Canadian Transportation Agency Approves CN Intermodal

By: Laura Steiner

The Canada Transportation Agency (CTA) has approved the CN Intermodal facility in Milton.  The decision was issued November 22, 2021.

The Intermodal Hub was first announced in 2015.  CN contended that because was rail was a federally regulated industry they did not have to go planning processes as regulated by the Province, and municipality. They went through a six-year review through the Canada Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA), including hearings in Milton in front of a three-person panel.  The final report found significant harm would be caused by the development to the environment, as well as the health and safety of the community.  Cabinet approved the Intermodal earlier this year with 325 conditions, and without forcing them to address problems raised in CEAA’s report

“We are extremely disappointed with the CTA’s decision,” Halton Region Chair Gary Carr said. Cabinet made the decision to approve the 400 acre development in January.  In February, Halton municipalities, and Conservation Halton filed an application with the Federal Court of Canada requesting a review of decisions made by the federal cabinet, and the Minister of the Environment, and Climate Change. In April, the Regional Municipality of Halton resumed a previous court challenge demanding that CN comply with laws protecting health and residential safety.

The 400 acre project is located in the Britannia Rd and Tremaine Rd area, near the Boyne survey in Milton. “We have said since day one that Milton is not the right location  for CN’s truck-rail hub, and we will continue to advocate to protect our community, and our environment, Mayor Gord Krantz said.  Boyne survey could house as many as 34,000 residents, when residential developments are complete.  The area is represented by Councillors Sameera Ali (municipal, ward 4), and Zeeshan Hamid (Regional Councillor, ward 4).  They posted a letter to social media urging CN to go through proper approval processes.  “A private business should not be allowed to consider itself above the law, acting with impunity while ignoring rules and regulations that apply to everyone,” it reads.  There are two long-term care homes, and one hospital in the immediate area.

Milton MP Adam van Koeverden supports the Region’s actions, a position  consistent with what he said during the recent federal election campaign.  “I support any and all efforts to protect our community from the negative impacts that this project brings with it.”  For the latest on the project visit the Region’s website