Mayor Gord Krantz will take part in the Milton Santa Claus Parade this month, despite concerns over CN’s sponsorship, a decision he said he approaches with reservations.
“I do not support CN or their proposed intermodal in south Milton,” Krantz said in a statement to MiltonToday, “but my involvement in the Milton Santa Claus Parade goes back to its inception. I plan to participate in the parade this year despite CN's involvement.”
Krantz added, “I hope in future years that the parade committee carefully considers from whom they accept sponsorship.”
Similarly, the Town is taking a cautious stance regarding CN’s participation.
“In general, the Town feels that it is not appropriate to support events that involve CN. The Town and the Halton municipalities maintain that CN's proposed truck/rail hub is in an unsafe location that will put the community at risk and harm human health,” a Town’s spokesperson said.
The Town will still provide logistical support, such as street closures and cleanup, as it would for any Town-approved event. Last year, council also approved a grant of $7,384 — through the Milton Community Fund — to the Milton Santa Claus Parade committee for safety vests, float maintenance and safety upgrades.
However, the Town noted that staff will not be volunteering at the event this year.
Milton Says No — a grassroots organization opposing the intermodal terminal, which had been raising funds to become a co-title sponsor — confirmed via social media that the committee has denied their application.
“They will not permit us to donate to or participate in the parade. This is not only disappointing, but it is wrong and the parade has made the political decision to promote CN over the best interests of our town and the health and safety of our citizens,” the group said.
“We will not disrupt or cause any problems whatsoever for the parade. We know families look forward to it. Our families included. Therefore, we are suspending this campaign.”
The organizing committee previously stated that they have “established a clear policy prohibiting any political affiliations, campaigning or displays during the event.”