Orangeville rail sale great idea
By Doug Harkness, Staff Writer
I was reflecting just the other day on how quiet it has been on the local political scene and then boom, the Town of Orangeville decides to sell the rail line. I’ll admit that I didn’t see that one coming. I’ll agree as well that I think it is a great idea for a number of reasons.
First and foremost are financial ones. The town’s finances aren’t in the best of shape so that big lump of cash will help to pay down debt, which will further reduce interest payments. It also removes the ongoing tax liability that the town faced each year for the property taxes on the line. Whether one felt those taxes were just or not, there is no indication that they were going to go away anytime in the near future, no matter how much we protested. Once the deal has closed the town could also use some of the cash to pursue further some of the objectives in its recently released economic development plan that it couldn’t afford to previously.
I’d start much smaller however. The most well-appointed, publicly owned banquet facility within the town limits is the former Don Cherry space at the Alder Street arena. It is sadly in need of some better kitchen facilities, a couple of ovens in particular, to make it a more attractive rental facility at least in the short term until the town decides what to do with it.
It is also worth mentioning that the rail line was a good purchase in the first place. At the time the town purchased it there was a great deal of uncertainty that rail service would continue at all. The purchase ensured that service would remain until now when the rail line has once again become a viable commercial option. It does create some uncertainty for local manufacturers and businesses, but I wouldn’t think that this purchase jeopardizes the long-term operation of the line. It is more likely to enhance it as the new investors would probably build on the operation if the opportunity arises for increased business.
I’m not sure at all if it was considered, but I’m glad the town has not made any move to sell Orangeville Hydro. While I’m sure it would fetch a great price, it is a large non-tax revenue generator for the town and should remain so. It also provides excellent service to citizens and businesses in town; one only has to step outside the town’s boundaries to see a much different example that rural customers are forced to deal with.
It’s kind of sad to see the rail line go, but it served its purpose well and will continue to do so with the opportunities the additional revenue will provide the town.
Doug Harkness is a long-time member of the Orangeville community with a keen interest in local, provincial and federal politics.
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