Open letter to ONTC CEO Corina Moore.
Yes, I’m concerned about future plans announced on Nov. 5, 2021, by Minister Mulroney, done in a tweet nonetheless. Why was there no press statement circulated with the size, details, and ramifications, of this decision? So what was the rationale behind the decision to relocate the final terminal to Timmins from Cochrane? Please make that public for all to understand, thank you.
As a former mayor, and long-time northerner, I have witnessed the demolition of a perfectly sound terminal at the Porquis Junction hub, to be replaced with a bus shelter, that was later removed for bus service in Iroquois Falls. Now Swastika has also been demolished, again, all without any public consultation or knowledge. Now you want to abandon a perfectly functional service facility in Cochrane to move your hub to Timmins. Where is the logic in this, and again, why was this announcement made prior to the consultant's final report?
As you know, that means Cochrane-bound Polar Bear Express passengers from the coast will get off the train in Cochrane and take a bus to Timmins to jump on another train southbound.
Gee did you even consult with the First Nation folks who utilize your train service. FYI, Timmins is approximately 110 kilometres or a 1 1/2 hour bus ride away from Cochrane.
In my opinion, put the hub back at Porquis Junction, maintain the run to Cochrane with repair facility intact, and rerun a line to Timmins with your bus terminal that we have in Iroquois Falls in order to witness whether Timmins will support the train at all. Remember they have an airport servicing southbound from two different airlines.
Based upon your illogical based decisions, I am requesting a delegation at your next board meeting, preferably in person, suggesting in Cochrane as before, before any sod-turning occurs. Maybe we will have some of the local mayors/councillors show up for you to hear their thoughts, opinions and rationale for your planned terminal move to Timmins.
Was it the Minister who made this decision, or was it a recommendation of the board? By the way, what is the estimated cost of this decision? I would love to review your costing report too, justifying this decision!
To all, please review links below and Corina, please forward to all ONTC board members.
https://www.timminstoday.com/
Regards,
James A. Brown
Iroquois Falls
