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Sault Ste. Marie To Sudbury
Passenger Rail Initiative
Discussion Paper
- Restricted Circulation -
November 16, 2004Draft 5
A. Osborne M. OShea D. Raymond
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Table of Contents
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2020
1) Introductiona) Preface.........
b) Transportation 2000 Canada.......c) Questions of Interest.......
2) Short Line Rail Situation Analysisa) External Situation Analysis........b) Rail Line Industry Analysis........
3) Review of Comparable Short Line Train Servicesa) Sudbury White River.......b) Montreal Quebec......c) Victoria Courtenay.......
d) Other Short Line Rail Rates
4) Potential Benefits From a Short Line Rail Service Between Sault Ste.Marie And Sudbury
a) Businesses.......b) Tourism.......c) Health Care.........d) Education........e) Safety..f) Environmental Issues..........................g) Other.......
5) Market Potential For a Short Line Rail Initiative Between Sault Ste.Marie and Sudbury
a) Municipalityb) Businesses, Clubs and Organizations....c) Festivals and Attractions....d) Education Sector.e) Health Care Sector......
6) Requirements For a North Central Short Line Rail Companya) Possible Organizational Structures.........b) Improvements to Infrastructure Required..c) Financing.........d) Key Success Factors...........
7) Sources of Information/Correspondencea) Web Sitesb) Emails.
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(1)
Introduction
c) Preface
An initiative has been started to look into the feasibility of a passenger rail line between
Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, Ontario. The idea is being advanced by two interested
individuals with the anticipation of a group to be formed. In the groups beginning stages,
they have connected with the Community Economic & Social Development program at
Algoma University. A student at Algoma University will be assisting the group move
forward with the examination of a passenger rail services linking the communities east of
Sault Ste. Marie. A rail service connecting these Northern Ontario communities can have
significant social, environmental, and economic benefits to all those involved.
The Transportation industry in Canada is very important but is struggling to provide
sustainable, safe, efficient, cost effective, and environmentally sound solutions to all
Canadians. A proper transportation system would allow widely scattered communities to
continue to thrive. Public transportation brings freedom of movement and a better quality
of life to the entire community. However, Canada has failed to address some increasing
difficulties over the last few decades which have resulted in highway and airport
congestion. Canada has also witnessed the removal of bus and ferry schedules as well as
most passenger rail services across the country. Further, Fuel shortages are likely to
worsen in the future causing an increase in the cost of gasoline and subsequently an
increase in the cost of traveling. Change is necessary - but the changes in transportation
have been largely negative. Instead of eliminating crucial transportation services,
communities should find ways of making them work together to insure the survival of all
forms of transportation.
Up until recently, only two large companies (Canadian National Railways and Canadian
Pacific Railway) have dominated the railway industry in Canada with only a few short
line and regional railways (SL/RRs). The Canada Transportation Act was introduced in
1996 which has increased the production of (SL/RRs) across the Canada. (SL/RRs) are an
important part of the transportation system in Canada yet many cities are without any
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form of passenger rail transportation. Canadians rely on effective, efficient, safe and
environmentally sustainable transportation network that is why the rail industry could
significantly improve the accessibility of Northern Communities in Ontario between
Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury.
The most pressing issues facing Canada's SL/RRs are:
financial viability
raising the profile of SL/RRs
public interest issues
rail infrastructure
interline service management
legislative initiatives.
- Source (www.arrc.ca)
d) Transportation 2000 Canada
Transport 2000 Canada is a non-profit organization whose purpose is research, public
education and consumer advocacy. It promotes environmentally-sound transportationsolutions and gets actively involved in a wide range of issues such as: public
transportation, safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, protection of the environment,
inter-modal cooperation and government regulation. Transport 2000 believes that
transportation is more than just a means of moving goods and people, measured only by
profits or political benefits. Transport 2000 believes that public transportation impacts on
land use, economic development and the quality of life. Transportation is a tool to protect
the environment, conserve energy, diminish land pressures, curtail the growth of road and
highway spending and promote economic growth. Transportation also determines
accessibility to housing, education, health services, employment and leisure. Transport
2000 represents the interests of consumers or users of public transport services in Canada
and is involved with a variety of transport issues including:
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the development of rail passenger services in Canada;
the future of inter-city bus services;
urban and commuter transit systems;
the implications to consumers of the deregulated airline industry in Canada;
the role of marine and coastal services;
the effects of and alternatives to rail branch line abandonments;
the role of government regulation in all public transportation;
the impact on the public interest of demands for new highway spending;
the safety of air, rail, and other public carriers;
the promotion of inter-modal links to improve the accessibility and cost-efficiency
of public transport
- (www.transportation2000.ca)
e) Questions of Interest
1) Are there individuals in the community who would be interested in the rail line
initiative?
