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CN Milton Logistics Hub Project

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Page Summary

Resident and community concerns on CN’s proposed truck-rail hub in the Town of Milton must be heard. Learn more about the project, the concerns and how to get involved.

Global News Report

The Proposed CN Truck-Rail Hub in Milton

Current Project Status

  • On September 9, 2022, the Halton Municipalities and Conservation Halton (the “Halton Municipalities”) filed an appeal of the August 10, 2022 decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in a case between the Halton Municipalities and CN related to CN’s proposed truck-rail hub in Milton. For more information, please read the September 12 media release from Halton Region.
  • On August 10, 2022, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice released its decision in a case between the Halton Municipalities and Conservation Halton (the “Halton Municipalities”) and CN related to CN’s proposed Intermodal facility in Milton. For more information, please read the August 12 media release from Halton Region and the Ontario Court’s decision (PDF file).
  • April 2022 – Recent Activity at CN site in Milton
    • Staff at Halton Region, the Town of Milton and Conservation Halton are aware of the activity happening at the CN site and are monitoring the CN activity on a regular basis.
    • CN has no approval from any local or regional authority to carry out any activity at its site and we have communicated to CN to reiterate that any current activity on site is at CN’s risk.
    • A court hearing is scheduled to begin May 30, 2022 in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to clarify the constitutional powers of the Halton Region, Town of Milton and Conservation Halton over CN’s current activities.
  • On November 22, 2021, the Canadian Transportation Agency released its decision to approve CN’s application for railway line approval. The decision is included below:
  • On April 15, 2021, the Halton Municipalities (the City of Burlington and Towns of Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville) and Conservation Halton resumed their 2018 Ontario court case against the proposed Milton CN truck-rail hub to ensure CN complies with laws that protect the health of residents and the environment. For more information, please read the latest media release from Halton Region.
  • On February 19, 2021, Halton Region commenced litigation in the Federal Court of Canada to review the decisions by the Federal Minister and Cabinet to approve the CN Project. Halton is taking this step to protect the health and well-being of its residents. For more information, please read the latest media release from Halton Region.
  • On January 21, 2021, the federal government approved CN’s proposed truck-rail hub in Milton, putting the health and safety of Halton residents at risk. The Halton Municipalities will review the decision and will continue to be the community’s voice on this important issue. For more information the decision, please read the latest media release from Halton Region.
  • On December 21, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (external link) (IAAC) posted a notice on its website, indicating that the Governor in Council has extended the time limit for a decision on CN’s proposal for a truck-rail hub in Milton by 30 days. For more information, please read the latest media release from Halton Region.
  • On September 21, 2020, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (external link) posted a notice on its website indicating that the Governor in Council, under subsection 54 (4) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, has extended the time limit for the issuance of the Decision Statement for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project by 90 days to late December.
  • The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada's public comment period on the potential environmental assessment conditions for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project closed on August 21, 2020. 
  • Extension of Time Limit for Issuance of Decision Statement: The Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, under subsection 54(3) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, has extended the time limit for the issuance of the Decision Statement for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub project by 90 days to recognize the extenuating circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts to communities, businesses, and stakeholders.
  • On Tuesday, March 10, Milton Mayor Gord Krantz, Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette and Oakville Mayor Rob Burton met with the Prime Minister’s Office, as well as The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, to voice their strong concerns about the location of CN’s proposed truck-rail hub in Milton and request that the Federal Government refuse approval of CN’s proposal. The Mayors spoke at a media conference in Ottawa alongside Milton MP Adam van Koeverden, to show a collective and strong voice on this issue.  View media release.
  • On February 12, Regional Council endorsed a resolution that calls on the Federal government to refuse CN's proposal based on the report findings from the Federal Review Panel. View media release.
  • On January 27, 2020, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada released on its public website a copy of the report by the federal review panel regarding CN’s proposed truck-rail hub in Milton.
  • The Panel determined that CN’s project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on air quality and human health.
  • To read the Review Panel Report, please visit the Review Panel webpage (external link).
  • The Review Panel Report will now be reviewed by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the federal Cabinet.

