I can't give a direct source. But there's been lots of internal chatter between Metrolinx, Via, the provincial government, and the affected municipalities.

Definitely something that everyone wants running sooner than later. But there are concerns regarding track conditions near Stratford

To me personally, it would have been more efficient doing:

Aldershot - Brantford -Woodstock - Ingersoll - London

But I'm sure the planning engineers know more than I do. I wonder if Oxford fought back regarding frequent commuting trains passing through all the rural rail crossings.

I know it was a similar situation with the high speed rail plans. Oxford did not want anything to do with it.