Taxpayers have spent $25 million in fight to keep CN hub out of Milton
Published January 25, 2023 at 1:11 pm
Halton Region taxpayers have already spent $25 million in an effort to keep the CN intermodal hub out of Milton.
The amount was revealed by Halton Region’s legal department today after pressure from Milton Councillor Rick Malboeuf, who demanded the information be made public.
So far, $22 million has been spent in attempts to stop the facility from being built, but Halton is also on the hook for another $3 million to cover CN’s court costs after an earlier round of litigation. The Region is appealing the court cost amount.
The cost is expected to rise based on the continuance of the legal battle.
All of the municipalities in Halton, backed by Regional council, have been trying to block the creation of the transportation hub since it was first announced in 2015.
Politicians and Milton residents are concerned the potential increased noise and traffic that will flow from the hub will have adverse effects on health and safety for those who live nearby. The hub is expected to operate 24 hours a day and that truck and train traffic will increase significantly.
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CN believes the hub is an integral part of its transportation network necessary to transfer goods between trucks and trains
Last year CN won a legal battle when a judge denied a Halton bid for an injunction to halt the project. CN has argued that it has gained all federal approvals to operate in Milton.
Halton has countered that CN is subject to any local laws that may come into play during its operation if it is allowed to proceed.
If built, the $250-million hub would be located on a 400-acre site south of Britannia Rd. and east of Tremaine Rd. in Milton.
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