ABANDONMENT APPLICATION DENIED: A Canadian
National application for permission to abandon the
Meaford
Subdivision (Ontario) between Barrie (mileage 1.09) and
Collingwood (mileage 31.40) has been denied. Also spared
are the
Penetang Spur (mileage 0.00 to 2.00) and the Pretty
River Spur
(mileage 0.00 to mileage 0.92).
During 1989, the Meaford Subdivision sustained a modest
operating profit of $26,357, following several loss
ridden years.
Although the NTA found that its operation was marginal
at best,
it ordered the line retained because of the almost total
reliance on
rail shipments ofCollingwood's two principal industries,
Canadian
Mist and Nacan. Both industries stated that a loss of
rail service
would make them uncompetitive, thus forcing them to
close and
jeopardizing the futures of 135 employees, a significant
portion of
Collingwood's work force.
The Meaford Subdivision was built by the Toronto, Simcoe
and
Lake Huron Union Railroad Company and opened for traffic
in
January of 1855.
Service is currently provided on a twice-weekly basis by
a
roadswitcher operating out of Barrie. (20/09/90) |