The position of the Halton Municipalities

  • The Halton Municipalities oppose CN proceeding with the truck-rail hub in Milton because:
    • it will cause significant harm to air quality and human health for more than 34,000 residents located within one kilometer of the proposed hub.
    • it will cause permanent harm to anticipated employment, investment, and municipal finances.
    • it does not comply with more than 65 local and provincial laws that apply to this proposed hub It is vital to fairness and consistency that no one is above the laws that apply to proposed development in Milton and Halton Region.
  • The main reason we oppose CN’s project is because of the significant impacts to human health.
  • We cannot see any basis for this Project to be approved when its emission of toxic substances makes it the only project ever subject to a federal environmental panel review found likely to cause significant adverse effects on human health.
  • The best way for us to stop this project is to continue to address these matters through the court system.

The Issue for the Halton Municipalities

The Halton Municipalities recognize that the rail aspects of the truck-rail hub are matters of federal jurisdiction. Yet, this project is about more than rail lines – it includes significant non-rail aspects, and the potential effects of these on multiple areas of provincial and municipal government jurisdiction. Most of these areas of provincial and municipal government interest are not covered in any way by federal government oversight.

  • If CN’s position were accepted, it would lead to a regulatory gap. The consequence of this gap is that CN, a for-profit company, would be self-regulating in areas that should be regulated by the Province and the Municipalities.

CN rail’s position:

The truck-rail hub is a matter of exclusive federal jurisdiction, and neither the Province nor the Halton Municipalities have any regulatory role with respect to the project, whatsoever.

Halton Municipalities believe:

The significant non-rail aspects of this project are of provincial and municipal government interest. We reject CN’s view that Halton Municipalities have no regulatory role with respect to this project.

Project Overview

CN rail is proposing to build a new truck-rail (“Logistics”) hub in the Town of Milton.

  • CN owns over 1,200 acres at the proposed site, and is proposing to develop 400 acres.
  • CN has not disclosed its plans for the remaining 800 acres.
  • The proposed project includes new mainline rail, which will double the existing track line and add over 20 km of new rail yard track.
  • CN plans to operate the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • The hub would result in 1,600 truck trips to and from the facility each day.
  • The site is located within one kilometer of 34,000 current and future residents, 12 schools, two long-term care homes and one hospital.
  • Lands west of the rail lines are designated for future employment.
  • These lands are subject to:
    • Regional servicing impacts; and
    • Regional phasing that schedules new development to begin between 2021 and 2031.
  • Regional Natural Heritage System designations impact these lands.
  • Regional servicing is not presently available to the site. The extension of servicing is not scheduled until some time after 2021 (in accordance with Sustainable Halton Water and Wastewater Master Plans).
  • The proposed CN Logistics Hub Is not consistent with the current land use planning framework of the Region or Town.

The Halton Municipalities have three court proceedings underway:

  1. We have filed an appeal of a decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
  2. We filed an application for a Federal Judicial Review that seeks to overturn the decision by the Federal Minister and Cabinet to approve CN’s project on the grounds that Cabinet was not given key information about the impacts of CN’s proposed project on human health.
  3. We are also appealing the Canadian Transportation Agency’s decision to approve CN’s application for railway lines as part of its proposed project.

Project Concerns

The Federal Review Panel reached the unprecedented conclusion that the project is likely to cause significant effects on human health that cannot be mitigated.

There are impacts to all Halton Municipalities (City of Burlington, Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton, and Town of Oakville). Since the project was proposed in 2015, we have been working together to ensure community interests and the planned visions for the community are heard. Our concerns are summarized below:

