CN Milton Logistics Hub Project
Overview and key resources
Since , the Halton Municipalities have been engaged in the assessment of the Canadian National (CN) Railway Company’s proposal to build and operate an intermodal truck-rail facility in Milton.
CN’s Milton Logistics Hub Project is moving forward – court proceedings have concluded and the federal approvals required are in place. Construction of the facility in Milton is now underway, with operations anticipated to begin in .
The Project is subject to more than 300 conditions related to natural environment, air quality, human health, noise and light, surface and groundwater, emergency planning, operational practices, and general administration. CN must adhere to these conditions during construction and throughout operation of the intermodal facility.
Halton Region remains committed to actively monitoring CN’s project and pursuing opportunities to improve outcomes and protect the interests of Halton and its residents.
Taking action
Project responsibility
Project conditions
Reporting and compliance
CN is required to publish annual and quarterly reports on their activities as well as information on their construction schedule and compliance with conditions. They must also make available information on protocols, processes, plans and follow-up programs established to address the impacts of the project. To access these files, visit CN Milton Logistics Hub Documents and Resources (external link).
To learn more about the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and their oversight of the Milton Logistics Hub:
Questions and answers
The CN Milton Logistics Hub is a truck-rail hub – an intermodal site where containers will be transferred between trucks and railcars to enable the movement of goods.
Construction of the project is underway. When operations begin there will be constant activity from diesel-powered trains, tractor-trailers, cranes and other loading equipment that is used to transfer shipping containers directly to trucks for local transport to customers in and around the Greater Toronto Area.
CN is proposing to develop 400 acres of a 1200-acre land parcel with undisclosed plans for the remaining 800 acres. The proposed project includes a new mainline rail, which will double the existing track line and add more than 20 kilometres of new rail yard track, and amount to more than 1,600 truck trips per day.
CN plans to operate the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week only 1 kilometre away from approximately 34,000 people, 14 schools, two long-term care homes, and a hospital.
In 2020, a Federal Review Panel released its report on the proposed project (external link). It determined that CN’s project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on air quality and human health.
The Panel found that the changes to air quality will include increase in three “no threshold” pollutants – these pollutants are unsafe at any level. The project will release particulate matter (PM2.5) that is dangerous and unsafe at any level of exposure.
Construction and operation will cause levels of pollutants like benzene, benzo(a)pyrene, particulate matter of 10 microns or less (PM10) and particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5) to exceed significantly applicable air quality standards. Benzene will exceed air quality standards by 178%, Benzo(a)pyrene will exceed standards by 2,600% and PM10 is exceeded by 112%.
What’s most alarming? There are no measures that can be taken to prevent these effects on air quality and human health from occurring.
About 34,000 people living within 1 kilometre of the proposed site are at risk. This includes children today and in the future.
The Halton Municipalities are not opposed to truck-rail hubs or the proposed hub in Milton. The Halton Municipalities support economic growth, the movement of goods, and a strong supply chain.
We are opposed to the specific proposed location in Milton due to the significant adverse effects it will have on the 34,000 people living within 1 kilometre of the site. The proposed location is next to current and planned neighbourhoods, schools, long-term care homes, and a hospital, putting the health of thousands of people at risk.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the CN Milton Logistics Hub, you can contact the CN Public Inquiry Line at 1-888-888-5909 or send an email via the form under "Contact Us" on CN’s webpage (external link).
Alternatively, you can contact Halton Region:
The concerns of the Halton Municipalities
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 , we have been working together to ensure community interests and the planned visions for the community are heard.
While the project is moving forward, many of the concerns summarized below remain. The Region will continue to actively monitor the project and pursue opportunities to improve outcomes and protect the interests of Halton and its residents.
Health and safety
Traffic congestion
Growth and community vision
Employment
Environment
Municipal finances
Project history: court proceedings
The Halton Municipalities engaged in several court proceedings to protect the interests of Halton residents and to make protecting human health a priority. As noted above, these court proceedings have concluded, and the CN Milton Logistics Hub Project is moving forward.
Intent
Seek to overturn the decision by the Federal Government 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.
Decision released
The concerns of Halton have been heard: the Federal Court has decided the federal government’s approval of CN’s truck-rail hub in Milton was flawed & unreasonable (external link). The project cannot now proceed without going back to the federal government for reconsideration. The Court found that the decisions of the federal Minister and Cabinet failed to fulfill their duty to protect human health.
