are operated in a way that protects human health.” Going forward, the MPP for York South-Weston will continue to ensure that the health of the community is protected and that the unity of the neighbourhood is preserved.

LEARN MORE

To read the Notice of Approval by the Minister of the Environment and the 18 Conditions set, please click here:

or go to http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/index.php

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