  • Health and safety:  The proposed site is immediately adjacent to existing and planned residential areas.
    • Approximately 34,000 current and future residents, twelve schools, two long-term care homes and one hospital are located within one kilometer of the site.
    • The site will generate increased levels of noise, air pollution and lighting, and significantly impact the community’s health and safety.
    • The Federal environmental assessment panel found CN’s proposal likely to have significant harmful effects on human health that cannot not be mitigated.
    • In the history of environmental assessment in Canada, there has never been a finding like this before.
    • CN’s proposal would emit pollutants such as Particulate Matter, which is inherently dangerous: there is NO safe level of exposure.
    • Briefing documents to the Minister and Cabinet wrongly failed to identify the Panel’s conclusion that CN’s project will cause significant harm to human health that cannot be mitigated.
  • Environment:  Our community effort to protect the environment will be impacted by the effect of emissions, storm water discharge, water takings and watercourse alterations.
    • The Federal Review Panel recommended over 200 mitigation measures to avoid 25 significant adverse environmental effects in addition to the worst effects to human health that cannot be mitigated.
    • The Panel and existing Federal regulators have not identified who will be responsible for the majority of mitigation measures.
    • The majority o of the required mitigation measures fall within municipal and provincial jurisdiction.
    • CN denies that it is subject to provincial and municipal jurisdiction, including more than 65 local laws and by-laws that apply to CN’s proposal.
    • Unless CN’s position is challenged, CN would be left to regulate itself on a project found by the panel “likely to have significant adverse environmental effects on human health.”
    • CN’s proposal would worsen local air quality, harm natural wildlife and habitat and permanently remove 147 acres of agricultural land.
    • The losses posed by CN’s proposal are significant when added to the losses resulting from urbanization over time.
    • Contrary to CN’s claim that these losses would have occurred anyway as the area is further developed, any future development would be required to conform to the Region’s Natural Heritage System.
    • CN’s 2008 proposal confirmed to the Regional Natural Heritage System, while its most recent project includes many elements that do not conform to it.
  • Traffic congestion:  The hub will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and result in 1,600 truck trips to and from the site each day.
    • These truck routes will lead to more traffic on our roads and traffic will continue to increase as the site’s capacity grows.
    • This congestion poses a risk to the safety of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and families in the area.
  • Employment:  The project will result in less serviceable employment lands and fewer jobs for the Halton community. The site and the surrounding area is currently planned for 1,500 jobs and this project will only result in 130 jobs.
    • Rail hubs are highly automated and deliver very few jobs compared to the land they take up.
    • CN’s proposal will deliver only 1/20th of the jobs it promised in its 2008 proposal to the Region.
    • Considering all jobs, CN’s 2015 proposal is forecast to result in approximately 6600 fewer permanent jobs in the Southwest Milton Employment area.
  1. Any project that jeopardizes human health is too high a risk. The Federal Review Panel reached the unprecedented conclusion that the project is likely to cause significant effects on human health that cannot be mitigated.
 
  1. The potential adverse impacts are more numerous than the Panel’s findings because the mitigation required to avoid those effects is not federally enforceable. This project will cause up to 16 additional significant adverse environmental effects (beyond the six identified by the Panel), including health effects on residential communities from noise, because mitigation required by the Panel to avoid such effects cannot be federally implemented or enforced.
 
  1. There are other negative impacts to the local community and economy that have been entirely ignored. The Panel wrongly excluded from any assessment of significance a variety of effects on socio-economic conditions of concern to the Halton Municipalities that the Minister triggering the Panel review expressly required. One critical impact the Panel did not address is the negative impact on traffic congestion and Regional road infrastructure that would result from 1,600 truck trips daily to and from the proposed location.
 
  1. The Panel wrongly endorsed CN’s position that all aspects of this project are immune or exempt from provincial and municipal regulation and standards.
 

  1. The CN Intermodal facility nearby in Brampton raises major questions about CN’s future needs and ultimate plans for the proposed location in Milton.

    • CN’s existing Brampton site can meet all of CN’s capacity needs, and it is properly located in an industrial zone - not adjacent to homes for 34,000 residents, schools and healthcare facilities.
    • The Halton Municipalities presented evidence to the Federal Review Panel that indicated the Brampton facility could be expanded to cover the entire projected container volumes for the proposed site in Milton.
    • Additionally, CN has only revealed its plans for 400 acres on the site; they have not disclosed its plans for the remaining 800 acres.
    • We have determined that the operations at this site can be significantly expanded which will further increase the impacts on residents and the community.

You can get involved

  • You are encouraged to contact your MP, MPP, and the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change as well as the Provincial Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks to let them know your concerns about the proposed CN truck-rail hub in Milton.

Ottawa Press Conference

Milton Logistics Hub Resolution

Click to view document. (PDF file)

CN Presentation to Council - February 12

Click to view presentation. (PDF file)

CN Intermodal site footprint

Click to enlarge map.

Potential truck hauling routes

Click to enlarge map.

Stay Informed

If you wish to be kept informed of the Halton Municipalities’ involvement on this issue, please complete the following form to receive electronic updates:

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Legal Action

On February 21, 2018, the Halton Municipalities (and Conservation Halton) commenced a joint Court application to confirm their jurisdiction to review the impacts of the proposed CN truck-rail project in the Town of Milton.  The application seeks a declaration confirming the legitimate role and jurisdiction of the Province and the Halton Municipalities with respect to CN’s proposed project. This action has been taken to ensure that resident interests are protected and the vision for our community is represented.

