Last summer Toronto’s heart went out to Lac Megantic when we learned of the devastating rail disaster that took so many lives. In the weeks and months that followed, we looked for answers. We wanted to know how this could have happened. It took longer still for other questions to be raised. What other communities are hazardous goods being shipped through? What say does the public have in these decisions? Residents along the CP Rail line running through Ward 27 have been upset to learn the answers are not positive.
New federal transportation legislation passed by minister Lisa Raitt provides the City of Toronto with retroactive information regarding the many train loads of toxic or explosive materials running through Toronto.
However, residents are not extended this same courtesy.
Even as a city councillor, I have depended upon media reports to learn that crude oil rail shipments have seen a dramatic increase and that these products are being moved through Summerhill and Rosedale and that hundreds of rail accidents go unreported.
Later this month, my office will be meeting with CP Rail representatives and councillor Josh Matlow to get more information.
I cannot accept that residents in a municipality as significant as Toronto have no say over what materials are moved through their community.
It may not be convenient, but our government in Ottawa must respond to the well-founded concerns of residents whose homes and businesses are adjacent to the line.