On tonight’s (Sept. 8) city council agenda is a report from City Manager Lisa Higgs suggesting St. Thomas is about to throw in the towel in its efforts to re-connect the missing link in the former London & Port Stanley rail line north of Talbot Street.
Higgs notes, “Between 2016 and 2020, the city engaged extensively with CN to investigate options for re-establishing a rail connection. Significant technical analysis was undertaken, particularly in 2017, to identify alternative solutions after it became apparent that reinstatement of the former crossing would not be supported by CN.”
She continues, “CN continues to refuse authorization for a connection to its rail corridor. While advocacy efforts continue, including ongoing support from Member of Parliament Andrew Lawton, the issue remains unresolved, and no approval for reconnection has been secured.”
In 2017, the city secured Canada 150 funding to support the rail extension initiative. When it became apparent that the project would not proceed, the funding was redirected toward rail-trail active transportation projects within the municipality. All of the Canada 150 funds have been expended.
Higgs is advising that the city has several options:
1) Continue to manage the site as is and retain for future projects.
2) Formally cancel the L&PS Rail Extension project and return the remaining levy-funded balance of approximately $285,000 to the infrastructure reserve. The rail infrastructure can continue to be held and stored for future installation to offset potential increased costs of new rail infrastructure.
3) Install the existing owned rail infrastructure to the limit of the City’s property boundaries, thereby preserving the corridor and recognizing its historical and future strategic value. City Administration has solicited quotes for this work. A quotation was received to install using existing owned rail infrastructure which came back at $491,354, which did not include the road works required to cross Kains Street, which would add significantly to the project.
4) Utilize the remaining funds to develop a temporary community amenity, in collaboration with the surrounding neighbourhood and Project Tiny Hope. Opportunities could include a small parkette, passive recreational space, or rail-themed public feature that activates the site until such time as the adjacent rail property owner agrees to reconnect the rail corridor.
5) Undertake a market-sounding exercise to explore long-term opportunities for the lands, including potential partnerships, redevelopment concepts, or alternative public uses that align with council’s strategic objectives and community needs. Staff cautions that this approach would have to ensure no buildings are constructed in a way that will permanently sterilize the lands against future potential reconnection as identified in the city’s 2025 Transportation Master Plan.
Higgs concludes, “While the city retains ownership of lands and rail assets associated with the project, there is currently no foreseeable path to achieving the intended rail reconnection. Administration is therefore recommending that council consider repurposing the project area in a manner that provides community benefit while preserving future flexibility should circumstances change.”
Written by Ian McCallum
