Junction Triangle

December 6, 2012

Mr. Tim Hudak, MPP
Leader, Official Opposition
Leader, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
Room 381, Main Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A8

Re: Invitation to Meet Re: Diesel Train Service Expansion in West Toronto

Dear Mr. Hudak:

Like a number of residents in the Junction Triangle in West Toronto, I am disappointed by the actions of the McGuinty government related to the hurried expansion of diesel train service to Pearson airport in time for the Pan Am Games.

After years of delay and misinformation, the government has now pledged to introduce electric trains on the Pearson air-rail link/Georgetown South corridor in 2017, two years after the games.

We recently got clarification of the government’s position during a meeting with Transportation Minister Chiarelli. The NDP have been clear in their support, but we remain uncertain about your party’s position on the electrification of Metrolinx rail services. Could we arrange a time to meet with you and your Transportation Critic to discuss this matter?

There are many good reasons to expand public transit, but nothing suggests rushing to install diesel technology in time for a two-week sporting event will have any benefit for the people in West Toronto forced to live with this legacy.

We would like to share our concerns about the massive diesel train expansion underway and hear more about your views on this important policy issue that will affect thousands of people across the city.

I look forward to your reply. Many thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Kevin Putnam
Junction Triangle Rail Committee

Cc. All members, Junction Triangle Rail Committee
JunctionTriangle.ca