Toronto Board of Trade welcomes Georgetown rail link expansion

    
    Minister's 18 conditions will safeguard air quality while advancing
    regional transit, says President and CEO Carol Wilding
    

TORONTO , Oct. 6 /CNW/ - Toronto Board of Trade President and CEO Carol Wilding voiced support for yesterday's announcement by Ontario Environment Minister John Gerretsen, which gives the green light to expansion of the Georgetown South rail corridor while stipulating 18 conditions to safeguard air quality and public health.

"This rail expansion will bring important benefits for residents and businesses throughout the Toronto region," says Board of Trade President and CEO Carol Wilding . "This project has been part of Toronto's civic discussion for nearly two decades, and its approval is welcome news."

Ms. Wilding singled out the benefits of finally operating a rail link to Pearson International Airport, a service which, according to Metrolinx, will take an estimated 1.2 million car trips per year off the road. "The Union-Pearson link will help relieve the region's severe traffic congestion, which is both a barrier to the movement of goods and people and - more importantly - a source of harmful emissions."

The Minister's 18 conditions require the use of Tier 4 diesel locomotives once they become commercially available, which will reduce particulate emissions by 90% and nitrogen oxides by 80%. The conditions also require continuous monitoring and public reporting of air quality.

"The conditions ensure that Metrolinx will continue to be open and transparent with the community," says Ms. Wilding .

About the Toronto Board of Trade (www.bot.com)

Founded in 1845, the Toronto Board of Trade is Canada's largest local chamber of commerce, connecting more than 200,000 business professionals and influencers throughout the Toronto region. The Board of Trade advances the success of its members and the entire Toronto region by facilitating opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking, business development and city building.

For further information: Philip Preville, Director of Public Affairs, Toronto Board of Trade, [phone] ext. 4514, [email protected]