Hastings County Council has formally opposed the high-speed rail project proposed to move through the Quinte region.
“This opposition is based on concerns related to insufficient municipal consultation, unclear and small urban impacts, potential environmental effects, and alignments with existing Eastern Ontario planning and infrastructure priorities.”
“The County of Hastings advocates that the federal government and VIA Rail fully explore train route options along existing corridors such as the VIA Rail or the Highway 401.”
Mayor of Marmora and Lake Jan O’Neil:
“There is absolutely no value to our small communities for this to happen. It’s just going to be a train going through, no stops. It’s not even close enough in terms of access even if you decide you want to go somewhere.”
Tweed Mayor Don Degenova:
“Where exactly will the final route be located? Which properties will ultimately face expropriation? How will these residents be compensated? What roads will be severed by a continuous fenced corridor nearly 10 feet high? Will communities and neighbours be physically separated from one another? Will farmers be separated from their fields? What will be the environmental impacts on farmlands, wetlands, wildlife, and endangered species? How will municipalities be compensated for the wear and tear on local road networks during construction? How will emergency services respond when traditional access routes are no longer there? What tangible benefits will municipalities actually receive?”
The motion was not to oppose the project in any form, but as presented.
