A group of area residents wanting a possible high-speed train to stop in Hawkesbury or nearby continues to organize.
Hawkesbury on Track is attempting to convince Alto and government officials that the proposed high-speed rail line between Ottawa and Montréal should include a stop in or around Hawkesbury. Currently, Alto is only planning to have a stop in Laval along the Montréal to Ottawa line.
Hawkesbury on Track believes that without a local stop, the region will not adequately benefit from Alto.
Michael Simpkin, who started Hawkesbury on Track with Crystal Faqiri said they have been engaging with local politicians and trying to connect with federal representatives to make their case for a local stop.
We have grown in members to over 150 but have also grown in terms of regional reach with people from communities across eastern Ontario and western Québec joining and offering their support to reach out to their government, representatives and help get the word out even further,” Simpkin said.
Hawkesbury on Track believes a stop in Hawkesbury would have several advantages including connecting residents to employment in Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, and even Trois-Rivières. It would provide access to post-secondary education and specialized healthcare, including children’s hospitals, a local stop would support rural-urban integration across Ontario and Québec, and also promote tourism in the surrounding area.
More information about Hawkesbury on Track is available at facebook.com/hawkesburyontrack, or by contacting [email protected].
