An Open Letter To St. Catharines Liberal MP Chris Bittle From St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman
Posted June 17th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Re: Request for Action Regarding Unsafe Conditions and Encampment Removals Along CN Railway Property Leased by GIO Rail
Niagara Regional Councillor for St. Catharines, Haley Bateman
Dear MP Bittle,
Over the past four years, I have been actively supporting residents who live adjacent to CN Railway tracks. Their concerns — regarding the condition and safety of these lands — long pre-date my election in 2022 and my appointment to Niagara Regional Council. These concerns have only grown more urgent in recent months.
In May 2025, I was called to support people being evicted from their encampments near the abandoned CN rail line, currently leased by GIO Rail. For years, residents in this neighbourhood have appealed for the site to be cleaned up. It has become a well-known dumping ground for illegal waste, illicit drug paraphernalia, and overgrown vegetation — creating a dangerous and unsightly condition for all who live nearby.
During the eviction process, I witnessed concerning actions taken by the contractor representing GIO Rail. Encampments were torn down using a backhoe, leaving large amounts of debris and crushed trees behind. Stumps were left jagged, posing a clear physical hazard.
Instead of proper cleanup, a thin layer of soil was used to cover the area — giving the appearance of resolution without addressing the underlying issues. These actions represent not only a disregard for property standards, but also for the dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable residents.
Given CN’s responsibility for these lands, and the terms of their lease agreements, I am urging the Federal Government to intervene and hold CN and its leasees to the same property standards that municipalities and private citizens must uphold. Specifically, I request that you formally correspond with CN Railway and request the following:
Maintenance Compliance: CN and any leasees (including GIO Rail) must maintain their properties in accordance with local Property Standards By-Laws, including regular cleanup and the safe removal of hazardous materials.
Supportive Encampment Engagement: In the event of encampment removal, CN must coordinate with local service providers to ensure displaced individuals are offered housing and health supports.
Transparent Eviction Protocols: Written eviction notices be provided in advance to residents, with copies sent to City and Regional Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) to allow for coordinated care and response.
Comprehensive Site Cleanup: Following any eviction, the site must be fully cleared of all waste — including drug paraphernalia — to ensure community safety and environmental health.
This letter is being circulated to municipalities across our region and beyond, as this is not an isolated issue. We ask that you formally reply to this correspondence at your earliest opportunity. All responses will be shared with interested and affected parties.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I remain committed to working with all levels of government to ensure a safe, humane, and lawful approach to land use and community support.
Sincerely,
Haley Bateman
Niagara Regional Councillor | St. Catharines
Cc: Mat Siscoe, St. Catharines Mayor
Jim Diodati, Niagara Falls Mayor
Frank Campion, Welland Mayor
Wayne Redekop, Fort Erie Mayor
Jennie Stevens, St. Catharines Member of Provincial Parliament
NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views O This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.
“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders
Niagara At Large 