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  • Launching of N.E.O.R.N. (Ontario rail advocacy)

  • Pertaining to all railroading subjects, past and present, in Canada. For specific railroad questions, see Fallen Flags and Active Railroads categories.
Pertaining to all railroading subjects, past and present, in Canada. For specific railroad questions, see Fallen Flags and Active Railroads categories.

Moderator: Ken V

 #1207060  by labaienordique
 
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The Northern and Eastern Ontario Rail Network (NEORN) within Transport Action Ontario (TAO) advocates for, promotes, and monitors the revitalization of Northern and Eastern Ontario’s rail infrastructure and services as well as efficient connections with the GTA hub and other parts of the province. This will support an accessible, efficient, affordable passenger services and an effective, sustainable rail freight industry.

From the press release:

Northern and Eastern Ontario Rail Network (NEORN)
WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE WANT TO DO AND WHY
Who we are:
The Northern and Eastern Ontario Rail Network (NEORN) is a network composed of rail advocacy groups and stakeholders from across Northern and Eastern Ontario dedicated to the promotion of passenger and freight rail service throughout the region consistent with The Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.

Created in 2013, the NEORN is a unique partnership of stakeholders and potential supporters including, but not limited to: First Nations, municipalities, chambers of commerce, boards of trade, local railways, businesses, industries, industry associations, unions, local coalitions or action groups, environmental groups, and student groups.


Mission:
The Northern and Eastern Ontario Rail Network (NEORN) within Transport Action Ontario (TAO) advocates for, promotes, and monitors the revitalization of Northern and Eastern Ontario’s rail infrastructure and services as well as efficient connections with the GTA hub and other parts of the province. This will support an accessible, efficient, affordable passenger services and an effective, sustainable rail freight industry.


What we do:
We encourage all of Northern and Eastern rail groups and stakeholders to be part of the Northern and Eastern Ontario Rail Network that promotes passenger rail services connecting us on all existing rail beds and rights of way.
We advocate for Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) to continue its role as transportation and communication provider for Northeastern Ontario in a properly governed and supported public agency under MTO similar to Metrolinx.
We advocate for and will monitor ONTC as a Northern and Eastern Ontario transportation planning authority (following the Metrolinx model) to coordinate and support interurban rail and bus passenger travel in the region (e.g. rail spine, bus feeders, intermodal hubs) that respects stakeholder needs of communities, First Nations, tourism and their members.
We advocate for the immediate restoration of the ONTC’s Northlander passenger train and consideration for bus service that feeds and supports passenger rail instead of competing with passenger rail services.
We advocate and monitor for Metrolinx to be mindful of the vital need for the north to be efficiently connected to the GTHA hub.
We will be monitoring and participating in Ontario’s “Northern Ontario Multi-Modal Transportation Strategy” for passenger and goods movement.
We advocate for preventing future short line abandonments in our region
We advocate for new dedicated provincial transportation revenue tools such as sales tax or fuel tax, with the proviso that funds generated are directed to transportation projects in our region.
We encourage public/private sector participation in environmentally friendly ‘Clean Diesel’ technology (Bombardier Europe)
We encourage local communities to participate in funding, expansion and operation of local railway stations

Rationale:
We are proponents of passenger and freight rail because of its clear economic, environmental, social, and health benefits.


Economic benefits:
The lack of adequate rail services significantly restricts socio-economic development, local and regional wealth generation, and job creation.
Relief from increasing costs of fuel
Reduction of highway maintenance costs
Reductions in taxes spent on transportation due to decreased wear and tear on roads and decreased need to expand roads. Rail is much less expensive to build, use and maintain than roads.
Lower health, police, insurance costs from highway accidents
Reduced EI costs by helping to connect available people with available jobs
Increased accessibility to Northern Ontario for tourism
Combat out-migration and facilitate return to communities/families
Economic diversity, development and skilled labour-force
New rail technology a prime mover in economic growth
Reduced cost of goods movement

Environmental benefits:
High dependence on roads and air creates pollution and other environmental costs, which also increases related public health costs. These would be substantially decreased by increased use of rail.
Rail as a transportation mode stands alone in its ability to combine energy efficiency with economic and environmental benefits
Reduction of carbon emissions from lower fuel consumption (fuel is saved at a ratio of 5-1 using rail as compared to roads for freight)
Less production of and laying of asphalt to construct and maintain road beds
Fewer vehicles and transports used on the road
Less disturbances of natural environment by multi-laned highways
Fewer toxic spills

Social and Health Benefits:
Ontario is a beautiful and desirable area to visit and live, especially the Northern regions; but travel is adversely affected by the long driving distances that are unacceptable to most travelers. Northern communities need an affordable, accessible, reliable, safe and comfortable way to connect to each other and the rest of the world.
Necessary for aging population
Preferred by students
Accessible for people with special needs
Accessible to people with limited incomes
Connection for communities over a vast geography
Safe and reliable all season transportation
Provides access to healthcare
Reduce incidents of respiratory ailments
Facilitate visitation with family and friends/ facilitate social travel year-round




Examples of rail lines in need of restoration* or enhancement for passenger and freight services:

Ontario Northland
Hearst to Cochrane, Cochrane to Moosonee, Cochrane to North Bay, North Bay to Toronto

CP Rail Lines
Huron Central Line from Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury
Sudbury to North Bay to Mattawa
*Mattawa to Ottawa
Kenora to Thunder Bay to White River connecting to the rest of Ontario CN Rail Lines

CN Rail Lines
Algoma Central Railway, Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst
*North Bay to Ottawa


Conclusion
With the establishment of NEORN we can:
Build a strong passenger rail movement
Unify our efforts for an effective passenger rail system which serves Northern and Eastern Ontario
Have our message heard by policy makers

The Northern and Eastern Ontario Rail Network is dedicated to ensuring the residents of these regions are afforded safe, economical, environmentally friendly and necessary public transportation services that include rail.