Arnott: GO extension to Wellington Halton Hills must proceed
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott made a statement Monday in the Ontario Legislature urging the provincial government to proceed with improving GO Transit train service through Wellington-Halton Hills.
He said, “The trains that take people to work every day are critical to our economy, environment, and quality of life. That’s why I was pleased this spring when GO Transit announced its environmental assessment to extend rail service from Georgetown through Acton to Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo.
“Working with the member for Kitchener-Waterloo, together we have supported this vision for years.”
Arnott said that while the government has faults, this is an important step for it.
“Even though the McGuinty Liberals’ financial mismanagement has weakened our economy, the need for this GO service extension remains well established. If the [Dalton] McGuinty government demands that municipalities adhere to its Places to Grow population growth targets, it has no excuse to delay this crucial transportation infrastructure project.”
He added, “It’s crucial because of worsening traffic congestion, the high cost of gasoline, and our environmental obligations to future generations.
Arnott said, “In a meeting I convened on Oct. 9 here at Queen’s Park with representatives from GO Transit and the Town of Halton Hills, we discussed the many merits of this project. Mayor Rick Bonnette, councillor John Duncan and Director of Infrastructure Services Chris Mills and myself - together, we made a compelling case for this project, including a new stop in the Acton-Rockwood area.
“But without a firm commitment from the government of Ontario, these new trains will never even leave the station,” he said. “Future generations will look back and ask of us: did we act? And if not, why not?
“I urge the Minister of Transportation to act. I urge him to commit to make this project a go.”
