News Release
HRM and CN Reach Agreement on Rail Line
(Thursday, September 28/2000)-- Halifax Regional Municipality and CN Rail have reached an agreement to preserve the rail bed between Halifax and Windsor Junction until HRM completes a comprehensive regional transportation study.
Keith Heller, CN Vice-President, advised in a letter to HRM today that even though the rail company will remove some sections of the second track on the line, CN agrees to preserve the entire rail bed for the next year to allow the municipality ample time to undertake a major commuter study.
CN declined a request to donate the portion of the right-of-way containing the second track, because some sections of the second track will be required in the future for CN's freight operation.
Mr. Heller stated "I would like to emphasize that it is not our intention at this time to remove the whole of the second track. Also, it is important to understand that the second track and its corridor are only a part of the infrastructure that will be required for the operation of a commuter service, especially if the HRM is considering light rail."
He also stated that CN appreciates the municipality's interest in commuter rail and advised that the company is prepared to enter into negotiations with HRM on a commercial basis should it decide to undertake such a project.
In closing, the letter stated "...it is important that the HRM's long-term interest in this project be determined soon after your comprehensive transportation study is completed to permit CN to better plan for this important freight corridor."
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John O'Brien
HRM Corporate Communications Officer
(902) 490-6531
Scott Roberts
CN Rail, Public Affairs
(514) 399-2970
