Aboriginal protest affects Via Rail schedule, passengers
Via Rail passengers travelling between Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto on Wednesday were forced to take buses to their destinations as native protesters once again blockaded train tracks along the busy rail corridor.
According to the Ontario Provincial Police, the blockade began at 1:50 p.m. and ended at about 7:00 p.m. when protesters left the area without incident. Earlier in the day several protesters stood on the tracks where CN and CP rail lines cross, in a remote area approximately 500 metres west of Shannonville Road.
Rail officials told CBC that Via trains were halted between Belleville and Kingston forcing it to employ buses to leapfrog the demonstrations.
Via spokesperson Mylène Bélanger said people could cancel or change their tickets at no additional charge and those who chose not to travel would receive a full refund.
Meanwhile, the OPP said no one was arrested but the investigation is ongoing.
