Ottawa Councillor Jan Harder is concerned for the safety of residents after a VIA Rail Canada decision that would see express trains pass through Barrhaven at speeds around 160 km/hr.
"I'm not concerned with the business practices of organizations like VIA until it compromises the safety of our residents, ourselves and especially our children, which this most certainly does," said Coun. Harder in a press release.
The express trains, travelling between Ottawa and Toronto, will initially run six days a week during rush hour, but not stop at the Fallowfield train station.
Currently, trains travel about 16 km/hr through the area because of the Fallowfield stop.
"An intercity passenger train going 100 miles per hour takes one mile to stop. Between two of the crossings in Barrhaven you have only 0.6 miles, so clearly this doesn't add up," said Coun. Harder.
Coun. Harder was expected to table a motion with city council Tuesday to have representatives contact VIA and Transport Canada about delaying the start of the express services, currently planned for May 6, until safety concerns are discussed with all the parties involved.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Vanessa Lee
