MP plans forum on GO train
Parkdale-High Park MP Gerard Kennedy is rolling up his sleeves and getting involved with residents’ concerns over the proposed Georgetown GO train line expansion.
Kennedy announced at a May 18 constituents’ meeting that he’ll be hosting a forum on residents’ resistance to diesel trains and the push for electrification of the rail corridor.
The event will bring together representatives from all levels of government — federal, provincial and municipal — as well as the Toronto District School Board to talk with Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency overseeing the project.
Residents are concerned about the potential environmental and health impacts of adding more diesel trains to the rail corridor, which travels through Roncesvalles and the Junction. The frequency of the GO trains is expected to increase dramatically.
Pam Mountain, who lives and works in the Junction, said she supports the idea of a cross-partisan forum.
“It’s a really good idea to make sure that the communities are all getting together, not separate groups,” Mountain said after the meeting. “Let’s make sure everyone is working together on this.”
Mountain said her biggest concern is the health hazards that may result if the amount of diesel trains is increased. Her son has asthma, and she said she’s concerned the added air pollution will have a negative effect on him.
This is an issue that will have effects beyond her own community, she added.
“The air goes everywhere, it doesn’t just stay above the railroad track.”
Metrolinx is currently conducting a study of the benefits and costs of electrification as an alternative to diesel. It is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Several people at the meeting questioned why GOTransit is looking to add more diesel trains while other cities across Canada and the rest of the world are moving away from the technology.
One resident who lives close to the tracks said he is concerned about the impact an expansion will have on property values.
But real estate broker Brian Torry said there is no empirical evidence yet indicating what effect increased train volume will have on property values, although he said he thinks that it will be a negative one.
This isn’t to say property values will drop, but instead they may take longer to increase in value in comparison to other Toronto neighbourhoods, he said in a phone interview with the Town Crier.
Kennedy said residents have made their concerns known, so now it’s time for government officials to add their voice to the appeal for electrification.
“Metrolinx, I think, is starting to understand they’ve got to come to the table and we’re going to create some tables for them to come to,” he said.