A report to Halton Region councillors on October 23 revealed that $29.6 million has been spent opposing the Canadian National (CN) Logistics Hub in Milton. This figure excludes the cost of staff time dedicated to the six-year battle.
Following the announcement, Ward 2 Milton Councillor Rick Malboeuf listed various local projects in need of funding, expressing frustration over the resources directed toward legal fees. “There are countless ways this money could have been better spent instead of lining the pockets of lawyers and consultants,” Malboeuf said. “I can’t support continuing this court battle and wasting more taxpayer dollars on a fight we can’t win.”
On October 4, the Federal Court of Appeal ruled in favor of CN, allowing construction of the $250-million logistics hub in Milton’s southwest. With federal approvals now secured, CN argues that the facility will reduce congestion on 400-series highways, support local businesses by improving goods shipment, strengthen supply chains, and contribute to climate goals. However, opponents raise concerns about pollution, road safety, and increased truck traffic in residential areas.
Reflecting on the prolonged dispute, Malboeuf added, “For six years, I’ve cautioned that we couldn’t win this fight, that it was a waste of time and taxpayers’ money. Yet, here we are, nearly $30 million later, as I feared.”
Despite the costs, some officials, including Ward 4 Councillor Sameera Ali and Mayor Gord Krantz, argue that the fight has been justified. Krantz highlighted the health risks identified by an Independent Review Panel, saying, “The health and well-being of Milton and Halton residents is my priority. We can’t put a price on health.”
Ali emphasized the potential economic impact, suggesting that over 20 years, the region could lose over $200 million in tax revenue if the hub proceeds. “Any effort to stop this project is beneficial for our community’s health and finances,” Ali said. “We should explore every opportunity to reverse this decision by the Federal Liberal Government.”
Disclaimer: The information presented in this news article has been gathered from local news sources. Please refer to the provided references for verification. Click Here.
Feel free to reach out to us at news@miltonbaithak.ca or follow us on WhatsApp, with any news tips, story ideas, or information you'd like to share. As a dedicated platform focused on advertising and curating news centered around MILTON, we welcome submissions related to businesses, news within the business sector, or inquiries about other people. Our goal is to assist you, whether you're interested in featuring your business or sharing relevant news.
Comments