The extension of the Georgetown South section of the Air Rail Link (ARL) has posed serious concerns for the residents neighbouring the railway.  The initial and main drive for the extension was to have a working rail link that would allow users to travel quickly and efficiently from Union Station to Pearson Airport ready for the 2015 Pan Am Games.

Due to the health risks to residents, and pollution in our neighbourhoods, I could not support the original plan to use Diesel trains along the corridor.

While the recent electrification study presented to the Board members of Metrolinx, estimates that it will require 7 years to electrify the railway, an estimate which will significantly overshoot the 2015 deadline.

On March 8 and 9, 2011 City Council adopted a motion urging Metrolinx to:

1) Determine whether electrification of the ARL can be completed by 2015 and

2) If the ARL cannot be electrified by 2015, alternative transportation plans should be made to transfer people along the route during the Games – allowing for electrification to begin as soon as possible.

I strongly believe that the electrification of the Georgetown GO and ARL is absolutely critical for the health and safety of Ward 18 and Toronto residents. For this reason I voted in favour of this motion, which also approved by Council.

By making the electrification of the Georgetown a priority, we can avoid the future costs of converting to electric from diesel.

With your support we can do this once and we can do this right.