MP Reid applauds time extension to save Ottawa Valley Rail

Carleton Place – Local MP Scott Reid is pleased to say that the owners of the Ottawa Valley Railway have confirmed that they will remain open to offers to purchase the line beyond the municipal deadline of January 5th.

“Because many towns and townships along the Ottawa Valley Railway are welcoming new mayors and councillors, this extension is very important,” stated Reid.  “The fact of the matter is, it would be hard for those governments to work so quickly to develop a proper business case for the purchase of the railway before the deadline.”

The Ottawa Valley Railway is currently owned by Canadian Pacific Railway.  CPR recently decided to discontinue use of the Ottawa Valley Railway portion of its rail network and the rail lines have been sitting idle.

Reid continued, “I believe that this presents a very good opportunity for the municipalities along the rail line to come up with a new and creative use of the railway not only to preserve its tradition and history but to bring entirely new value and benefit to the whole Ottawa Valley.”

CP Rail has agreed to remain open to offers to purchase the Ottawa Valley Railway right up until the time that they begin to dismantle its assets which is likely to occur in spring.

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For further information contact:

Mike Firth
Executive Assistant to Scott Reid, MP
613-947-2277

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