HomeMy WebLinkAbout903"Article photcopied from the News Advertiser, Jan. 8th, 1975; pg. 9.
This is the scene of the death of 15 year old Micheal Hiller of Pickering who died of
multiple injuries June 28th when he was struck by a Canadian National Railway train at
the railway bridge over highway 401. For recommendations from the Coroner's Jury
see story. Photo: Jon Pezell
Pickering's Executive Committee refused to accept full responsibility into the death of
15-year-old Pickering boy last summer.
Michael Hiller died at Scarboro Centenary Hospital June 28th of multiple injuries when
he was struck by a Canadian National Railway train at the railway bridge over highway
401 in Pickering.
Committee members were originally prepared to endorse the recommendations of the
Coroner’s Jury sent to the town by H. B. Cotnam, Chief Coroner for Ontario.
Mayor George Ashe warned his colleagues of the implications in endorsing the
recommendations.
The recommendations included reduction of speed to possibly 35 M.P.H. from
Fairport Road to Main Line at the Pickering Station. They also suggested the train
driver use a whistle sign near or at the bend in the track approaching Highway 2 bridge.
Improving fencing and maintenance in problem areas was their last proposal.
Mayor Ashe said that improving the fencing is causing a lot of disagreement as to who
is responsible.
“We don’t want to say it was our responsibility totally,” he said.
Councillor Ken Matheson indicated committee members should not be looking at one
isolated case.
“What is the point of getting a Coroner’s report and we just motion to receive and file it,”
said Counc. Alex Robertson.
He suggested giving some reaction to the report by referring it to town solicitor Robert
Boxma.
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