The Highland Railway Group says a restored railway north of Orangeville will mean jobs, a cleaner environment and local economic development.

The proposed purchaser of the former CP Rail right-of-way says that while Dufferin County addresses procedural issues regarding the future of the county-owned corridor, people shouldn't lose sight of the substantive benefits of restoring the railway in these challenging economic times.

The Highland Railway Group (HRG) says restoration of the rail corridor would produce competitive businesses, environmental benefits and local economic development.

HRG President Joseph Izhakoff said the restoration "can provide real and lasting benefits for the people of Dufferin County. We believe that the economic growth and diversity that could be generated are essential if the community is to create local jobs, fund government services and amenities for people, and ensure a sustainable future."

A 2007 study commissioned by The Railway Association of Canada concluded that using Ontario's short line railways as part of the transportation mix can generate $1.175 billion in economic and environmental benefits each year.

This includes $616 million in savings from reduced transportation costs (including fuel) and freight rates, and $559 million in other annual savings and benefits.

Shippers surveyed in the study indicated that their costs would increase significantly if they were unable to use short line railways as part of the transportation mix.

HRG says railways are an environmentally friendly part of the transportation mix. "Trains can move one tonne of freight a distance of 168 kilometres on just one litre of fuel. Railways move 65% of Canada's total freight by tonnage yet account for only 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions from surface transportation activities.

One train car can carry the equivalent of between 2 and 5 loaded trucks, depending on the product and load limits.

Railways reduce the number of vehicles on our roads, ease traffic congestion and help reduce the cost of road maintenance and repairs."

According to shippers and municipal officials participating in the study, Ontario's short line railways also assist the economic growth of their communities, encourage the expansion of existing businesses, attract new ones, and play a role in municipal economic development programs.

HRG noted that Ontario and Dufferin are facing the worst economy in seven decades.

Ontario is reported to have lost 25% of its manufacturing jobs during the past four years. According to media coverage and comments by public officials a decade ago, it was estimated that the Orangeville-Brampton Railway then accounted for 600 jobs (then one third of Orangeville's work force) and $26 million in revenue for local businesses and from taxes.

"The HRG believes that a restored railway corridor would generate considerable benefits today."

At a time when Dufferin residents are experiencing plant closures, cutbacks and job losses, HRG is looking to invest in the community and its future. It says the pursuit and encouragement of local economic activity is one way of addressing these challenges, and a restored rail corridor could help to advance that strategy.