Santa And George End DRTP

A friend of mine wrote a Letter to The Editor to the Windsor Star the other day, a copy of which he sent to me. I would not normally scoop the Star on something like this but I will post it here first if you do not mind, dear reader. (My friend agreed and I trust the Star will not be too mad at me for doing so or deprive my friend of wider coverage for his thoughts)

I think that it is of the utmost urgency to get the message out right now since it looks like the Star failed to report this important border story. I just read a US DRIC study of tunnelling that concludes:

• "In summary, it is not considered practically feasible on the basis of available data to attempt construction of a highway tunnel under the Detroit River in the DRIC Study corridor."

That means the 2-lane DRTP cannot be increased to 6 lanes by the addition of new lanes under the river and so can never be our long-term solution!

Here is the letter and you will see why time is of the essence to get it out:

• "Does CP have a dual personality?
  
  On the one hand, the CP Holiday Train is making an appearance in Windsor. It is a very generous idea to help out the Windsor-Essex Food Bank Association. The train will visit more than 60 towns, cities and villages in Canada in the fight against hunger in Canada. CP also makes cash donations to local food banks.
  
  On the other hand, there is the story in the Star about the CP and OMERS owned DRTP. Ex-Mayor and now DRTP CEO claims that the DRTP future is bright even though it has been rejected by the Bi-National, the City of Windsor by formal resolution, by our MPs and MPPs. This is the project that is to drive thousands of Montreal-to-Tijuana trucks into the heart of Windsor, a portion of whose costs need to be picked up by taxpayers especially if it is tunnelled in South Windsor only where the residents have been the most vocal against it.
  
  But maybe there really is a Santa Claus and Windsorites will finally get what we hope for in our stocking hanging by the fireplace. Hurst has to prepare a budget for 2006 and beyond for his board within the next few weeks. Perhaps the CP members who have influence on the board will still be in the holiday spirit and kill the DRTP budget so that the monies can be used for something worthwhile. Like increasing the Holiday Train donation to the Windsor-Essex Food Bank as a good example."

Sorry Mike. But don't be glum over the holiday season. I hear there is an opening at the Race Track now that your buddy, John Millson, has left! Perhaps Mr. Toldo might consider your application if you get your resume in right away.

PS. Remember I did tell you, dear reader, that the Americans were making the decisions and to listen when George W. spoke! More to follow as you will learn.