Halton Region is once again asking the Supreme Court of Canada to hear its case against the proposed CN intermodal hub. This comes after the Federal Court of Appeal upheld CN's federal approval for the project.
At a closed session during Wednesday’s regional council meeting, a recorded vote was held, with all but one member supporting a motion by Milton Mayor Gord Krantz to pursue the appeal.
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward called the effort “a fight for human health,” while Milton Councillor Sameera Ali raised concerns about long-term health risks for residents across Halton. “When I speak to local students, they can’t believe their future and the air quality in their town are at stake,” Ali said.
If the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, it could add $150,000 to current legal costs, with an additional $250,000 required to move forward. So far, Halton Region has spent nearly $30 million opposing the project.
Milton Councillor Rick Malboeuf, who voted against the motion, argued the additional costs weren’t justified. “I can’t support spending another $400,000 of taxpayers’ money, especially given our legal track record so far,” he said.
Community Concerns Resident Danielle Masanto, speaking on behalf of grassroots group Milton Says No, shared her personal story of opposing the hub for over a decade. She was shocked to learn that CN plans to build a 400-acre industrial facility operating 24/7, with 1,600 trucks entering and exiting daily.
The proposed site, east of Tremaine Road and south of Britannia Road, is less than a kilometer away from 34,000 current and future residents, a hospital, 12 schools, and two long-term care homes.
“Intermodal terminals are essential, but they should be built in safe and suitable locations,” Masanto said. She emphasized that studies show this location is inappropriate and dangerous. “No corporation should be allowed to put Canadian health and safety at risk for its own gain,” she added.
CN's Response A CN spokesperson has stated that the project underwent a thorough environmental review and complies with 325 conditions designed to protect the community and environment.
Legal Background In July, the Supreme Court rejected Halton Region's previous request to appeal a ruling on jurisdiction and the role of municipalities in approving the project. Despite this, Halton officials remain determined to continue their fight.
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