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Media Advisory

THE CLEAN TRAIN COALITION CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ELECTRIFICATION OF TORONTO'S GEORGETOWN SOUTH RAIL CORRIDOR

Toronto, May 25 – Metrolinx, as part of “The Big Move,” is planning to implement an eight-fold service expansion on the Georgetown South/Pearson rail corridor using diesel-powered locomotives. If this project goes forward as currently planned, it will create the single busiest diesel rail corridor on the planet, with the potential to jeopardize the health of more than a quarter of a million people.

The exhaust from diesel locomotives is a known danger to public health. The emitted fumes and particulate matter have been linked to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cancers and premature death, posing an especially potent danger to children and the elderly.

This Wednesday, the Clean Train Coalition will unveil a précis of “The Better Move,” its response to Metrolinx’ “The Big Move. With this soon-to-be-released report, the Clean Train Coalition calls on Metrolinx and the province to immediately prioritize electrification of the densely populated Georgetown South corridor. “The Better Move” outlines an alternative plan to achieve the vision and objectives of the province realistically, without compromising the health and quality of life of residents in the region.

“The Better Move” will be of interest to transportation, health, and Toronto urban affairs editors and reporters.

DATE: Wednesday, May 27, 2009

TIME: 1:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Queen's Park Media Studio
Legislative Assembly of Ontario
Media Room, Rm. 148, 1st Floor, West Wing

NOTE: Media who are not members of the Queen's Park press gallery must obtain a media pass from the press gallery office, room 387A.

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Media contact: Carina Cojeen 416-886-2320
Spokesperson: Eli Malinsky, Clean Train Coalition 416-979-3939 ext. 3

The Clean Train Coalition represents the communities along the rail corridor. We believe that a healthy environment and vibrant neighbourhoods depend on smart investment in public transit infrastructure. Build it once, build it right! www.cleantrain.ca