2009

25 November 2009 TOC and CPR to Team Up Against Trespassing Canmore Alberta - Canadian Pacific and the Town of Canmore will announce a plan next week to increase public safety and cut back on railroad property trespassing.   After months of increased enforcement by RCMP and the Canadian Pacific Railway Police Service, and dozens of tickets issued to Canmore residents for trespassing, the Town and CP will publicly announce a plan to reduce violations and increase public safety on Tuesday, 1 Dec 2009.   Since 2002 there have been three deaths in Canmore due to people dangerously crossing the tracks forcing the increase of enforcement and ultimately a plan of action.   "The amount of people on or near the tracks is a big concern to both the Town of Canmore and CP because not only is it illegal, it's very dangerous," said Canadian Pacific Manager of Media Relations Breanne Feigel. "...Ultimately the goal is to keep everyone in the community safe."   Canmore Provincial Court has been filled on a weekly basis with individuals attempting to have their violation tickets either reduced or thrown out.   Previously Judge Riley had reduced the amount of the ticket from $287 to $50 if the person pleaded guilty to the violation.   Those who didn't show up had warrants issued in their name.   "It's not about the money," Feigel said. "CP doesn't receive any of the money, our focus is safety, and the tickets help us enforce that."   Canmore residents who have been ticketed don't feel that the current method of enforcement is the right way to reduce accidents and create a safe zone around the tracks.   "It's just absurd," said one resident who was ticketed trying to cross the tracks and wished not to be named. "I understand the message they are trying to send, and that public safety is an issue, but $287 is just ridiculous."   In the past CP has suggested that the use of train whistles could be restored to enhance public awareness of passing trains.   Canmore has been a CP quiet zone since 1987, but it's a possibility CP hasn't ruled out.   "We have the right to re-instate whistle use," said Feigel. "We are hoping that would be a last resort but we're prepared to do whatever we have to, to ensure the people of Canmore are protected."   Brett Clark.

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