By Cecilia Nasmith
Citing strength in numbers and organization, Economic Development, Tourism, Land Use Planning Standing Committee chair Bob Sanderson expressed confidence Wednesday that Via will restore its early-morning Train 651 to service.
The remark followed a report at the Northumberland County council standing committee's July meeting by Director of Economic Development and Tourism Dan Borowec on efforts being made toward this end.
Borowec mentioned a meeting between himself and Director of Communications Kate Campbell with a group of mayors to the east to rally their support.
“Since this particular corridor ranges from Kingston to the edge of Northumberland, we thought it important we bring in the major areas that were being impacted – Kingston, Belleville, Quinte West,” he listed.
“There is support to utilize the collateral material we have developed as well as the survey.”
Borowec was referring to a survey soon to be launched that will run through July 29.
And he had progress to report from the citizens' group that have been working to restore the train, which Via discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We received a message late Monday there had been a discussion with one of the directors of Via Rail who happens to be a Quinte West resident. That message confirmed we should look upon our activity as a positive thing, as well as the feeling of that director that Train 651 was a possibility,” he said.
“So I think that type of circle of engagement, circle of influence is a good thing. We are still going forward with the survey, however. I think we need to form a good case to suggest there is support.”
Warden Bob Crate had been part of the meeting of mayors.
“That was a very good meeting, and I thought the support from the other mayors and wardens was great, and they had some suggestions that we could work with,” Crate said.
Armed with this support and the survey data, Borowec said, there is the hope to make a delegation to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. It is a Federal matter, he acknowledged, but he hopes it might make a difference to have the province recognize the importance of this transportation corridor – not just to commuters but to other groups, such as those those seeking health care or pursuing educational opportunities.
Sanderson said that – as Mayor of Port Hope – both he and Cobourg Mayor John Henderson had been actively advocating for the restoration of the train, but he had sensed their appeals falling on deaf ears. Applauding the collaborative approach that is developing, he is seeing a difference in the tone of the responses they are getting.
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini has stepped up his dialogue on the issue, Sanderson said, and he expects MP Philip Lawrence will be doing the same.
“I am very optimistic that maybe by September we can get this reinstated,” he predicted.
“I think we are going to win this one, and I thank you for those efforts to get everybody consolidated.”