Timeline

2022

2022

  • August 10, 2022

    The Ontario Superior Court of Justice released its decision in a case between the Halton Municipalities and Conservation Halton (the “Halton Municipalities”) and CN related to CN’s proposed Intermodal facility in Milton.

  • September 9, 2022

    The Halton Municipalities and Conservation Halton (the “Halton Municipalities”) filed an appeal of the August 10, 2022, decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in a case between the Halton Municipalities and CN related to CN’s proposed truck-rail hub in Milton.

2021

2021

  • November 22, 2021

    The Canadian Transportation Agency released its decision to approve CN’s application for railway line approval.

  • April 15, 2021

    On April 15, 2021, the Halton Municipalities and Conservation Halton resumed their 2018 Ontario court case against the proposed Milton CN truck-rail hub to ensure CN complies with laws that protect the health of residents and the environment.

  • February 19, 2021

    On February 19, 2021, Halton Region commenced litigation in the Federal Court of Canada to review the decisions by the Federal Minister and Cabinet to approve the CN Project. Halton is taking this step to protect the health and well-being of its residents.

  • January 21, 2020

    On January 21, 2020, the federal government approved CN’s proposed truck-rail hub in Milton, putting the health and safety of Halton residents at risk. The Halton Municipalities will review the decision and will continue to be the community’s voice on this important issue. For more information the decision, please read the latest media release from Halton Region.

  • January 13, 2021

    On January 13, 2021, the Halton Municipalities sent a letter (PDF file) to the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change urging Federal Cabinet to include a recent ruling in the UK in their assessment of CN’s proposed truck-rail hub and not approve this project.

2020

2020

  • December 21, 2020

    On December 21, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (external link) (IAAC) posted a notice on its website, indicating that the Governor in Council has extended the time limit for a decision on CN’s proposal for a truck-rail hub in Milton by 30 days. For more information, please read the latest media release from Halton Region.

  • October 1, 2020

    Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr sent a letter to The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the delay in the decision to late December.

  • September 21, 2020

    On September 21, 2020, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (external link) posted a notice on its website indicating that the Governor in Council, under subsection 54 (4) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, has extended the time limit for the issuance of the Decision Statement for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project by 90 days to late December.

  • August 21, 2020

    The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s public comment period on the potential environmental assessment conditions for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project closed on August 21, 2020.

  • August 21, 2020

    Halton Region CAO Jane MacCaskill forwards correspondence (letter and appendices) to David McGovern, President, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) responding to the July 2, 2020 request for public comments on the potential conditions released by the IAAC in relation to the Proposed CN Milton Logistics Hub. It reiterates the position of the Halton Municipalities that this project should not be approved.

  • July 2, 2020

    The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) is holding a public comment period as part of the environmental assessment process for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project, located in Milton, Ontario. Written comments in either official language will be accepted until August 21, 2020. To learn more, see the Current Project Status.

  • April 3, 2020

    Extension of Time Limit for Issuance of Decision Statement: The Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, under subsection 54(3) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, has extended the time limit for the issuance of the Decision Statement for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub project by 90 days to recognize the extenuating circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts to communities, businesses, and stakeholders.

  • March 10, 2020

    Halton Municipalities met with Federal Government officials in Ottawa including Minister Garneau to ask Federal Cabinet to refuse approval of CN’s proposal. The Mayors spoke at a media conference in Ottawa alongside Milton MP Adam van Koeverden, to show a collective and strong voice on this issue.

  • February 12, 2020

    On February 12, Regional Council endorsed a resolution that calls on the Federal government to refuse CN's proposal based on the report findings from the Federal Review Panel.

  • January 27, 2020

    On January 27, 2020, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada released the report by the federal Review Panel on CN’s proposed truck-rail hub in Milton.

2019

2019

  • July 17, 2019

    Public Hearing ended.

  • June 19, 2019

    Public Hearing began.

  • June 13, 2019

    The updated schedule of presentations for the Public Hearing for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project (the Project) is now available. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, in Milton, Ontario.

    The schedule is posted to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry (external link).

