Leadership allows Sault, Sudbury railway to continue

From The Sudbury Star

The “historic and unprecedented leadership” by the city is resulting in the continuation of the short line railway between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, one Sault councillor says.

City council received an update Monday describing “the little engine that could and would” and will see the closure of a deal that will see Huron Central Railway running the rail line for years to come.

Bill Therriault, a committee member involved in the negotiations that has resulted to an agreement in principal said he anticipates the Ontario Canada territorial base agreement to be signed shortly, paving the way for much needed infrastructure improvements on the railway.

“The finalization of the agreement is dependent on the agreement with the federal and provincial government. The agreements between the parties are in the hands of lawyers,” Therriault said.

The one-year agreement that was signed to buy time for the committee to find long term infrastructure funding expires Aug. 14.

The railway is of major importance to large industries like Essar Steel Algoma and Domtar, who are the two most important customers for the railway.