Halton Region is exploring what legal and regulatory means remain at their disposal in the wake of the Supreme Court’s recent decision not to hear its appeal over the federally approved CN intermodal hub in Milton.
In a memo to regional council dated May 21, Bob Gray, Halton’s commissioner of corporate services and corporate counsel, said staff are actively reviewing “all remaining legal and regulatory avenues available with respect to the project,” following the May 8 ruling that marked the end of the Region’s legal path through the nation’s highest court.
“We were disappointed the Supreme Court of Canada has chosen not to hear this appeal,” Gray wrote. “The long-term health, environmental, safety and economic impacts of this project remain a significant concern for the Region, and we will report back to council with further information.”
Regional Chair Gary Carr said Halton remains committed to using all legal and planning tools available to hold CN accountable and enforce local and provincial rules.
“Although we respect the court’s decision, we fundamentally disagree with the government’s approval of a project that poses serious health risks and economic disadvantages to our community,” Carr said in a public statement earlier this month.
He added: “The courts have made it clear: federal approval does not exempt CN from local and provincial planning rules. We will use every available tool to protect our residents.”
Halton officials are also calling on the new federal government to reconsider the project in light of changing economic conditions and community concerns.
“This is the wrong project in the wrong location,” Carr said. “It remains a serious threat to the health and prosperity of Milton and Halton as a whole.”
CN plans to build a 400-acre truck-rail hub just east of Tremaine Road and south of Britannia Road. The facility would operate 24/7 and require up to 1,600 truck trips daily. Town officials have raised concerns about its proximity to roughly 34,000 current and future residents, a hospital, 12 current and future schools and two long-term care homes.