    The hearing will take place over a one-month period with all sessions taking place at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites at 2750 High Point Drive in Milton. If during the hearing there are changes made to the schedule, participants will be notified of the updated schedule.

    The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project will be present at each of the hearing sessions to listen to presentations and to ask questions. The public hearing is designed to gather additional information on all topics related to the proposed construction and operation of a logistics hub, designed to transfer containers between trucks and railcars. The proposed project would be located in Milton, Ontario on 400-acres of land owned by Canadian National Railway, and would include a railway yard with more than 20 km of track.

    The public hearing is open to anyone wishing to observe in person or via live Webcast (external link). Media are also invited to observe and do not need to register in advance.

    For more information on the joint process for the review of the project, visit the public registry, reference number 80100. Questions about the public hearing or the joint process for the Project can be directed to the Milton Logistics Hub Secretariat. To receive project updates and be added to the email distribution list (or removed), please contact the Secretariat at 613-699-6778 or at MiltonHubPanel@ceaa.gc.ca.

  • May 29, 2019

    The Halton Municipalities’ submission for the Public Hearing for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project is now available on the Canada Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) website.

    Please see the following link to view the submission (external link)

  • May 24, 2019

    The schedule of presentations (pdf file) for the Public Hearing for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project (the Project) is now available.

    The public hearing will take place over approximately a one-month period, and will begin on June 19, 2019 at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites at 2750 High Point Drive in Milton. Please see the following link for the full notice of the hearing (external link).

    For more information on the joint process for the review of the project, visit the public registry, reference number 80100 (external link).

  • April 16, 2019

    The Review Panel for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project has announced that the public hearing will begin with a general session in Milton, Ontario on June 19, 2019. Members of the public, Indigenous groups, governments, and other organisations are invited to participate in this next stage of the joint process for the review of the project.

    The public hearing will take place over approximately a one-month period, and will begin on June 19, 2019 at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites at 2750 High Point Drive in Milton.

    The Panel will conduct the hearing in accordance with its Public Hearing Procedures (external link). For all hearing sessions, the Panel requires persons who wish to make a presentation or ask questions at the hearing to register by May 10, 2019 using the registration form (external link). Pre-registration is necessary so that the Panel can plan the hearing effectively.

    Please see the following link for the full notice and information on how to register for the hearing (external link).

    For more information on the joint process for the review of the project, visit the public registry, reference number 80100 (external link).

  • April 15, 2019

    As required in its Terms of Reference (CEAR #391 (external PDF)), the Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project (the Review Panel), having read and considered the information on its record, has concluded that the environmental impact statement (EIS) and additional supplemental information provided by the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) contain sufficient information to proceed to the public hearing stage of its review. The Review Panel encourages all interested parties to participate in the public hearing.

    Please see the following link for the full notice (external link).

    For more information on the joint process for the review of the project, visit the public registry, reference number 80100 (external link).

  • March 25, 2019

    The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) in response to the final portion of its Information Request package 8 (Group 4). Responses to all information requests for the second round have now been provided.

    The Review Panel announced (external link) today that the comments on the responses prepared by the proponent to information request packages 6 to 8 are due on April 9, 2019.

    For more information on the joint process for the review of the project, visit the public registry, reference number 80100 (external link).

  • March 4, 2019

    The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) in response to information request package 8 (group 3). The additional information can be accessed on the public registry at document #722 (PDF file).

    The Review Panel continues to seek comments on CN’s responses to the Review Panel's information requests. The public, Indigenous groups, governments and other participants are invited to submit comments in writing on whether the information submitted by the proponent is sufficient to proceed to the public hearing, or whether the proponent should provide additional information.

    For more information on the joint process for the review of the project, visit the public registry, reference number 80100 (external link).

  • February 19, 2019

    The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) in response to package 6 and a portion of its information request package 8 (group 2). The additional information can be accessed on the public registry at document #714 (PDF file).

    The Review Panel continues to seek comments on CN’s responses to the Review Panel's information requests. The public, Indigenous groups, governments and other participants are invited to submit comments in writing on whether the information submitted by the proponent is sufficient to proceed to the public hearing, or whether the proponent should provide additional information.

    For more information on the joint process for the review of the project, visit the public registry, reference number 80100 (external link).

2018

2018

  • December 20, 2018

    The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) in response to a portion of its information request package 8. The additional information can be accessed on the public registry at document #705 (external link).

