From: Clean Train Coalition [mailto:info@cleantrain.ca]
Sent: May 25, 2010 9:05 PM
To: Friend
Subject: CTC Update
Sent: May 25, 2010 9:05 PM
To: Friend
Subject: CTC Update
Metrolinx Electrification Study Update and Public Meeting
Metrolinx is hosting a public meeting this Thursday to update community members on the electrification study. After a brief presentation, there will be an opportunity for people to ask questions and provide feedback on work done to date.
Join the Clean Train Coalition as we continue to insist that only clean, quiet electric trains should be used for expansion of service on the densely populated Georgetown rail corridor. Don't miss this opportunity to let Metrolinx know what you think!
Where: The Lithuanian House, 1573 Bloor Street West
When: Thursday, May 27, 2010, 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Clean Train Information Evening in the Junction
The Clean Train Coalition will be holding an information session at the Annette Street Public Library. This meeting is intended to serve as an introduction to the issue and to get interested parties up to speed on the ongoing advocacy work of the CTC.
Come meet members of the Clean Train Coalition, the grassroots group demanding that this rail line GO ELECTRIC. Learn about the effects of diesel pollution on children's health, and the impact diesel trains would have on local parks and neighbourhoods along the corridor. Hear why electric rail is the right way to go and how you can help make that solution a reality.
Join us! Be part of the solution! Clean Transit is possible!
Where: Annette Street Public Library, 145 Annette St.
When: Tuesday June 1, 7pm
A Win at the Parks and Environment Committee
Members of the Clean Train Coalition made deputations to the City of Toronto's Parks and Environment Committee on May 21st. We asked the committee to protect parks along the Georgetown rail corridor from the fumes, noise and vibration that would result from the proposed diesel-based service expansion along this corridor.
Public parks are the heart and soul of the community and must be preserved as clean, quiet places in which we can relax from the stresses of urban life and participate together with our local communities in recreational activities.
In response to the deputations, the committee passed a number of motions including recommendations that:
- the Parks department do an analysis of the number of parks which would be adversely affected by an increase in diesel traffic;
- the electrification of the Air Rail Link be given priority precedence;
- the Parks & Environment Committee and the Board of Health jointly invite the provincial ministers of Transport, Infrastructure, and Environment to sit down with them to discuss the ARL as test case for electrification; and
- a noise and vibration study be completed by the Medical Officer of Health in consultation with noise and vibration specialists.
The Clean Train Coalition would like to thank the Parks and Environment Committee for their support and attention to our concerns about the deleterious effects of the planned diesel train expansion on parks near the Georgetown rail corridor.
Gerard Kennedy - Better Late than Never
At a meeting held on May 19th Gerard Kennedy told the public that he believe this expansion should only go ahead if it will create no negative health impacts on any of the neighbourhoods it passes through. Kennedy shared plans to work with other elected representatives across multiple levels of government to advocate for the electrification of the corridor.
Gerard is now one of many politicians who support the work of the CTC. We are glad he is now on side, and we will work with him and the other representatives on this issue.
Continuing Pressure at the Municipal Level
The Mayoral race is heating up, and Clean Trains will be on the agenda. At a recent debate in BloorWestVillage, the mayoral front runners were asked for their opinion of the issue. Here is some of what was said: http://bit.ly/cfXvvz
We ask all our supporters to continue to press for electrification at every opportunity. We need a mayor who will champion this issue for us, and we need councillors who are knowledgeable and willing to go to bat for their constituents.
If you attend a debate, or if you are speaking with any prospective candidates in this election, tell them you demand electrification. Ask them what they have done and what they are willing to do. Make it clear that your vote is one for electrification!
