Kingston tourism would have been 'hindered' by VIA's pilot program: KTP

The group's executive director says removing Kingston as a stop would impact both residents and businesses.

Kingston's tourism sector is breathing a sigh of relief over VIA Rail's decision to postpone a pilot project that would see some trains by-pass Kingston.

Krista Leclair, Executive Director of Kingston Tourism Partners, is one who sees rail as a vital mode transportation for the city.

Leclair says it is not only residents who would have been affected by the four trips skipping Kingston. She says everyone from business to sports organizations to the film and television industry rely on the rail service.

VIA Rail had planned on taking four trains that usually stop in Kingston and other communities between Montreal and Toronto and making them non-stop trips. The company said they were postponing those plans on Sept. 29, the day the pilot was to have come into effect.

VIA has not announced the new date for the pilot project.

Leclair says this is not the first time Kingston has been overlooked as a stop along the corridor.

Last week, Kingston City Council voted unanimously on a motion asking VIA Rail to maintain and expand passenger rail service in eastern Ontario. (https://www.kingstondaily.ca/news/the-kingston-top-3/kingston-council-urges-via-rail-to-expand-eastern-ontario-service/)

Leclair says she is grateful of Council's support and hopes this will lead to engagement with VIA Rail on future service changes.

Leclair is also in agreement with Mayor Bryan Paterson that there needs to be a mix of transportation options for people going to and from Kingston.

She cites the popularity of the Landline bus service between Norman Rogers Airport and Toronto's Pearson Airport as an example of Kingston being a major stop for people.

Story by Ken Hashizume