[roger1818]

Here is some interesting context on requiring CN and CP to do climate reporting:

Canada’s railroads endorse climate proposals in rare support for shareholder activism - The Logic

Shareholders of CN and CP will vote on a U.K. hedge-fund billionaire’s climate proposal at their annual general meetings this month

thelogic.co

From when they were first proposed:

Large railway shareholder seeks CN, CP climate plans and strategies to cut emissions

One of the largest shareholders of Canada's two main railways is calling on them to present climate plans at their upcoming annual meetings and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

www.ctvnews.ca

Not really surprising. Rail is by far the most environmentally friendly way of transporting goods. Climate reporting will only highlight this and new technologies implemented to save them money will further reduce their carbon footprint. It also gives them a strong argument to keep passenger trains off of their main lines.

 

[Allandale25]

Budget is out. Trying to find the complete PDF to see if HFR is mentioned. This is all I've found so far and it's general and doesn't mention VIA/HFR.

Jobs and Growth Through Infrastructure Investments​

Infrastructure is what keeps people moving and what keeps our economy growing.

The government has accomplished a great deal in building and renewing Canada's major infrastructure since 2016. But more needs to be done to build up our communities and ensure our economy has the 21st century infrastructure we need to be competitive. Budget 2021 lays out the government's plan to revitalize Canada's infrastructure, to invest in community priorities, and to build projects that contribute to a clean environment and create good middle class jobs.

In total, Budget 2021 includes over $26 billion over six years (on a cash basis) for more reliable and accessible public transit, distinctions-based support for infrastructure in Indigenous communities, small crafts harbours, the construction and repair of energy efficient and affordable housing, and much more. These projects will create good middle-class jobs from coast to coast to coast.

 

[Allandale25]

^ Update. "High Frequency Rail" is referenced in the budget:

Text version:

• Next Step Towards High Frequency Rail in the Toronto-Quebec City Corridor​

  High frequency rail has the potential to transform passenger rail service in the Toronto-Quebec City corridor, offering faster, more reliable service, and helping to encourage the shift to rail from more polluting modes of transportation.
  In 2019, the Government of Canada established a Joint Project Office to explore VIA Rail Canada’s high frequency rail project. This effort is critical to making this project a reality for Canadians.
  • To continue this work, Budget 2021 proposes to provide $4.4 million in 2021-22 to Transport Canada and VIA Rail Canada to support their work with the Joint Project Office in order to advance due diligence and to de-risk the project.
  • In addition, Budget 2021 proposes to provide $491.2 million over six years, starting in 2021-22, to VIA Rail Canada for infrastructure investments that would support the overall success of the high frequency rail project. These investments will help reduce bottlenecks, improve fluidity and connectivity, and allow VIA to take an important step towards high frequency rail in the corridor.

 

[sacred]

^ Update. "High Frequency Rail" is referenced in the budget:

View attachment 313728

Are you kidding me. The biggest budget ever and they couldn't sneak it in.

 

[littlewill1166]

^ Update. "High Frequency Rail" is referenced in the budget:

View attachment 313728

Hopefully, that $491 million will make VIA's part of the Chatham sub less bumpy.

 

[Allandale25]

^ It sounds like this funding is for the HFR corridor which includes the CP Belleville, Havelock, and other subs all east of Toronto, not the Chatham Sub: http://www.niagararails.com/chatham.phtml

 

[sacred]

^ Update. "High Frequency Rail" is referenced in the budget:

View attachment 313728

Click to expand...

Text version:

• Next Step Towards High Frequency Rail in the Toronto-Quebec City Corridor​

  High frequency rail has the potential to transform passenger rail service in the Toronto-Quebec City corridor, offering faster, more reliable service, and helping to encourage the shift to rail from more polluting modes of transportation.
  In 2019, the Government of Canada established a Joint Project Office to explore VIA Rail Canada’s high frequency rail project. This effort is critical to making this project a reality for Canadians.
  • To continue this work, Budget 2021 proposes to provide $4.4 million in 2021-22 to Transport Canada and VIA Rail Canada to support their work with the Joint Project Office in order to advance due diligence and to de-risk the project.
  • In addition, Budget 2021 proposes to provide $491.2 million over six years, starting in 2021-22, to VIA Rail Canada for infrastructure investments that would support the overall success of the high frequency rail project. These investments will help reduce bottlenecks, improve fluidity and connectivity, and allow VIA to take an important step towards high frequency rail in the corridor.

Can you link to the budget please? Can't find it :/

 

[Allandale25]

^ Update. "High Frequency Rail" is referenced in the budget:

View attachment 313728

Text version:

• Next Step Towards High Frequency Rail in the Toronto-Quebec City Corridor​

  High frequency rail has the potential to transform passenger rail service in the Toronto-Quebec City corridor, offering faster, more reliable service, and helping to encourage the shift to rail from more polluting modes of transportation.
  In 2019, the Government of Canada established a Joint Project Office to explore VIA Rail Canada’s high frequency rail project. This effort is critical to making this project a reality for Canadians.
  • To continue this work, Budget 2021 proposes to provide $4.4 million in 2021-22 to Transport Canada and VIA Rail Canada to support their work with the Joint Project Office in order to advance due diligence and to de-risk the project.
  • In addition, Budget 2021 proposes to provide $491.2 million over six years, starting in 2021-22, to VIA Rail Canada for infrastructure investments that would support the overall success of the high frequency rail project. These investments will help reduce bottlenecks, improve fluidity and connectivity, and allow VIA to take an important step towards high frequency rail in the corridor.

Further update. Two more references to HFR:

Not sure why this says "396 million" and the text above says "491.2 million".

 

[Allandale25]

Can you link to the budget please? Can't find it :/

Budget 2021

A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience

www.budget.gc.ca

 

[kEiThZ]

I really don't get this. What de-risking is left?

 

[sacred]

Further update. Two more references to HFR:

View attachment 313733

Not sure why this says "396 million" and the text above says "491.2 million".

View attachment 313734

So no investment in passenger rail because too many men are in the construction industry...

 

[Allandale25]

I really don't get this. What de-risking is left?

Dealing with Metrolinx at Union Station? A bypass around Sharbot Lake? The Scarboro Junction situation? Old bridges in Peterborough? Could be several aspects.

 

[crs1026]

Here's a tidbit - only three years of funding

 

[Allandale25]

So no investment in passenger rail because too many men are in the construction industry...

It's just some lens commentary applied to all programs/projects if you actually look at the budget. It's not as if HFR is being singled out. Nothing to get worked up over or extrapolate on, in my opinion.

 

[innsertnamehere]

I really don't get this. What de-risking is left?

more detailed design is my guess.

I mean we have literally seen nothing on the project other than a back of the napkin map. Do we even know how much design work has occurred? The complete lack of public process here is astounding.