Decision released
Federal Court of Appeal permits CN to proceed with construction pending appeal
The Federal Court of Appeal granted CN’s stay request allowing them to continue construction as they await the outcome of their appeal to the Federal Court of Appeal.
Decision released
The Federal Court of Appeal allowed the appeal, meaning the court ruled against the Halton Municipalities, allowing the Milton Logistics Hub project to proceed. We remain steadfast in our position that this project will have negative health effects on residents as confirmed by the Federal Environmental Review process. Halton Region is reviewing the decision in detail and considering legal options.
We remain committed to protecting the health of our community from the significant effects of the project and are deeply concerned that the federal cabinet has approved this project. We encourage residents to contact your local Member of Parliament to express your concerns about the impact of this project on the health and safety of our community.
Intent
This appeal will provide a determination about the applicability of provincial and municipal rules to CN’s project.
- On the Ontario Court of Appeal (external link) approved the application for Intervener status by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (external link).
- Others with intervener status include: Railway Association of Canada, Attorney General for Canada, Attorney General for Ontario
Decision released
While the Ontario Court of Appeal did not allow Halton’s appeal, questions remain about the scope and applicability of provincial and municipal laws and by-laws. The Court reinforced that CN is not exempt from provincial and municipal laws and by-laws, but that Halton’s laws should not interfere with their exclusive jurisdiction, like location, construction and operation of the proposed CN truck-rail facility.
Application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada
On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada decided not to grant the Halton Municipalities leave to appeal the Ontario Court of Appeal's decision (external link). This is an issue of national importance. An appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada intended to seek clarity on the issue of exclusive jurisdiction and the role of all municipalities in protecting the health of Canadians.
Intent
Successful appeal would require the Canadian Transportation Agency to review the application again.
Status
Hearing held . On July 23, 2024, the Federal Court of Appeal decided to dismiss the Halton Municipalities’ appeal. Please check back for any updates.
Project history: timeline
2026
Regional Council received Report No. CA-03-26 (PDF file) re: “Update on the CN Milton Logistics Hub Project”. The report contains updates on the status of the project and an overview of the actions being taken by the Region to monitor implementation, coordinate discussions, pursue opportunities to improve outcomes, and share relevant information.
2025
Regional Council received CN Update Report No. CA-14-25/CS-25-25 re: “CN Update. The report advised that the court matters between the Halton Municipalities and CN are at an end, listed the reports that had been provided to Council since 2001, and outlined next steps.
Halton Region Press Release: Halton Region Responds to Supreme Court Decision on CN Intermodal Appeal
We remain deeply concerned about the lasting impacts this project will have on our community. Although the Supreme Court has chosen not to hear our appeal, the Halton Municipalities continue to believe that the federal approval of this project was deeply flawed. This project threatens the health of our residents and undermines local economic development. Our position remains firm: this is the wrong project, in the wrong location, and it will do more harm than good to the people of Milton and Halton.
2024
The Halton Municipalities continue to take action to ensure the health and safety of residents is a key consideration for the proposed CN truck-rail facility in the Town of Milton.
While the Ontario Court of Appeal did not allow Halton’s appeal (March 7) (external link), questions remain about the scope and applicability of provincial and municipal laws and by-laws. The Court reinforced that CN is not exempt from provincial and municipal laws and by-laws, but that Halton’s laws should not interfere with their exclusive jurisdiction, like location, construction and operation of the proposed CN truck-rail facility.
The Halton Municipalities filed an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada (external link) to seek clarity on the issue of exclusive jurisdiction and the role of municipalities in protecting human health.
The concerns of Halton have been heard: the Federal Court has decided the federal government’s approval of CN’s truck-rail hub in Milton was flawed & unreasonable (external link).
The project cannot now proceed without going back to the federal government for reconsideration. The Court found that the decisions of the federal Minister & Cabinet failed to fulfill their duty to protect human health. CN and the federal government are appealing this decision. The court hearing is June 18, 2024.
2023
CN began constructing a grade separation (road under rail). To construct the new crossing, CN posted signage on June 26, 2023, stating that it intends to close Lower Base Line for approximately two years. CN has no approvals from the Town of Milton to alter a Town road allowance or close this local road. CN is proceeding without complying with any Town laws or approvals that would apply to all corporations developing in the Town.