2) What would be an appropriate structure for this group?
3) Which organizations in the north east are available to help mobilize the group?
4) What are the funding opportunities? (government? private?)
5) What would be the costs of developing the rail infrastructure to accommodate a short
line passenger rail service?
6) How many trains would be needed and how often would they run?
7) Who would own and/or the rail service? (profit? non profit?)
8) What social, economic, and environmental benefits can a passenger rail service
provide to the communities in the region?
9) Is there a demand for a passenger rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury?
10)How would other transportation industries, and stakeholders play a part
11)What is the history and track record of the rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and
Sudbury?
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(2)
Short Line Rail situation Analysis
a) External Situation AnalysisOpportunities
Changing trends to be more environmentally friendly
Aging demographics in the region needing more transportation options
Cultural shifts in preferred methods of transportation
The costs of all forms of transportations have increased, some substantially
Bad winter weather causes delays and dangerous road conditions
Increasing fuel prices and automotive insurance costs
Sault Ste. Marie has a skilled labour force and Three post-secondary education
facilities for staff and support
Potential for linking with Sault Ste. Maries strong tourism industries
Increase in mobile technology
Existing rail network to link to other major destinations
Challenges
Shrinking northern populations
Improvements to alternative methods of transportation
b) Rail line industry analysisAltering existing transportation balance
trengthsS
Transportation by train is well known as a cost effective, safe and
environmentally friendly method of transportation
r travelers to move about and
Weaknesses
Trains have more open area than planes or busses fo
work
Potentially high initial cost of restoring tracks, stations, and purchasing equipment
Potentially high operating and maintenance costs
Potentially high cost of tickets to passengers
Infrastructure needs improvements
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(3)
Review of Comparable S Line Train Services
(The F
) Sudbury White River (The Lake Superior)
hort
ollowing Information Was Obtained from Via Canada)
a
The Lake Superioris a short line railway that travels between Sudbury and White River
and is operated by VIA Rail Canada. The train makes three round trips per week and
stops in Cartier, Franz and a few other places in between. It also allows outdoor
enthusiast to get off anywhere they want if they request a special stop. The Lake Superior
is a very handy way to travel in northern Ontario regardless of weather or road
conditions.
A round trip between Sudbury and White R ver costs $106 (taxes extra) when you buy
e Lake Superior departs Sudbury on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at
i
tickets seven days in advance. Comfort class is the only class available between Sudbury
and White River.
.
Th
09:40 and arrives in White River at 18:00; it leaves White River on Wednesdays, Fridays
and Sundays (departure from White River at 09:30, arrival in Sudbury at 19:00).
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The Train
fers comfortable seats, lots of leg room and large windows to let passengers
b) Montreal Charny Quebec (City Train
The train of
admire the scenery allowing safe and worry free travel. Passengers are invited to bring
their own food, because there is no meal service on the train. It is recommended that
baggage is restricted to one or two carry-on baggage. But travelers can make use of the
baggage car with a maximum of six articles, three free of charge. Alcohol is served
onboard but serving hours are governed by the laws of Ontario. Under these laws, one
cannot consume alcohol that was not purchased onboard.
)
The Montral-Charny-Qubec (City train) takes passengers to and from Montreal and
Quebec City. The train avoids bottlenecks on the bridges and the stress of
driving especially during adverse weather conditions.
Fares are much cheaper then air or car trav between Montral andel. A round-trip ticket
Qubec City costs only $82 (purchase five days in advance, taxes extra, some conditions
apply). The Montral-Qubec City train offers you a choice of three or four departures
per day in either direction. The complete journey generally takes a little under three
hours.
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Train
in has extra large seats with headrests and all the room needed to work or stretch
ctivities for children
ed with the VIA Rail Kids Activity Book which contains a variety
ther classes available
maximum comfort, a delicious meal and many privileges.
) Victoria Courtenay (The Malahat)
The tra
out. All trains running between Montral and Qubec City now use VIA's new
Renaissance cars. These ultramodern cars feature a combination of leading edge
technology, comfort and sophistication. Passengers can place calls on mobile phones or
Work on lap top computers. There is also food and beverage services aboard each train
served by professional staff. Passengers are allowed one article of baggage into the car
with you, but check up to seven articles, four free of charge.