    The Review Panel continues to seek comments on CN’s responses to the Review Panel's information requests. The public, Indigenous groups, governments and other participants are invited to submit comments in writing on whether the information submitted by the proponent is sufficient to proceed to the public hearing, or whether the proponent should provide additional information.

  • September 26, 2018

    The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has requested additional information from CN. Package 8 requests referenced documents and information on air quality, human health, truck traffic, light, noise and vibration, socio-economic matters and wildlife. It can be accessed on the public registry, document #685 (external link).

    The Review Panel continues to seek comments on CN’s responses to the Review Panel's information requests. The public, Indigenous groups, governments and other participants are invited to submit comments in writing on whether the information submitted by the proponent is sufficient to proceed to the public hearing, or whether the proponent should provide additional information. Participants are encouraged to review additional information as it becomes available and provide their comments to the Review Panel as soon as possible. Upon receipt of CN's final response to the second round of information requests, the Review Panel will provide at least 14 days' notice for participants to submit any final comments.

  • June 14, 2018

    The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) in response to the final portion of its Information Request package 4.1 (Group 3). Responses to all information requests for the first round have now been provided.

    The Review Panel announced (external link) today that the comments on the responses prepared by the proponent to Information Request packages 1 to 5 are due on July 16, 2018.

    The Review Panel has also issued a process update (external link) to describe the current status and next steps in the joint process for the review of the Project.

  • June 5, 2018

    The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) in response to a portion of its information request package 4.2. CN provided responses to information requests on noise and vibration. The additional information can be accessed on the public registry, document #652 (PDF file). Responses to the remaining information requests will be submitted at a later date. 

    The Review Panel continues to seek comments on CN’s responses to the Review Panel's information requests. The public, Indigenous groups, governments and other participants are invited to submit comments in writing on whether the information submitted by the proponent is sufficient to proceed to the public hearing, or whether the proponent should provide additional information.

  • May 23, 2018

    On May 23, 2018 an update was provided to Regional Council indicating that CN has filed a preliminary motion to dismiss or stay the Ontario court application by the Halton Municipalities and Conservation Halton (`Halton`) on the basis that it is premature unless and until there is a federal decision on CN`s proposed intermodal development. The CN preliminary motion must be heard before the Halton application can move forward. The CN motion is scheduled for September 12, 2018. The Provincial Government, through the Ministry of the Attorney General’s office, is intervening in support of the Halton application.

  • March 26, 2018

    The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from CN rail in response to a portion of its information request package 4.1. CN provided responses to information requests related to general information, human health, physical and cultural heritage, indigenous matters, fish and fish habitat and wildlife including migratory birds. The additional information can be accessed on the public registry, document #632 (PDF file). Responses to the remaining information requests will be submitted at a later date.

    The Review Panel continues to seek comments on CN’s responses to the Review Panel's information requests. The public, Indigenous groups, governments and other participants are invited to submit comments in writing on whether the information submitted by the proponent is sufficient to proceed to the public hearing, or whether the proponent should provide additional information.

  • February 21, 2018

    The Halton Municipalities initiated a joint Court application to confirm their jurisdiction to review the impacts of the proposed CN Truck-Rail Hub in Milton.

  • January 26, 2018

    The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) in response to its information request package 3. The additional information can be accessed on the public registry, document #613 (PDF file).

    The Review Panel continues to seek comments on CN’s responses to the Review Panel's information requests. The public, Indigenous groups, governments and other participants are invited to submit comments in writing on whether the information submitted by the proponent is sufficient to proceed to the public hearing, or whether the proponent should provide additional information.

    The Review Panel continues to seek comments on the draft Public Hearing Procedures (PDF file).

  • January 17, 2018

    The Review Panel conducting the joint process to review the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project has issued a public notice (external link) seeking comments on the draft Public Hearing Procedures (PDF file).

2017

2017

2016

2016

  • December 20, 2016 

    The Review Panel for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project sought public comments on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and additional information prepared by the Canadian National Railway Company. The Review Panel indicated it would consider all submissions received in making its determination on whether further information is required from the proponent. Written comments were to be sent by March 6, 2017 to: 

    Joseph Ronzio, Panel Manager, Milton Logistics Hub Project
    c/o Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
    160 Elgin Street, 22nd Floor, Ottawa ON K1A 0H3
    miltonhubpanel.polemiltoncommission@ceaa-acee.gc.ca.

