22 November 2005
CP Rail Looking at a New Local Siding
Crowsnest Pass - Representatives from CP Rail made a presentation before the
Municipal Council on 15 Nov 2005 to solicit support for a proposed 2006 Crowsnest subdivision capacity expansion.
The expansion would involve the installation of new track alongside existing track. "One new 8,500 foot capacity siding is proposed
to be constructed in the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass in 2006," said CP Rail's Manager of Network Capacity Bill Salmond.
"The proposed location between Blairmore and Coleman best meets criteria for siding location." However, he added,
"There's no completely ideal place to put a siding (in the Crowsnest Pass)."
Some of the criteria that limit options for the construction of a new siding include steep grades, curvature, bridges, rock cuts, and
crossings.
The east end of the proposed siding is just west of the bridge after the Crowsnest River. Salmond mentioned that "one private
crossing near (the) east end of (the) siding is proposed to be relocated a short distance east (beyond the siding)".
The proposed new siding will also affect wetlands, so Salmond said, "New construction will likely occur on both north and south
sides of existing track to avoid, to the maximum extent possible, wetland areas."
Salmond also indicated that Coleman's 88 St. crossing is a problem due to its location "within (the) limits of (the) proposed
new siding." This led Councillor Dean Ward to express concerns that Coleman residents would be inconvenienced if the 88 St.
crossing was removed.
Councillor Jiri Stolarik asked the CP Rail representatives why the siding is not proposed for Sentinel. Furthermore, Chief
Administrative Officer Gordon Lundy told the representative from CP Rail that Sentinel would be the best location for a new siding
because it is zoned to be an industrial park for now and into the future. Councillor Stolarik also voiced his displeasure with CP
Rail's proposed choice of location and asked if there was an alternate spot.
Poznikoff replied, "I would hope that the railway is a part (of the official community plan) when you're developing anything...
Most often communities don't... And we want to be a part of (the official community plan process) as well."
Councillor Gary Taje asked, "How much more right-of-way would you need?" "We wouldn't need any extra
right-of-way," replied Manager of Community Relations for CP Rail Rick Poznikoff. "We have right now probably
through here the rule of thumb is probably 50 feet on either side from the track centre and the two tracks together from centre to
centre are only 14 feet apart."
"Would there be an impact on the walking trails in that area?" asked Councillor Taje.
"If the walking trails are within the right of way they shouldn't be there," replied Poznikoff.
To express concerns about this proposal or for more information contact Annette at CP Rail's community connect line 1 800
766-7912.
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