Peace and Environment News* June 1995
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Peace and Environment News * June 1995 |
by Estelle Taylor
The brakes have been put on plans for a commuter train connecting the Ottawa-Carleton region with the Outaouais. But the proposal isn't yet derailed, it's just being studied some more.
The Ottawa-Carleton regional transportation committee agreed May 17 to participate in a study of the rail corridor on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River.
The Council of the Communauté Urbaine de l'Outaouais (CUO) decided February 23 another study was needed before supporting CP Rail's plans to run a commuter train from Hunt Club Road to the Gatineau airport on its existing track. The CUO Council voted to study the feasibility of creating a rapid transit system on CUO land. The study will examine many technologies and possibilities for the corridor, not just rail.
The Ottawa-Carleton Regional Council officially endorsed the concept of a commuter rail system in March and wanted to push ahead with the planning process. But the other funding agencies involved in the interprovincial commuter rail study haven't been so enthusiastic, and so the project—supported by many environmental, community, and business groups—has been at a standstill. The National Capital Commission and OC Transpo have no position on the commuter rail plan.
Tom Apparao, with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, says the rail scenario is a good one, but doesn't want to move to the next step just yet.
The partners on the Quebec side of the river won't make a decision on the rail plan until this new study is complete, a process expected to take six months.
The study will cost the Ottawa-Carleton region $6,250 and the Ontario Ministry $18,750. The rest of the proposed budget's $125,000 is covered by Quebec governments.
At a recent Regional transportation committee meeting, Councillor Jacques Legendre, "astonished [and] disappointed" with the delay and cost involved in conducting another study, questioned the CUO's support for commuter rail.
"This is make-work, a delaying. They're not interested," he said.
But transportation commissioner Mike Sheflin defended the study, arguing the region's transportation situation hasn't hit a critical level yet, "we're not against the wall," and there is therefore time to conduct another study.
As well, he pointed out the importance of having both provinces involved in all studies.
"This is good planning," he said.
The motion to participate in the Quebec study still has to be approved by Regional Council.
Converted July 7, 2000 - Lg
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