The Ontario Court of Appeal (external link) approved the application for Intervener status by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (external link) in the above noted constitutional matter scheduled to be heard by the Court on November 20 and 21, 2023. FCM brings a broad municipal perspective and will provide the Court with a national lens on the interpretation of and the application of municipal by-laws to CNs projects (and projects of other similar entities).
The Court also granted Intervener status to the Railway Association of Canada and both the Attorney General for Canada and for Ontario have exercised their rights to intervene in this matter as well.
2022
2021
2020
The IAAC’s public comment period on the potential environmental assessment conditions (external link) for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project (external link) closed on August 21, 2020.
Halton Region CAO Jane MacCaskill forwards correspondence and appendices) to David McGovern, President, 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.
The IAAC (the Agency) is holding a public comment period as part of the environmental assessment process for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project (external link), located in Milton, Ontario. Written comments in either official language will be accepted until August 21, 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.
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.
On January 27, 2020, the IAAC released the report by the federal Review Panel on CN’s proposed truck-rail hub in Milton on its public website. Visit the IAAC's website for a copy of the report by the federal Review Panel regarding CN’s proposed truck-rail hub in Milton (external link).
- The Panel determined that CN’s project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on air quality and human health.
- The Review Panel Report was sent to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the federal Cabinet for review.
2019
Public Hearing ended.
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.
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. 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.
The schedule of presentations 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.
For more information on the joint process for the review of the project, visit the public registry, reference number 80100.
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. 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. Pre-registration is necessary so that the Panel can plan the hearing effectively.
For more information on the joint process for the review of the project, visit the public registry, reference number 80100.
As required in its Terms of Reference (CEAR #391), 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 CN Railway Company 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.
For more information on the joint process for the review of the project, visit the public registry, reference number 80100.
The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the CN Railway Company 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 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.
The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the CN Railway Company in response to information request package 8 (group 3). The additional information can be accessed on the public registry at document #722.
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.
The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the CN Railway Company 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.
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.
2018
The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the CN Railway Company in response to a portion of its information request package 8. The additional information can be accessed on the public registry at document #705.
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 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.
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.
The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the CN Railway Company 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 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 to describe the current status and next steps in the joint process for the review of the Project.
The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the CN Railway Company 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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project has received additional information from the CN Railway Company in response to its information request package 3. The additional information can be accessed on the public registry, document #613.
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.
The Review Panel conducting the joint process to review the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project has issued a public notice seeking comments on the draft Public Hearing Procedures.
2017
The CN Railway Company submitted a letter to the Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project (the Review Panel). In its letter, CN stated that it plans to hold public consultation sessions in September and October 2017. The letter is available on the public registry (CEAR #596 for the environmental assessment. The Review Panel noted that these consultations are being conducted by CN and are not a requirement of the Review Panel’s process. If any new information is identified or refinements are made to planned mitigation measures or project design during these sessions, the Review Panel expects that CN will provide this information in a timely manner.
The Review Panel has indicated that once CN has provided sufficient information, it will hold a public hearing where interested parties may participate in the process.
The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project received additional information from the CN Railway Company in response to its information request Package 2. The additional information can be accessed on the public registry, document #592.
The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project produced a report summarizing its visits to intermodal facilities in Montreal and Calgary on June 6 and 7, 2017. Report # 585 on the public registry.
The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project produced a report summarizing its site visit of the proposed Project site on May 16 and 17 2017. The report is number 582 on the public registry.
The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project provided a general update on the current status and next steps of its review process. The document can be accessed on the public registry, document # 566
The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project indicated their intention to conduct a site visit of the proposed Project area and to undertake a tour of two existing CN intermodal facilities in Montreal and Calgary. The notice is available on the public registry.
The Review Panel established for the joint process for the review of the Milton Logistics Hub Project requested additional information from the CN Railway Company. The request is available on the public registry.
CN provided a preliminary response to the Review Panel to indicate that the results of the field work were expected to be provided to the Review Panel in early June, 2017.
The Halton Municipalities submitted to the joint panel a single municipal review of the sufficiency of current CN EIS (Sufficiency Review). The Halton Municipalities Sufficiency Review has two volumes
Volume 1 - CoverPlanning Opinion and Information Requests (PDF file)
Volume 1 - Table of Contents (PDF file)
Tab 01 - Message from the CAOs (PDF file)
Tab 02 - Halton Municipalities Planning Opinion on EIS Sufficiency (PDF file)
Tab 03 - Table A Information requests related to Municipal Standards (PDF file)
Tab 04 - Consolidated Information Request (PDF file)
Volume 2 (PDF file) provides thirteen reports prepared by one or more experts retained by the Halton Municipalities to provide independent technical review of the sufficiency of the CN EIS.
