The Clean Train Coalition is thrilled to announce that they have been chosen as the 2009 recipients of the Bob Hunter "Damn Fine Activist" Award. This award is given out on a yearly basis by the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) and will be presented by his family at this year’s Ecobunk Awards at the Lula Lounge on December 9, 2009.
“The Clean Train Coalition is honoured to receive this award in Bob Hunter’s name,” said Carina Cojeen, co-chair of the Clean Train Coalition. The Hunter family has continued to give out the award on a yearly basis, and this year marks the first time the award has ever been given to a group instead of to one individual. “The Clean Train Coalition owes its success to the thousands of Toronto residents who have worked together for a better city,” said Cojeen.

On October 5th, the Ontario Minister of the Environment, John Gerretsen, approved Metrolinx' plan to run over 450 diesel trains through west Toronto despite urgent requests from the Clean Train Coalition, the Toronto District School Board, the Medical Officer of Health, and thousands of concerned citizens for electrification of the corridor before any expansion of rail traffic is allowed. The Minister has attached some conditions, notably that Metrolinx use Tier 4 diesel trains.
Diesel
exhaust is a known health hazard and any further pollution in Toronto's already
overburdened airshed is not acceptable. Furthermore, while electric
technology is available and would entirely eliminate the local heatlh risks,
Tier 4 diesel trains do not yet exist. It is disappointing that
the Minister didn't require Metrolinx to electrify the rail corridor,
but the struggle is far from over.
On the up side, the decision by the Minister has finally vaulted our
call for clean electric trains into the media spotlight.
We've been covered by all the major newspapers, on most of
the television networks, and on radio as well.
Here's a sample, and there are more links below.
The Minister's stipulation that Metrolinx use Tier 4 diesel technology
confirms what
we've been saying all along - there are unacceptable
health risks associated with Metrolinx's proposal. It is unfortunate
that, although the Minister recognizes the health risks associated with diesel,
he still did not require Metrolinx to electrify the
line, an alternative which would protect exposed communities
from those
risks.
NEXT STEPS
The Clean Train Coalition is not satisfied with the Minister's decision and we are not giving up our demand for immediate electrification of the Georgetown rail corridor.
The Coaltion has filed a formal complaint with the Provincial Ombudsman in response to Metrolinx's recent campaign of misinformation which attempts to mislead the public regarding the Medical Officer of Health's position on their proposal for the Georgetown corridor. Dr. McKeown continues to advocate strongly for electrification of the corridor. Metrolinx has grossly misused our tax dollars to misrepresent Dr. McKeown's position and mislead the public.
We are also planning further actions to protest the Minister's decision. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, please continue to send emails to or telephone Premier McGuinty and James Bradley, Minister of Transportation or your other local politicians and let them know how you feel about their government's plans to pollute your city and your community.
Thank you to everyone who has already made a financial contribution towards
our efforts in fighting this battle. Unfortunately, the battle is still
waging and we still need your help!! We are planning a fundraising
event in the near future but you don't have to wait until then to help. All
contributions are welcome and can be mailed to: Clean Train Coalition, 1974
Weston Road, Weston ON M9N 1W2. For more information, please
email info@cleantrain.ca.
Media on the Minister of the Environment's Recent Decision
The Globe and Mail - Rail Link to Pearson Gets Green Light with Strict Conditions
CBC
News - West-End Diesel Trains Approved
CBC
Metro Morning - Diesel Not Good Enough (runs 6:30) ![]()
The National Post - Ontario Approves Diesel Trains to Pearson with Conditions
The Toronto Star - Georgetown Track Cleared for Diesel Trains
The Toronto Sun - Diesel Trains get the OK
Inside Toronto - Diesel Train Plan Approved by Minister
AM
640 - The John Downs Show
AM 640 News - Conditions Added for Rail
Expansion
Stevemunro.ca - Weston Corridor GO/UPRL Approved, But With Conditions
THE CTC's FORMAL OBJECTION
On August 31st, the Clean Train Coalition among others sent a formal objection to the The Minister of the Environment.
| Read the Clean Train Coalition's formal objection to the Minister of the Environment. |