A
Children will be delight
of cut and paste, and colouring activities. In summer, guides provide tourist information
for passengers and entertain children aboard. Also, When it's time to eat, excellent menus
are available for children.
O
VIA 1 class offers you
Available on most trains in Southern Qubec and Southern Ontario.
c
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On the Malahat beautiful countryside in
Vancouver Island ria and
The Malahat time to
Courtenay is approxim inus, Nanaimo,
Parksville or get
on and off as m destination.
bring their own
od, because there is no meal service on the train. However there is plenty of time to buy
Other Short Line Rates Return
passengers discover some of the most
between Victoria and Courtenay. The round-trip between Victo
Courtenay costs only $58 (purchase seven days in advance, taxes extra.
offers one departure per day in each direction. The journey
ately 4 hours. Passengers can get off at Chema
Qualicum Beach: as everywhere else in the network. It allows people to
any times as they like for the price of one ticket to the final
Train
A comfortable seat, large windows to admire the scenery, hassle-free, and safe travel.
That's what's a passenger gets on the Malahat, passengers are invited to
fo
a sandwich, a soft drink or a coffee during the stop at Nanaimo. There is no baggage car
on this train. This means that checked baggage service is not available. It is also restricted
to two items of carry-on baggage. There is alcohol served on the train and is controlled
by the government of British Columbia
d)
Toronto-Niagara Falls: $23
London-Windsor: $34
Oakville-Ottawa: $86
Montral-Toronto: $86
All Train Information, Maps and rates were obtained from Via Canada.www.Via.ca
November 1, 2004
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(4)
Potential Benefits from a Short Line Rail Initiative between Sault Ste. Marie and
Sudbury
a)
Businesses
There is a real opportunity for the businesses in Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury to
benef oviding
affordable access to these two la in Northern Ontario, consumers and
suppliers have an alternative m ss customers, and to buy goods. A
passenger rail service would also make the smaller communities in between Sault Ste.
Marie and Sudbury, more accessible and can assist the growth of the smaller, more
isolated markets in the north.
A rail service can also provide access to technology, meals, and beverages while on
the train. This alone may make rail transportation appeal to people traveling for
business or people who require a premium form of travel. Unlike a bus or a plane, a
train can provide these services allowing a person to remain connected and make
more effective use of their time while traveling.
b) Tourism
it from a rail services as well as all communities in between. By pr
rge markets
ethod to travel, acce
A rail service could add to the tourism industry for all communities in the north.
Many different hospitability and tourism organizations can make use of a rail service
to increase access to markets or support products/services. Special packages can be
created that incorporate the train ride as part of the deal or promotion. A working
relationship among key businesses such as the Casinos, hotels, restaurants, adventure
trips, and other tourist based companies is essential. This would increase access to
attractions in Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, and all communities in between. Lastly, the
train itself could be made into a tourist attraction, complementing the Algoma Central
Railway, for customers to travel across the north east in style and safety.
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c) Health Care
A passenger rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury would increase
egional access to healthcare in Sault Ste. Marie for general health care and
ide for equipment. A rail service would also provide
further access to prescription medication and could be used as a delivery system for
d) Education
r
emergency services from neighboring communities. It would also increase access to
medical care in Sudbury that is not available in Sault Ste. Marie, such as cancer and
cardiac care. Unlike other methods of transportation, a train has the ability to bring
health care professionals and equipment onboard as well as provide a faster, safer,
more comfortable ride. This would make it an ideal form of transportation for elderly
and critically ill patients who may require assistance along the way or more room
then a bus or car could prov
medical supplies and between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury. Lastly, a passenger rail
system could be used assist the Northern Ontario Medical School by providing
another transportation service to/from the Sudbury facility and by building strong
relationships with the communities.
rail system could benefit both public and private schools in the north andA
strengthen the partnerships between educational institutions by offering fast,
affordable, and technologically innovative services to further link the schools
educational programs, resources, and opportunities for students. A rail system would
make schools in the north more accessible, which may encourage stronger working
relationships between the schools and communities as well as possibly increase the
number of students who can attend from outlying areas. Also, schools at all levels
will have an alternative to taking a bus for field trips and can make the train part of
the destination and learning experience.
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e) Safety
Canadians rely on safe transportation methods in order to travel, ship goods, and
commute between locations all over Canada. The vast distances between
communities along with poor weather conditions can isolate smaller communities that
do not have suitable access to and from other locations.