Volume 2 - Table of Contents (PDF file)
Appendix B - Frank Bercha (Bercha Group) Risk Analysis (March 9, 2017) (RA) (PDF file)
Appendix I - Franco DiGiovanni (Airzone One Limited) Air Quality (March 10, 2017) (AQ) (PDF file)
Appendix J - George Thurston Human Health (March 9, 2017) (RHH) (PDF file)
The Review Panel established a Procedure for Submissions to guide participants during the course of the review of the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project. The procedure is available on the environmental assessment registry as document #523.
The Review Panel orientation session was held on March 1 and 2, 2017 in Milton, Ontario. The attached are comments and responses received by the Panel related to the environmental assessment process and, when applicable, responses to those comments.
The Review Panel for the Milton Logistics Hub Project issued a notice advising participants that the deadline for the submission of comments on the sufficiency of the EIS has been extended to March 13, 2017.
The Review Panel for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project held a panel orientation session on March 1 and 2, 2017 in Milton, Ontario.
The Halton Municipalities responded (PDF file) to the Review Panel’s letter of January 6, requesting Halton Region’s participation in the Milton Logistics Hub Project Review Panel Process.
The Review Panel for the Milton Logistics Hub Project sent a letter to the Regional Municipality of Halton confirming that the Region’s participation in the Milton Logistics Hub Project Review Panel Process is required.
2016
The Review Panel for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project sought public comments on the 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
A resource document 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, reference number 80100.
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)
- Appendix C: Glossary of technical terms and definitions used in the Brief (PDF file)
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.
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency responded to CN on Conformity Review of Environmental Impact Statement and additional information.
The CTA responded to Halton Municipalities’ November 14 letter.
Halton Municipalities wrote to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and the Chair of the CTA to express concerns with joint process being established by the Draft Review Panel Agreement.
The CEAA and the CTA invited the public to attend information sessions on the joint process being established for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub Project. 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.
A letter 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 CEAA, 2012, was sent to The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.
The CEAA and the CTA invited the public to comment on the draft Agreement to establish a Review Panel for the proposed Milton Logistics Hub 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 by July 11, 2016.
The CEAA provided information requirements to CN Railway Company 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. For more information on the environmental assessment, visit the Agency’s website (registry reference number 80100).
Federal Minister of the Environment responded to the Halton Municipalities’ November 4 letter.
2015
An Environmental Impact Statement was submitted by CN to CEAA.
Halton Region contacted the newly-appointed Federal Minister of the Environment regarding the composition of Review Panel.
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.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency issued the final Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines to the proponent on July 20, 2015 for the preparation of an environmental impact statement.
The Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Leona Aqlukkaq ordered a panel review of this project which must be established by December 17, 2015.
Halton Municipalities sent a letter 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.
Halton Municipalities responded to CN’s letter.
Last day for receipt of comments, by the CEAA, on the draft Environmental Assessment guidelines related to the potential environmental impacts of the project. On close of the comments period, the CEAA triggered the Environmental Assessment.
Federal Minister of Environment responds to the Halton Municipalities’ June 19 letter.
Halton Municipalities submitted comments to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency on the draft Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines.
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.
CN sent a letter 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.
Halton Region contacted the Federal Minister of the Environment to request a panel review under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
CEAA responded to Halton Municipalities’ section 18 jurisdiction letter.
Halton Region, the City of Burlington and the Towns of Milton, Oakville and Halton Hills jointly submitted a third response to the 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.
CN made a presentation to Halton Regional Council.
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. 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.
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.
The CEAA 45 day public consultation period closed. Halton Municipalities request that the CEAA consider all matters within federal jurisdiction.
A letter 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.
Interim Control By-law 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”.
A letter was sent by Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP (Gowlings) on behalf of all Halton Municipalities to the 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.
The CEAA started a 45-day screening process to determine if the proposed project has the potential to cause significant environmental effects.
CEAA invited public comments for Milton Logistics Hub Project summary project description through an online news release.
CN made a formal announcement of the proposed Milton Logistics Hub and submitted a Project Description to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
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.
CN shared their intent with Halton Regional Council to build the proposed Milton Logistics Hub.