Launch of Clean Train Pledge Campaign

Launch of Clean Train Pledge Campaign

The Clean Train Coalition will be holding a press conference at City Hall today, Tuesday June 8, to launch our “Clean Train Pledge” campaign which asks elected representatives from all levels of government to make the following commitment:

"I will, by Simcoe Day, August 2, 2010, publicly call on Premier Dalton McGuinty to direct Metrolinx to electrify the Georgetown Corridor, prior to the expansion of passenger rail service including both GO Transit and the Air Rail Link."

It’s time our elected officials made it clear where they stand, and time for those who claim to be pro-electrification to commit to taking action.

We’ll be reaching out community groups along the corridor to ask for their endorsement of the pledge, and we ask that individuals contact their elected representatives and encourage them to sign on.

Clean Train Forum Recommendations at City Council

As a result of ongoing Clean Train advocacy work, Toronto’s Board of Health and Parks and Environment Committee held a joint public forum last spring on the Georgetown South Corridor trains entitled “Diesel, electric and clean air: which way forward?”.

The Forum led to a report, which was referred to the City Parks and Environment Committee, which, in turn, led to deputations from members of the CTC calling on the committee to protect parks along the Georgetown rail corridor from the fumes, noise and vibration that would result from the proposed diesel-based service expansion along this corridor.

As a result of all these efforts, Parks and Environment Committee are expected to put forward a motion in council meetings this week, recommending that:

“City Council request the Premier of Ontario, the Ministers of Energy and Infrastructure and Transportation to require the Air Rail link between Union Station and Pearson Airport to be electrified by year 2015 as a demonstration project for regional transit.”

Stay tuned for more details.

Keeping the Pressure up through the Mayoral Race

As we said last update, we need a mayor who will champion electrification for us, and we need councillors who are knowledgeable and willing to go to bat for their constituents.

Tonight there is another opportunity to get Clean Trains on the agenda through the televised debate being held by CP24 (http://www.cp24.com/election2010/).
Torontonians are invited to participate by emailing their questions to now@cp24.com with the subject line “Your Vote.” You can also tweet your questions and comments to @CP24news with the hashtag #CP24mayor. Phone questions and comments will be taken throughout the live event. Viewer Response Line Phone:416-384-2700

If you attend any debates, or if you are speaking with any prospective candidates in this election, tell them you demand electrification. Ask them what they have done and what they are willing to do. Make it clear that your vote is one for electrification!

“Bending the Rail” Screenings taking place this week

Junction Triangle resident and filmmaker, Jeff Winch, has produced a 45 minute documentary about the struggle and advocacy work in response to Metrolinx’s diesel expansion plans. It is featured this week at the Ryerson DOC NOW Festival, and, according to CTC’s official pre-viewer, co-chair Carina Cojeen, it is GREAT!

Where: EATON THEATRE Rogers Communication Centre, RCC 204 Ryerson University, 80 Gould St, Toronto, ON 416.979.5000

When: Friday June 11th at 2pm and Saturday June 12th at 7pm
Come early to get a good seat!

Get your datebook! June 22nd is the next Clean Train General Meeting

The Clean Train Coalition will be holding a general meeting at Davenport Perth Neighbourhood Centre, 1900 Davenport Road just west of Symington. The meeting will take place in the main hall/sanctuary.

We will be discussing our strategy to build support for the Clean Train movement in communities along the line and our plan to use the Pledge Campaign and other strategic initiatives to pressure Premier McGuinty, who ultimately has the say on this.

We are going to be reaching out to community groups along the line, and hope that each can send a representative to learn about the pledge and take it back to their membership for review.

The Clean Train Pledge aims to reach every politician and political candidate along the corridor from every level of government. Its needs your help to make it happen, and we need communities along the corridor to work together.

Join us! Be part of the solution! Clean Transit is possible!

Where: Davenport Perth Neighbourhood Centre, 1900 Davenport Road

When: Tuesday June 22, 7pm

Please forward to your networks

Clean Transit is possible!

Help get the word out - get your neighbours to sign up to www.cleantrain.ca