Clean Train Coalition | Transit for a Healthy City

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.

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Clean Train Coalition is Not Taking No for an Answer

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.