There are plans to increase freight traffic on certain routes, such as the one running through Thornhill and other York Region cities, in order to improve commuter services in other areas.
A local residents’ association is in full support of enhancing GO Transit service for commuters, but does not support a solution which would increase the frequency of freight train traffic in the area.
It appears that there has been no consultation with community groups to date on this proposal and, indeed, the report does not even consider the negative consequences of increased freight traffic in the affected regions.
To illustrate, increased frequency of freight train traffic will generate increased noise, dust, vibration, increased maintenance on rails and bridges, perhaps the need to expand berms, as well as the risk of an increase in accidents and spills of noxious and/or hazardous materials.
This is of particular concern, as the local elementary school is located less than a block from the CN track.