Perception of Transportation Safety
-(EKOS Research Associates)
wn as a safe alternative to driving, especially in poor weather
onditions or during the night. There are numerous accidents each year between Sault
Trains are kno
c
Ste. Marie and Sudbury that could possibly be avoided if a rail system was in place.
Car and motorcycle crashes caused 54.7% of Canadian spinal-cord injuries in
Canada, according to the Canadian Paraplegic Association.
Motor vehicle crashes caused approximately 50% of all degrees of traumatic
brain injuries in the US.
- (www.tranportation2000.ca)
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f) nvironmental IssuesE
n the 1996 National Toxics
ventory, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that mobile sources such
as cars, trucks, and bus er-causing, hazardous
air pollutants each year. C est contributor to climate
change and the transportation sector is one of the largest sources of CO . In Canada,
issions produced
Motor vehicles are the largest source of air pollution, generating more than two thirds
of the carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. Some pollutants emitted by cars and
trucks are also known to cause cancer, including toxic substances such as soot,
benzene, arsenic compounds, formaldehyde, and lead. I
In
es release about 3 billion pounds of canc
arbon dioxide (CO2) is the larg
2
the transportation sector contributes 47% of the carbon dioxide emand about 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions (www.tranportation200.com). A
the health-care sys
rail transportation service could significantly reduce the amount of pollution caused
by cars and trucks on the highways between Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury.
The Ontario Medical Association estimated that in the year 2000, pollution costs to
tem and losses to employers and employees in that province were
more than $1 billion. (www.tranportation2000.ca)
g) Other
Land use costs
Each la direction - about
250
of the people-carrying capacity of a rail line occupying the same amount of land. To
put it another way: To replicate that capacity in private cars on an expressway
ection. (www.tranportation200.ca)
ne of highway can carry about 2000 cars per hour in each
0 people, assuming an average of 1.25 passengers per car. But that's only 15-20%
requires at least 6 lanes per dir
Enhance the capability to meet changing demographic needs
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s people age, they tend to change the way in which they travel. In Canada, theaging
population in the north requires an alternative form of transportation that is safe,
A
reliable, affordable, and comfortable.
Increase collaboration between municipalities and social clubs
A passenger rail system could further strengthen the relationships of cities between
Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury by offering another form of much needed
transportation. Offering an additional method of travel will allow organizations to
work closer together and open new markets in the north.
Possible Parcel delivery / courier capabilities
A passenger rail service could also take a portion or parcels and cargo delivery to
the flexibility of additional
departure/arrival times for goods.
Sudbury that may to be too large or heavy for a bus or a plane. The train may also be
more convenient for locations where the bus or plane does not stop or because of
scheduling issues. The service would also provide
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) Local/Regional Government
(5)
Possible Market Potential for a Short Line Passenger Rail Initiative
betweenSault Ste. Marie and Sudbury
a
Municiplaities/Tonships/Villages/Towns
First Nations
Economic Development Corporations / Community Development Corporations
b) Businessesi. Chambers of Commerce
c) lubs and OrganizationsC
Hotel/Motel Associations
Northern Ontario Tourism Organization
Regional Tourism Associations
Elks Club (re: Cancer care transportation)
Indian Friendship Centre
The Ontario Camping Association
d) Festivals and Attractions
Bon Soo
Sault Ste. Marie Drum Festival
Algoma Fall Festival
Cine Fest
Science North/Dynamic Earth
Sault Ste. Marie Charity Casino
Sudbury Downs
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Museums
Theaters
Historical sites
Parks
Campgrounds
e) Education Sector
Algoma University
Laurentian University
Sault College
Cambrian College
Lake Superior State University
Regional public and private schools
f) Health Care Sector
Hospitals
Health Care and Medical Centres
Pharmacies
Northern Ontario Medical School
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(6)
zational structures
Requirements for a North Central Short Line Rail Company
a) Possible organi
ng rail companiesService from existi
Partnerships with existing rail companies
Partnerships with Municipalities
Private enterprise
Publicly owned corporation
Non profit organization
o
b) Infrastructure improvements and purchases required
W rker co-operative
a (including bridges)Tr ck, rail bed
Buildings
c) Financing
Trains (rolling stock)
Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments
Existing rail companies
Banks or similar lending institutions
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Other private or corporate lenders
Financing through the sale of stocks
) Key success factorsd
ulSufficient customer demand two-way ha
Competitive pricing
ingConvenient schedul
Excellent customer service
Suitable tracks and trains
urAccess to skilled labo
Efficient use of technology to meet customer needs and assist in sales/marketing
Harmonized integration with existing transportation services
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(7)
Sources of Information / Correspondence
) Web Sites
a
Association of Regional Railways Canada (http://www.arrc.ca/website/index.asp)
Via Canada (http://www.viarail.ca/en_index.html)
Canada National Railway (http://www.cn.ca/index.shtml)
Transportation 2000 Canada (http://www.transport2000.ca)
Transportation Canada - Rail (http://www.tc.gc.ca/rail/menu.htm)
Rail America (http://www.railamerica.com/index.html)
Canada By Rail (http://www.canadabyrail.ca/aboutCBR.html)
The Railway Association of Canada (http://www.railcan.ca/)
Rails Canada (http://www.railscanada.com/index2.shtml)
b) EmailsMike OShea James Peters, Via Customer Relations
Correspondence to Date
To: Mike OSheaFrom: James Peters
Thank you for your follow-up email.
