Wily’ Mayor Patrick Brown shoots and scores a lights-out goal for the City of Brampton against the clearly overmatched surrogate (ORDC) of the Orangeville Council.
Perhaps the O.R.D.C can save face by deeding a few acres of the Orangeville terminal station land to a non for profit organization associated with affordable housing. This centrally located terminal land abuts onto Town Line and Margaret street. It is within walking distance to several schools, shopping, plus it has immediate access to public transport. If this is not deemed a feasible idea. Just ask any of the 65,000 realtors in the G.T.A. if they have a buyer for the property? ( it is a sizable piece).
Most importantly if the remaining 50 km`s of the rail line that snake its way through wards 1 and 2 could be sold back to the Town of Caledon and Brampton. (Perhaps for planting tress?) Presumably at a feasible price that might roughly reflect the equivalent amount of taxes paid since the inception of the CPR purchase. This would likely be a very equitable trade.
Certainly, the logical majority of Peel and Dufferin taxpayers and their future generations would be most pleased by the prospects of such a purchase. Ward 1 residents would be the beneficiary of a 50 km long, New York City High Line park experience. The circumstances of the rail-line closing has by default allowed Caledon and the City of Brampton a miraculous “Once in a Lifetime Opportunity” to create one of the premier interconnecting trails systems in the world. This linear addition would be a vital component to better integrate the nearly 265 KM of existing interconnecting trails. Cyclists, equestrians, and hikers will be strong aficionados.
There is no time to waste, the moment is at hand for our political representatives to demonstrate that they too can stickhandle their way out of a phone booth. Acting courageously by looking to the future would be an excellent start. If Caledon is to truly remain the greenest town in Canada? It must immediately embrace this opportunity! It would provide a much-needed green corridor for cyclists and pedestrians under the proposed 413. It would encourage much-needed Hub Residential development in former brownfields. (terminal rail yards). If the City of Brampton wants to better integrate with its geographical neighbor and also preserve a much-needed wildlife corridor. Then it should herald their commitment to this imperative exercise pathway to nature and serenity.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the Future is Now! The options are simple. We can continue to surround our communities with concrete or we can build interconnected alleyways of green. That allows all our citizens an opportunity to experience the virtues of our natural environment and breathe free. Now that the line is permanently closed. Please experience the regal views afforded by this unique historical rail line.
Walk the Line, then express your sentiments to your political representatives. Carpe Diem!
4 thoughts on “A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity!”
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Most kind!
Many voices raised unison becomes a chorus for change.
Read more on the Orby’s mysterious sale here; https://citizen.on.ca/mysterious-sale-of-the-obry/