Rail ‘just a supplement’

Re “Rail remains our most neglected infrastructure,” (Feb. 25, 2010):

I was one of many who were shocked to read this paper’s stance that the only thing County Councillors should concern themselves with when it comes to the sale of the County rail corridor was “which course would make restoration of rail service most plausible.”

Seriously? A 2,400-acre, 200-foot-deep mine on the headwaters of their County headwaters that provide pure water to over 1 million people in Ontario – should not be the concern our County Councillors? Whose concern should be?! Everything that is connected to this mine proposal must concern all the Councillors and the rail line is crucial first step.

As far as a train saving the environment from trucks goes, take a closer look at the Highland Companies’ plan for this mine. It appears that they have every intention of running gravel trucks right along with the train (it’s a huge mine). Studies on a smaller mine (approximately 100 acres) proposed in Flamborough suggest that mine will add nearly 1,200 trucks a day (yes, 1,200!) to Flamborough roads.

The Highland Companies say they will mine 300 acres at a time.

Do the math folks; the train will not eliminate the trucks, it’s just a supplement. Oh well, if things go badly when they blow up the beautiful potato fields surrounding the Headwaters, I suppose the train can help transport imported water to everyone in Dufferin County.

Marni Walsh,

Melancthon