Ontario is taking the next step to build a high-speed rail line that will connect Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Toronto, which will improve travel options, reduce travel time and create jobs by getting people moving. On December 5, 2014, the Minister of Transportation, Steven Del Duca, met with the Mayor of London, Matt Brown, as well as key business leaders to discuss the latest plans.

The start of an environmental assessment (EA) marks the next phase of the project, which includes identifying the most appropriate route, examining state-of-the-art transportation technology options and an environmental impact evaluation. The EA will be guided by consultations in early 2015 with municipal and business groups, as well as with First Nation and Métis communities.

High-speed rail service connecting Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Toronto is part of the government’s long-term transit and infrastructure plan, Moving Ontario Forward. This plan will make nearly $29 billion available over the next 10 years for investments in priority infrastructure projects across the province, including public transit, roads, bridges and highways.

Speaking to Blackburn Radio, Mike Bradley, Mayor of Sarnia, welcomed the announcement while stressing the immediate need to improve conventional rail service across the region.