On March 1, 2024, the Federal Court of Canada ruled in favour of the Halton Municipalities with respect to CN’s proposed truck-rail facility in the Town of Milton. The Court found that the decisions of the Federal Minister and Cabinet failed to fulfill their duty to protect human health.
“The Court noted Federal Cabinet’s decision was flawed and unreasonable,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Our concerns about the health and safety of our residents have been heard loud and clear and we are very pleased with the Court’s decision.”
The project cannot now proceed without going back to the Federal government for reconsideration, including a full evaluation of the effects of the project.
“This has been a long battle to protect the health of our residents,” said Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz. “We are delighted that our concerns have been heard.”
In 2020, the Environmental Review Panel found that CN’s proposed truck-rail facility in Milton would have significant adverse effects on the health of Halton residents. This is the only project ever subject to a federal environmental panel review found likely to cause significant adverse effects on human health. There are also additional concerns about safety due to the potential for increased traffic. The project site is located within one kilometer of more than 34,000 residents, one hospital, 12 schools, and two long-term care homes.
To learn more about the Halton Municipalities’ position on the project and ongoing action to protect Halton residents, please visit halton.ca/CN.
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 637,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, call 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at halton.ca.