Essex Region Conservation Authority

Published purpose

The CASO Rail Corridor in Essex County was abandoned by Canadian National Railway (CN) in 2012. This former railway has been identified as one of the key sections of trail that will connect multiple communities in this region and has been supported by every mayor and deputy mayor in 7 municipalities. This proposal is the first step towards the multiple benefits listed above as it lays the groundwork needed to properly design and cost the project to allow for construction to proceed, subject to funding in future years. Our proposal is to have a consulting engineering firm complete a detailed inspection of 43 kms of former rail line (including multiple bridges), develop detail design drawings suitable for tender, establish any permit requirements from regulatory agencies and provide cost estimates so securing funds for a capital project can be initiated.