Collenette to advise Ontario on high-speed rail plans

Ontario officials have appointed former federal Minister of Transport David Collenette a special adviser to assist the province in bringing high-speed rail to its southwestern region.

Collenette will work with public- and private-sector stakeholders to identify economic development opportunities associated with high-speed trains, assess international experience with high-speed rail, and provide advice on a preliminary business case, Ontario Ministry of Transportation officials said in a news release.

Bringing high-speed rail to the corridor running through Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Toronto will improve travel options, reduce travel times and support economic development across the province. It also will provide an opportunity to explore new partnerships between business and government, officials said.

"We know that in order to compete globally for the best jobs and talent, we need transit systems that move people quickly and efficiently across this province, while reducing commute times and improving Ontario’s quality of life," said Ontario's Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca.

The plan to introduce high-speed rail in the region is part of the province's more than $130 billion investment in its infrastructure over the next 10 years.