19 January 2006
Alderman Proposes Ripping Up City Train Tracks
Calgary - Calgary should consider driving a spike through inner-city railway
tracks to protect the public, says Ald. Ric McIver.
After aldermen deliberated routes for trucks carrying hazardous material, McIver said train tracks cutting through Calgary should be
subjected to the same restrictions, and possibly even moved outside populated areas.
"It would be worth opening a discussion about restricting dangerous goods on trains that travel through downtown Calgary, where
100,000 people work each day, and potentially even moving the train tracks out of the city," said McIver.
The city has no authority over train tracks, and McIver said he will ask to meet with officials from both the railways and the federal
government to discuss what can and should be changed.
Ed Greenberg, a spokesman for Canadian Pacific Railways, said company officials are willing to talk about rail traffic running along
9 Ave. downtown.
"We believe that rail remains the safest and most environmentally friendly way to transport goods," said Greenberg.
"The safety of Calgarians is our top priority."
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