CN moving forward with plans to build $250M Milton, Ont. logistics hub
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Railway says hub will not increase traffic on local roads more than three per cent
The railway announced its planned logistics hub last March. PHOTO: CN
MILTON, Ont.—The Canadian National Railway Co. continues to lay the groundwork for its proposed logistic hub in Milton, Ont.
The railway has submitted a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency that outlines the measures the company will take to lessen the project’s toll on the environment and local community.
“The new hub will benefit our customers and the regional economy by improving central Canada’s access to the key transborder market as well as the Pacific and Atlantic coast trade gateways we serve, generating new supply chain efficiencies in the GTHA, and creating well-paying local jobs,” Claude Mongeau, the company’s president and CEO said following the project’s announcement last March.
“CN is committed to a comprehensive engagement process with the community at every step of this project in Milton,” he added.
CN says the logistics hub will not increase the traffic on neighbouring roads by more than three per cent. PHOTO: CN
Among the measures the company will take to decrease the project’s impact on the community is the construction of a 1.7-kilometre private road designed to avoid truck queuing on public roads. To reduce noise from the facility, the company will erect earthen berms and plant trees and other vegetation to allow the site to blend into the natural environment. CN would also build a new underpass for Lower Base Line that would minimize the hub’s impact on commuter traffic.
“The EIS concluded that terminal-generated traffic on neighbouring roads will increase less than three per cent of predicted volumes during peak hours,” the company said.
From an environmental standpoint, the company plans “enhancements” to the habitat of Indian Creek. It will also use environmental technology to design the hub—including solar panels, rainwater capture and LED lighting.
CN continues to tout the $250 million project’s impact on the Halton region’s economy as well. Along with ensuring CN has the “critical” transportation infrastructure it needs in the GTA and Hamilton areas, the company says the hub will create more freight capacity to better connect Canada from coast to coast.
The project is expected to create 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in Milton and Halton Region.