    A resource document (external link) to assist participants in the preparation of submissions regarding the sufficiency review, the Environmental Impact Statement and additional information, were made available on the public registry at ceaa.gc.ca (external link), reference number 80100 (external link) .

  • December 8, 2016

    The Halton Municipalities issued a Brief providing information on existing land use standards that are relevant to the CN Project and its environmental effects.  The Brief includes a description of the Halton and Ontario land use planning regimes, and explains their relationship to the CEAA framework.  It also describes municipal land use standards that are relevant to assessing “significant adverse environmental effects” (SAEEs) under the CEAA.
    The Halton Municipalities Brief consists of four documents:

    Brief: Municipal land use standards relevant to assessing the Project for SAEEs; (PDF file)

    Appendix A: Visuals (describing the Project and zones of various possible effects); (PDF file)

    Appendix B: Legal and technical support for all standards identified in the Brief; (PDF file) and

    Appendix C: Glossary of technical terms and definitions used in the Brief. (PDF file)

  • December 6, 2016

    Halton Municipalities wrote to the CEA Agency and the Canadian Transportation Agency to confirm the process established for the joint review process with respect to Municipal input

  • December 6, 2016

    The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Dr. Scott Streiner, Chair of the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) announced the establishment of a three-member panel to review the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project in Milton. The Agreement to Establish a Joint Process for the Review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project, signed by the Minister and the Chair of the CTA, established the mandate and authority of this panel, as well as the procedures and timelines for the conduct of the review. Under the Agreement, the panel is to conduct an assessment of the environmental effects of the project; consider Aboriginal traditional knowledge, comments received from the public and mitigation measures and conclude whether the project is likely to cause significant adverse effects; and identify any follow-up programs required. Information will be gathered to assist the CTA in its assessment of the reasonableness of the location of the new railway lines, including with respect to the requirements for the railway operations and the interests of the localities that could be affected by the lines.

  • December 1, 2016 

    Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency responded to CN (external link) on Conformity Review of Environmental Impact Statement and additional information.

  • November 24, 2016

    The Canadian Transportation Agency responded to Halton Municipalities’ November 14 letter.

  • November 14, 2016

    Halton Municipalities wrote to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and the Chair of the Canadian Transportation agency to express concerns with joint process being established by the Draft Review Panel Agreement.

  • October 14, 2016

    The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the Canadian Transportation Agency invited the public to attend information sessions on the joint process being established for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project (external link). The information sessions gave members of the public and Indigenous groups an opportunity to learn about the review panel process and the upcoming public participation opportunities, as well as to ask questions of federal representatives. 

  • August 31, 2016

    Federal Minister of the Environment responds to Halton Municipalities’ July 11 letter.

  • July 11, 2016

    Deadline for members of the public and interested stakeholders to submit written comments on the draft Agreement (external link) to establish a Review Panel for the proposed project.

  • July 11, 2016

    A letter (PDF file)  by Gowling WLG, on behalf of Halton Municipalities’ and their comments on the Draft Agreement To Establish a Joint Process for the Review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (“CEAA”), was sent to The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.

  • June 8, 2016

    The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) and the Canadian Transportation Agency invited the public to comment on the draft Agreement (external link) to establish a Review Panel for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub (external link) project. Once final, the Agreement would establish the mandate and authority of the Review Panel, as well as the procedures and timelines for the conduct of the review under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 and the Canada Transportation Act. Members of the public and interested stakeholders were invited to submit written comments on the draft Agreement (external link)  by July 11, 2016.

  • March 16, 2016

    The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) provided information requirements to Canadian National Railway Company (CN) with respect to additional information required in the CN Environmental Impact Statement for the Milton Logistics Hub Project in order to fulfill the requirements of the CEAA guidelines. The document can be found here (external link) (external PDF).  For more information on the environmental assessment, visit the Agency’s website (registry reference number 80100 (external link) ).

  • January 4, 2016

    Federal Minister of the Environment responded to the Halton Municipalities’ November 4 letter.

2015

2015

  • December 8, 2015

    An Environmental Impact Statement (external link) was submitted by CN to CEAA.

  • November 4, 2015

    Halton Region contacted the newly-appointed Federal Minister of the Environment regarding the composition of Review Panel.

