[All] Chemical spills risks by rail in Waterloo Region

[Louisette Lanteigne]

Hi folks

The Waterloo Chronicle has three articles I would like to relay.

The first and most alarming is an article regarding a series of "minor" train derailments that occurred in the past 5 years on the Goderich-Exeter Railway, that is the line that runs right through down town Waterloo. It extends 300 km from the North end of Toronto to Goderich to London. The track is owned by the Region of Waterloo, operated by GEXR and maintained by CN railway. One accident involved a shipment of liquid chemicals heading to Chemtura that derailed between Kitchener and Elmira. The Waterloo Chronicle used Freedom of Info to try and secure the identity of the chemical being transported but they were refused with the excuse that disclosure may result in "acts of terrorism" or "vandalism". Full article here: 

http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news/request-denied/


NOTE: Previously the Region of Waterloo identified spills risk as a number one emergency concern for our area ahead of tornado and flood concerns. This was made public in an Emergency Preparedness guide distributed by the Region of Waterloo a few years back. I know from personal experience that rail lines buckle in heat. I witnessed a rail line crossing Erb Street right by the Waterloo Square that was bowed on a curve straight up about a foot high and it was due to hot weather. I reported it to police and they contacted rail folks who repaired it. 

The second article I'd like to bring to mind is one regarding a proposal on the east side of Waterloo involving a property known as Galantai lands where a wetland ecosystem is being threatened by a zoning application to build a subdivision in this swamp. 22 acres of land, plenty of wildlife and primary recharge is at risk. Joel Cotter is the development planner involved with this one. The city has deferred decisions on this property right now. Details here: 

http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news/development-decision-deferred/


The third article is my Guest Column feature in response to the Chamber of Commerce Director Ian McLean's article saying how good tar sands is for the Ontario Government. My article shows how Ontario has more to loose than gain when it comes to tar sands. http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/opinion/oil-sands-no-pot-of-gold-for-ontario/

Have a great day folks!
Lulu :0)
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