VIA Rail working with Smiths Falls on commuter transit
Written by Ian Sutton
Monday, 09 February 2009
Smiths Falls Mayor Dennis Staples says a commuter rail transit service connecting the town with Ottawa continues be a viable possibility.
In an interview with Lake88, Staples said VIA Rail is studying whether existing rail lines -- with added sidings -- can accommodate additional traffic and the need to add more cars for a commuter link with Ottawa and other Eastern Ontario destinations.
Staples says he’s in constant communication with VIA Rail President Paul Cote and other Eastern Ontario mayors regarding the possibility of commuter rail service, with the anticipated economic benefits to the town other area municipalities.
Meanwhile, Staples said interest has been shown by as many as nine companies in locating at the vacated Hershey, Stanley Tools or other industrial properties in Smiths Falls. Smiths Falls Council, Staples says, is also looking forward to working with the town’s newly-formed Economic Development Advisory Board.
http://lake88.ca/lake88/index.php?op...=253&Itemid=31
VIA confirms plans to relocate Smiths Falls station
Written by Lake 88 News Staff
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
VIA Rail has confirmed that Smiths Falls will be getting a new train station, though the exact location hasn't been announced.
An announcement from VIA said the new station will be east of the station's current Victoria Street site.
A location is expected to be announced as soon as this summer. The announcement was part of an update on $10 million being spent to improve infrastructure along the Via Rail lines between Smiths Falls, Ottawa, Montreal and Ottawa.
Upgrades to date on VIA's network include a $12.5 million investment in the Alexandria Subdivision, between Ottawa and Montreal as well as similar improvements currently underway on the Smiths Falls Subdivision between Toronto and Ottawa.
In addition, major renovations worth some $500,000 were made to the Ottawa station, which will allow VIA to serve customers more efficiently and will address operational and safety needs.
VIA Rail Canada Inc. recently completed $13 million worth of infrastructure improvements in the Ottawa area to provide faster, more reliable service. The national passenger railroad spent $12.5 million to upgrade track in the Alexandria Subdivision, between Ottawa and Montreal.
Similar work is under way in the Smiths Falls Subdivision, between Toronto and Ottawa.
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