  • August 7, 2015

    The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency announced that funding was available through its Participant Funding Program to assist eligible individuals and groups to participate in the Environmental Assessment of the CN project. Applications for this funding were to be received by September 8, 2015.

  • July 20, 2015

    The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency issued the final Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines (external link) to the proponent on July 20, 2015 for the preparation of an environmental impact statement.

  • July 20, 2015

    The Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Leona Aqlukkaq ordered a panel review of this project which must be established by December 17, 2015 .

  • July 3, 2015

    Halton Municipalities sent a letter (PDF file) to the Minister of the Environment reiterating the need for a joint three-member panel to review the CN proposal under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. It recommended that the composition of the panel include an expert in Ontario urban planning, an expert in railway safety and an expert in biophysical effects.

  • June 30, 2015

    Halton Municipalities responded to CN’s letter.

  • June 21, 2015

    Last day for receipt of comments, by the CEAA, on the draft Environmental Assessment guidelines (external link)  related to the potential environmental impacts of the project. On close of the comments period, the CEAA triggered the Environmental Assessment.

  • June 20, 2015

    Federal Minister of Environment responds to the Halton Municipalities’ June 19 letter.

  • June 19, 2015

    Halton Municipalities submitted comments to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency on the draft Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines.

  • June 19, 2015

    Halton Municipalities sent a letter to the Minister of the Environment requesting the need for a panel review of the CN Logistics Hub project by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

  • June 17, 2015

    CN sent a letter (PDF file) to the CEAA rejecting the proposition that there is any duty to consult the Region and the Town as part of the environmental approvals process.

  • June 16, 2015

    Halton Region contacted the Federal Minister of the Environment to request a panel review under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

  • June 5, 2015

    CEAA responded to Halton Municipalities’ section 18 jurisdiction letter.

  • June 4, 2015

    Halton Region, the City of Burlington and the Towns of Milton, Oakville and Halton Hills jointly submitted a third response (PDF file) to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA). This response identified that Halton Region and the Town of Milton are each a “jurisdiction” under section 18 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 meaning that both the Town and the Region must be consulted with as part of the environmental assessment for the CN project.

  • May 27, 2015

    CN made a presentation to Halton Regional Council.

  • May 22, 2015

    CEAA released Draft Guidelines for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. It set a deadline of June 21, 2015 for receipt of public comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines through an online news release (external link) .  The CEAA issued its notice of decision requiring the proposed CN Logistics Hub to undertake a federal environmental assessment process under the Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.

  • May 13, 2015

    The Canadian Transportation Agency ordered CN to obtain federal approval under the Canadian Transportation Act to construct railway lines as part of the proposed Milton Logistics Hub.

  • April 27, 2015

    The CEAA 45 day public consultation period closed.  Halton Municipalities request that the CEA Agency consider all matters within federal jurisdiction.

  • April 27, 2015

    A letter (PDF file) was sent by Gowlings on behalf of the Halton Municipalities to the CEAA identifying the range of proposed CN physical activities, the required federal approvals, the environmental effects on matters of federal concern, and further questions on the basis for the CN claim to exemption from the CTA rail line approval process.

  • April 20, 2015

    Interim Control By-law (PDF file) was passed by Town of Milton to regulate employment planning across the southern part the Town. It set out in a Schedule that includes the CN lands, but excludes "railway and related transportation works proposed by CN that are addressed and approved by federal law and regulation”.

  • April 17, 2015

    A letter  was sent by Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP (Gowlings) on behalf of all Halton Municipalities to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) expressing concern with gaps in the CN project description summary and report on the federal approvals required by CN, the failure to demonstrate exemption from the Canadian Transportation Agency rail line approval process, and the related failure to Identify all environmental effects on matters of federal concern.

  • April 8, 2015

    The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency started a 45-day screening process to determine if the proposed project has the potential to cause significant environmental effects.

  • April 7, 2015

    CEA Agency invited public comments for Milton Logistics Hub Project summary project description through an online news release (external link) .

  • March 17, 2015 

    CN made a formal announcement of the proposed Milton Logistics Hub and submitted a Project Description (external link)  to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

  • March 10, 2015

    A letter from Halton Region and Town of Milton advised CN that the Town and Region consider the project to be subject to many Ontario and municipal laws, including the land use controls of the Ontario Planning Act.

  • January 2015

    CN shared their intent with Halton Regional Council to build the proposed Milton Logistics Hub.

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