Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath made it clear she supports high-speed rail that would connect Toronto and London, but not at the expense of farmland.
Horwath's backing of high-speed rail came as she unveiled her southwestern Ontario platform at Innovation Works on King St., in London Tuesday morning.
She said an NDP government would continue on with the environmental assessment (EA) that is currently being conducted while also broadening it to include other corridor options.
"The farmland that surrounds this city and stretches all throughout southwestern Ontario is a precious asset that we have," said Horwath. "We have to make sure that in the planning process of the high-speed rail line that we are being very protective of that extremely important land. Our plan includes that kind of lens as well."
High-speed rail would cut travel times between London and Toronto down to 73 minutes. The electric-powered trains will travel at speeds of up to 250 km/h on a combination of new and existing tracks, with stops in Phase One at London, Kitchener, Guelph, and Toronto Union Station. There would also be a connection to Pearson International Airport. The second phase of the project would extend the rail line from London to Windsor, with a stop in Chatham.
Rural communities and area Indigenous groups have voiced concerns about the Liberal-proposed high-speed system as rail lines could bisect their land.
"We want to make sure we are engaging all of the communities that are involved to make sure that the very best result is finalized. That means not only the corridor itself and the right kind of technology but it means inviting in communities all around the southwest and talking about how they can benefit as well from that infrastructure," said Horwath.
London North Centre Liberal Candidate Kate Graham was quick to cast a shadow of doubt on the NDP's commitment to high-speed rail, pointing out the platform lacks specific details around funding.
"The (NDP) plan talks about it but we don't see that reflected in the budget, similarly for London's rapid transit. Monday we had our first televised debate and I was a little disappointed to hear my NDP colleague step away from whether high-speed rail is the right option for London," said Graham. "People care about real issues, they care about our economy, they want to see high-speed rail, they want to see investments in our transit system."
Horwath stressed the NDP will strengthen local transit by funding 50% of the system's operating costs and delivering the needed investment to build more rapid transit in London.
As part of her southwest platform, Horwath also promised to immediately add 2,000 new hospital beds, create 40,000 new long-term care spaces over ten years and reduce hydro costs by 30%.
Horwath's southwestern Ontario swing continues in Paris and Kitchener later Tuesday.