Services are offered with an objective of increasing ridership by responding to the needsof the market and better serving the majority of our customers. Our schedules andservices are reviewed periodically in an attempt to match customer demand according tothe options presented by VIA resources and constraints. Examples of the latter includethe time slots allotted to us on CN and CP tracks, as well as equipment cycling andservicing. We realize that every schedule has some drawbacks, and we must select themost convenient for the majority of our customers.
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With regards to the possibility of establ service between Sault Ste. Marie andSudbury, suggestions a iew by our marketingroup, while keeping in mind the needs of all of our passengers. Unfortunately, limited
resources do not permit us have formal discussions on these issues with individuals oreless, we appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to write to us on
behalf of the residents in your area.
------------------------------------------
To: James PetersFro MDeSince I last e-mailed you I have began to co-facilitate a small working group to look atthe s he Sault and SudburyOntario. W
to k w s Via have anyresources or advice that could as In youropi nTha
---- -To: iFro J
or your email expressing an interest in a passenger rail link between Saultnd Sudbury. As you may have heard the recent acquisition of new equipment
services where financiallyur Marketing group for their
ion.
ail Canada today is that any new train service must pay for itself asidy with no planned increases. You can rest assured that routes such
e considered and new services will be added if
orth shore? What would it take to
ishingre welcome, and they are documented for rev
g
groups. Neverth
m: ike Oshea
ar Mr. Peters
fea ibility of re-establishing the passenger rail service between thile the process is at the very early stages, my committee would be interested
no who at Via, we should be discussing this initiative with. Doesist us in pulling our feasibility study together?nio what are the key issues that we must address?
nk you for your time, and I look forward to your reply
---- ---------------------------------
M ke OSheam: ames Peters
Thank you fte. Marie aS
will allow us to consider the feasibility of introducing newviable. I have forwarded a copy of your email to oinformation and consideratThe reality at VIA Rwe have a fixed subsas Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury will binancially viable.f
To: James PetersFrom: Mike OShea
Hi, I live in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Some years ago there was a train the Bud car thatran between Sault Ste. Marie & Sudbury. Does Via rail have any plans to provideregional rail service to Sault Ste. marie & the N
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establish such a service? Given our aging population, and the regionalization of cancercare in Sudbury, it make good sense to re-establish this rail link...what do you think?
Mike O'Shea
Art Osborne Brian Christie, The Office of Tony Martin MP
Tony Marin MP
n... one of us will be in to get it.
o: Art Osborne
drop by the office any time 9-12 1:30-4:30 nexteek. Brian
----
fforts.
e
rt, I ordered a copy of the report today from the Transport Canada,velopment Centre. I will call you when it comes in.
---------------------------
Correspondence to Date
To: The Office ofFrom: Art Osborne
Many thanks BriaWe appreciate your effort and will have a new project discussion document for youroffice review likely next week.
------------------------------
TFrom Brian Christie
Art, the report just came in. You canw-------------------------
To: The Office of Tony Marin MPFrom: Art Osborne
Great Brian!Our group thanks you for your e-----------------------------
To: Art OsborneFrom Brian Christi
ATransportation De--To: Art OsborneFrom Brian Christie
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Tony, A quick update...
I Will send you the next Version of the Sault Sudbury Discussion paper spoon.. OK toto the list in the document as a person contacted? (Doesn't position you
ne way of the other... just that we chatted.)
sportation Accessible.if so, that'd be great.
add your nameo
Transport Canada has a book that would be helpful.... Making TranNot sure if your folks could easily access one for us, butCheers,